If only you could spend every second of your day cuddling and playing with your dogs. But life gets in the way, and you become busy with your job and responsibilities, making your loving dogs feel like they are not getting enough attention.
Here are 10 behaviors your dog might be showing signs of neglect, so you can take action before it’s too late.
10. Constant Crying, Howling, or Whining
Hearing your dog cry or whine is the last thing you’d want to see, and nothing is more obvious when your dog is verbally letting you know they need your attention. Sometimes, whining doesn’t just mean your dog’s feeling neglected, but it’s also a sign that they’re bored. Make sure you spend 20 – 30 minutes of walking or playtime with your dog to exhaust his pent-up energy.
9. Chewing and Destroying Things
Coming home to a destroyed couch and mess scattered all over the living room is an experience that all dog owners have experienced. Chewing, biting, and destroying things are common outlets for your pet when he is not receiving enough stimulation.
Sometimes, giving him a chew toy won’t do the trick. You really need to interact with your dog and set some time for you to play and bond together.
8. Gain in Weight
Dogs are active animals that require exercise and playtime to stay in their best shape. Unreasonable weight gain is a worrying sign of neglect because this simply means you’re not monitoring the amount of food and exercise your dog needs.
Dogs normally eat twice a day, but some are fine eating only once daily. If you are not sure how much and how often you should feed your dog, it’s best to make a quick visit to your vet to find out the right amount of food to prepare for his meals.
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7. Loss of Appetite
Suddenly, your dog refuses the food you’ve always prepared, or he only eats a small amount and then lies in the corner. This could be an early sign of depression in your dog. Constant lack of affection from its owner may cause the dog to develop depression, resulting in loss of appetite and weight.
Forcing your dog to eat his food will only make the situation worse. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is pamper him with extra attention and playtime, more treats and delicious food, and appetite boosters your vet can recommend until your dog’s appetite returns to normal.
6. Depression
Speaking of depression, dogs also experience grief when their owner or another dog they live with together dies. This is very emotionally distressing for them, and these are situations when dogs need more love and attention than ever. Loss of appetite is not the only change in behavior you’d see in them. This also includes feeling lethargic and excessive sleeping.
According to Newsweek: “The best way to help their mood is to distract them with things they enjoy, whether this be toys, walks or food. ‘Little and often’ distraction and being patient with their mood is important, much like with a depressed human.”
5. Pawing
Most of us find it cute when our dogs rest their paws at us. But pawing can actually be a sign that they are letting us know they want food, comfort, protection, or just some belly rubs from their master.
Pawing does not necessarily mean that your dog is feeling neglected. Sometimes they are just clingy and would even bring you their tennis ball. Think of it as your dog saying: “Hello! Please play with me right now!.”
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4. Following You Around
You might think it is annoying when your dog keeps following you everywhere you go, even when you’re using the bathroom. Some dogs have separation anxiety, and even the smallest neglect can make them feel lonely. They might also be bored and following you because they’re looking for something to do.
Dogs are also good at remembering their daily routines. Is it time for them to walk or do potty outside the yard? Pick up on these cues your dog’s showing to help you identify what to do.
3. Extra-Long Nails
If you frequently miss out on regular walks with your dog, his nails are highly likely to grow long because walking keeps his nails naturally filed down. Having long nails also means he hasn’t been getting proper care in terms of grooming and hygiene.
Smaller dog breeds should have their nails trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks. Medium breeds will need trimming every 4 to 5 weeks, while large breeds will require 6 to 7 weeks, per the Veterinarian.
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2. Excessive Licking
If you see your dog grooming and licking himself, it’s a way for him to calm and comfort himself. However, self-grooming for longer periods is a sign of neglect and can lead to something even more serious. Excessive licking can lead to hair loss, skin lesions, or skin sores.
Ali Smith, a professional dog trainer, explains that licking and overgrooming are common in bored and anxious dogs. According to her: “They will lick their paws until they’re bored as a way of self-soothing, you know, like a kids suck their thumb! It’s just like that.”
1. Hiding or Isolating
It’s pretty worrisome to see your dog lying down under the bed. You try to call him, but he just looks at you and no longer jumps with excitement. The lack of affection may cause your dog to act out and isolate himself from you. Dogs are social creatures, and as their parents, you have to provide them with all their needs.
Further neglect of their diets and exercise could lead to health complications. So, if you think you won’t be able to squeeze more time into your busy schedule, you should consider hiring a dog sitter to make sure your dogs’ needs are met.