Quirky habit or health warning? Here’s how to tell what your pet is really trying to say with their behaviour.
From sudden zoomies and grass-snacking to always begging for food … most pet owners have found themselves puzzled by their furry companion’s behaviour at some point. But when is it just a quirky habit, and when could it signal a health issue worth a vet visit? Here’s how to tell the difference, and what you can safely manage at home.
- Zoomies at midnight
“Zoomies” in pets are sudden, intense bursts of energy that typically occur at night, often after a period of rest or stimulation, and are considered normal in cats and dogs. It allows them to release pent-up energy, stress or excitement, which is especially common in young, energetic, or under-stimulated pets. Since it is a normal behavior for young cats and dogs, it should not be punished.
What you can do: If the underlying cause is a pet that is not physically and mentally stimulated enough, you should introduce daily walks, increase playtime/training and look at buying a few puzzle toys.
- Why the grass snacking?
Some dogs and cats like to eat grass. This practice supports digestion and helps remove indigestible matter.
What you can do: By providing a “grass buffet” you give your pet the nutrients and fibre they instinctually seek in greenery. Opt for a pet grass or wheatgrass grown in containers. It also offers mental and physical stimulation and is a healthier alternative for indoor pets.
When to speak to your vet: As long as it is not excessive, your pet is dewormed and otherwise “happy and healthy” it can be considered normal behavior. If you feel the grass eating is more regular than usual, it won’t hurt to visit the vet.
- Always begging for food
Start with the vet: If your pet is always begging for food, start by making sure there is not a medical reason for this behavior. A pet with intestinal parasites (worms) will always be hungry, as will a pet with diabetes, hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.
Begging can also be caused by behavioral factors, such as learned behavior from receiving table scraps or if it used to be a street dog where food was not guaranteed, boredom, or stress.
What you can do: If your vet gives the all clear, you can ensure your pet is fed the correct diet and redirect their attention with toys or a puzzle feeder. If after that, your furry still seems hungry all the time or is overweight as a result of begging or eating too much, you can consider weight management and satiety diets.
- Flaky skin
Common causes for dry or flaky skin include allergies, parasites (fleas, ticks, mites and lice), poor diet, exposure to extremely dry air conditions (for example an indoor pet exposed to an aircon), bathing with the wrong shampoo and medical conditions such as hormone imbalances, skin infections and obesity.
Speak to your vet: Your vet will determine whether medical intervention is needed or if you can treat your pet with OTC products, like oral supplements (eg. Efazol), better grooming (shampoos and brushing) or better food (especially diets formulated for sensitive skin).
- Slowing down on walks
A dog slowing down on walks can signal pain (like arthritis or injury), illness (such as infection or anemia), age-related mobility issues, obesity, or even environmental factors like overheating. Other reasons can include mental dullness, fear, anxiety, or internal health problems like heart or kidney disease. If you are unsure of the reason why your dog is slowing down on walks, rather take him/her to your vet for a proper check-up.
Speak to your vet as soon as you notice your pooch slowing down. If the slowing down is due to arthritis or age-related mobility issues, your pet will benefit from supplements (like chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids), pentosan injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Bathroom troubles
Inappropriate elimination is a general term used by veterinarians to describe urination and defecation that happens where it should not. It can stem from medical issues (like infections, diabetes, kidney disease and incontinence), behavioral problems (such as anxiety, submissiveness, or stress from environmental changes), or a combination of both.
Speak to your vet: To solve the problem, your vet must first rule out any medical causes with a physical exam and diagnostic tests like a urine analysis, fecal analysis and blood work. If no medical issue is found, then the owner can address environmental or behavioral factors, which may include improving litter box management, reducing anxiety, using odour neutralisers and seeking help from a veterinary behaviorist.
- Endless meowing or barking
If your cat meows all the time it might be a sign that they are hungry, bored, lonely, seeking attention or that they have a health issue. Some breeds are also more vocal than others. A female cat in heat will also meow all the time! An endless bark from a dog can stem from similar reasons like a lack of stimulation or attention, or it could be a sign of separation anxiety, a health problem, or a response to external triggers.
What you can do: Once medical reasons are ruled out, making sure your pet is well-fed and gets enough physical and emotional stimulation. Grab a lead and harness and take your dog for a walk, get a scratch post for your cat, buy some puzzle toys or get calming products that can help with anxiety.
Find out more from Dr. Rouxlene Sheridan and Pet Heaven.
Article compiled by Elana Geist.
