Medical causes and behavior effects

Something that many dog owners do not consider when they are complaining about behavior problems with adult dogs would be a health problem. Before you seek a corrective method for any unwanted behavior in an adult dog you should always schedule a veterinary appointment first. There are so many health problems that can cause behavior problems, and an owner should pay close attention to their dog when they notice unwanted behavior arising.

If your dog has a long history of being house broken or potty trained and is suddenly soiling in the home, many medical reasons should be considered before traking training action. Urinary tract infections, bladder infections, diabetes, renal disease, and cushings could all be the cause of a loss in bladder control in your dog. Some dogs that are older may not be able to make it outside in time, or may not be able to make it to you to let you know that they have to relieve themselves. Many of the conditions I listed and many more can cause lethargy as well which will make it difficult for your dog to make it to designated potty areas.

Aggression can be another side effect of a health problem in your dog. Sometimes dogs can have neurological conditions as a result of a brain tumor, or other reasons. If your dog has no history of aggressive behavior, and suddenly it arises it is crucial to get a visit in with your veterinarian. Countless diseases and health conditions can also be the cause aggression in your dog, and it is important that owners do not shrug off aggressive incidents.

Aggression and house training issues are not the only behavior problems that can arise from medical issues. Some dogs may stop eating, have a lack in physical activity, they may display signs of separation anxiety, or may display signs of fear and uneasiness. Its wise to think about how you as a human feel when you are sick and then think about an animal being sick. Animals dont speak english so they simply must rely on other ways to get the message accross that they may not be feeling well. It should become common practice for pet owners to inspect their dogs by checking their bodies and other areas that they may not think about. Check the eyes, nose, ears, and feel around your dog's body every time you pet them. If you notice any strange behavior or anything out of place a simple veterinary appointment could save you a lot of time and effort. Also keep in mind that you dont have to have an excuse to make a veterinary appointment, it's a great idea to have annual appointments for your pets. Over all, keep your eyes peeled for odd behavior and anything strange going on with your dog and you could potentially stop behavior problems before they really start.

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, Savannah Dog Training Examiner

Growing up with animals of all sorts, Miora Fletcher took to the study of canine ethology at the early age of 10 after receiving a few books about the topic and a dog breed encyclopedia. Ever since she's been watching dogs and studying their behavior the way they study one another, body language....

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