Lisa O
Dogs are social animals that love the attention and company of their owners. A dog that is not getting sufficient quality time with you can develop feelings of being ignored, which can manifest in behavioral issues. These include destructive behavior, excessive barking, potty accidents, aggression, and more. Here are the top ten signs your dog feels neglected.
Destructive Behavior
Is your well-mannered pooch suddenly fascinated with gnawing on furniture, shoes, or other belongings around the house? Destructive behavior in dogs is generally triggered by boredom or anxiety caused by a lack of attention and interaction. Always provide your furry friend with lots of chew toys and play with him regularly to avoid destruction due to boredom.
Excessive Barking
Barking is one of the primary ways dogs communicate. However, if your dog suddenly starts barking excessively, especially when seeking your attention, it could be an indication of feeling ignored. A dog deprived of quality time with its owner tends to voice out more to grab attention. If you notice an increase in your dog’s barking, assess your schedule if you have been busy ignoring him.
Clingy Behavior
A dog that has been ignored tends to keep its owner’s shadow. You’ll notice him following you everywhere you go and never leaving your side. Although some degree of clinginess is expected from your loyal companion, especially from breeds like the Velcro Dog, an unexpected increase in shadowing behavior means your pooch is seeking more attention. Try to include more one-on-one interactions with your furry companion.
Pulls Away
Contrary to the above symptom, a neglected dog can also pull away and become antisocial. If your friendly and outgoing furry friend suddenly starts to hide, sleep more, or become uninterested in playing or interacting with you, it could be an indication of feeling ignored. Lure your dog from hiding with soft petting, treats, and some of his favorite toys or activities. Don’t force him to interact, but be available and pleasant.
Potty Accidents
A well-house-trained dog can develop anxiety or upset stomach symptoms due to stress caused by lack of attention. When routines are interrupted and dogs are left alone for too long, they can get stressed out, which can manifest in loss of bladder control. Accidents will happen occasionally regardless of how well-trained your dog is, but if you notice a pattern of indoor soiling, you need to spend more quality time with your furry friend.
Eating Habits Change
Overeating and undereating are among the signs that your dog has been ignored. Some dogs binge eat, especially when they have free feed or are bored from lack of interaction. On the other hand, undereating can also be attributed to depression or anxiety caused by insufficient attention. Monitor your dog’s eating habits and adjust the food and attention ratio.
Over Grooming
Dogs that have been neglected tend to groom themselves excessively to the point of baldness or skin irritation because it gives them comfort. Overgrooming can also indicate an allergy or other skin conditions, so it is best to consult the vet to exclude medical problems. However, if your dog is overlicking or chewing its skin and is otherwise in good health, it could be doing it anxiously, which can be alleviated with more quality attention.
Hyperactivity
A hyperactive dog that can’t seem to settle down or is always bouncing around could be burning off mental and physical fatigue caused by boredom. Dogs that have been ignored, especially energetic breeds like Border Collies, can get hyperactive if they are not given sufficient exercise and interaction. Always give your furry companion plenty of opportunities to stretch his legs, walk, and play to settle down.
Digging and Escaping
Some ignored dogs try to dig under the fence or escape the yard to seek companionship and stimulation from the outside world. This is very dangerous, as they can get lost or injured in the process. If your dog has been exhibiting Houdini skills, you need to determine the reason. Are you leaving him alone for hours without any interaction? A secure yard and more quality time with your dog can help prevent this behavior.
Aggression
In severe cases, dogs that have been ignored tend to growl, snap, or bite even to familiar people. This aggressive behavior is manifested by fear, frustration, and lack of socialization. Aggression is a serious symptom that requires professional help from a vet or trainer. Meanwhile, don’t ignore your pup. Careful and positive interactions can help reduce his anxiety from social isolation that could be triggering the aggression.