Why Is My Dog or Cat Acting Differently? Behaviour Changes That Mean It’s Time for a Vet Visit

You know your pet better than anyone. So when your dog suddenly snaps when touched, or your cat starts hiding or skipping the litter box, it is natural to wonder what is going on. At Kenmount Road Animal Hospital in St. John's, NL, we often remind pet owners that a pet's behaviour can reflect their overall health and emotional well-being. Pets cannot tell you when something hurts, so a change in behaviour is often the first clue.

Here are the behaviour changes worth paying attention to, the ones that need urgent care, and how our veterinarians can help.

Pain and Illness Can Change How Your Pet Acts

Behaviour problems are not always about training. Dental issues such as cracked teeth, decay, tartar and inflamed gums cause discomfort and can lead to behavioural changes. Injured pets may bite when they are in pain, even if they are usually gentle. Before focusing on training, it helps to rule out a medical cause.

Behaviour Changes to Watch For

• Hiding, crying out, panting or refusing to move. These can be signs of severe pain and should be checked right away.
• New irritability, growling or biting. Pain, including mouth pain, can make a friendly pet less tolerant of handling.
• Spraying, marking, humping or roaming. These behaviours are often linked to sexual maturity. Kittens reach adolescence between four and six months of age, and neutering can reduce roaming, fighting, humping and spraying.
• Litter box changes in cats. Straining to urinate or being unable to urinate is an emergency, especially in male cats. Overweight cats may also have accidents if they cannot easily fit in their litter box.
• Reluctance to jump, climb stairs or play. This can point to joint pain, extra weight or reduced mobility.
• Squinting or pawing at an eye. Eye problems can be painful and should be seen quickly.
• Anxiety, fear or compulsive habits. Our veterinarians can help with concerns such as anxiety, aggression and compulsive behaviours.

When a Behaviour Change Is Urgent

Call us right away at 709-701-2030 if a behaviour change comes with difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, a swollen belly, straining to urinate, or signs of severe pain. Walk-ins are accepted for emergencies during our business hours. For after-hours emergencies, please contact your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic. Read our full list of signs your pet needs urgent care.

How Our Veterinarians Help With Behaviour Concerns

1. A full physical exam. We look for sources of pain or illness, including a check of the mouth, joints, eyes and skin.
2. Diagnostic tests when needed. Blood work, urinalysis or x-rays can help uncover hidden problems. Learn more about pet x-rays and lab testing.
3. Treatment of any medical cause. Treating pain or illness often improves behaviour.
4. Behaviour and lifestyle counselling. Our veterinarians offer counselling and strategies for anxiety, aggression and compulsive habits, along with advice on exercise, enrichment activities and socialization based on your pet's age, breed, activity level and medical history.
5. Follow-up support. We check in on progress and adjust the plan as needed.

How to Prepare for a Behaviour Visit

• Write down when the change started and how often it happens.
• Note anything that seems to trigger the behaviour, such as being touched in one spot, visitors or loud noises.
• If it is safe to do so, take a short video of the behaviour on your phone.
• Bring a list of your pet's food, medications and supplements.
• Write down your questions. We love questions.

Anxious Pets, Grooming and New Places

Some pets find grooming or new environments stressful. Our groomer uses gentle handling and positive reinforcement, and for pets with extreme anxiety, we offer sedation options assessed by our veterinarians. Learn more in our dog grooming guide.

Social, playful dogs may enjoy our doggy daycare. Every dog completes an assessment first, and daycare is not the right fit for every dog. That is okay, and it does not mean your dog is a bad dog.

Socialization Starts Young

Gentle, early exposure to grooming, noises, carriers, car rides, people and other animals helps young pets grow into confident adults. New cat owners can find more tips in our guide for new cat owners, and new puppy owners can start with our first-year puppy checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Behaviour Changes

Can pain cause behaviour changes in dogs and cats?

Yes. Pain, including dental pain, can lead to behaviour changes, and injured pets may bite when they hurt, even if they are usually gentle. An exam helps rule out a medical cause.

Will spaying or neutering change my pet's personality?

Spaying and neutering do not change your pet's personality. Neutering can reduce unwanted behaviours such as roaming, fighting, humping and spraying.

Do you offer behaviour counselling?

Yes. Our veterinarians can address behaviour concerns such as anxiety, aggression and compulsive habits, and offer counselling, strategies and lifestyle advice.

My dog is very anxious about grooming. Can you help?

Our groomer uses gentle handling and positive reinforcement. For pets with extreme anxiety, we offer sedation options assessed by our veterinarians.

When is a behaviour change an emergency?

Call right away if your pet shows signs of severe pain, difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures or straining to urinate, especially in male cats.

Talk to a Veterinarian About Your Pet's Behaviour

If your dog or cat is acting differently, we are here to help. Book an appointment online or call us at 709-701-2030. Learn more about our wellness care and behaviour counselling.

Related reading: Spaying and Neutering Your Pet in St. John's and Pet Dental Care in St. John's.

Kenmount Road Animal Hospital is located at 173 Kenmount Road, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3P9, and is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm. This article is for general information and does not replace an exam by a veterinarian.