Last Updated on 12 months by Dr Alisha Barnes
Have you ever noticed that your dog doesn’t behave like other dogs? Maybe your dog behaves differently than any other dog you’ve ever owned (or met). This odd behavior could manifest as hyperactivity, staring off into space, not responding to verbal commands and cues, or acting disoriented. You may also notice unusual physical symptoms like uneven gait, walking with a head tilt or walking into walls and surfaces, a significant lack of depth perception, and other odd symptoms that indicate that your dog doesn’t see the world like other dogs. Oftentimes, pet owners tell us that they suspect their dog may have been injured as a puppy, or was potentially the product of inbreeding between parents. If this is the case, there are still ways to care for your dog and ensure they live the best life possible.
Problem: I think my dog was injured as a puppy.
Just like with human infants and children, dogs can be injured as puppies and experience trauma that lasts into their adulthood. This can include falls, sustaining impact from physical blows, or other injuries that can lead to disorders of the body and nervous system. If you suspect that your dog was injured as a puppy, and as a result is experiencing health issues now, it’s important that you take your dog to the vet to determine what the source of their injury may be and discover what steps you can take now that may help make your dog’s life easier.
Problem: I think my dog is inbred.
Sometimes, siblings and closely related dogs mate in the canine community. As a result, puppies may be produced through inbreeding. While it doesn’t always have negative health consequences, inbreeding can lead to several unusual behaviors in your dog. They may not always occur at once, but it’s important to get a veterinarian’s perspective once you begin to notice them to determine whether they’ve plateaued or whether they may worsen.
If your dog is inbred, they may suffer from worse health overall than other dogs their age and breed, they may be aggressive, they may have a variety of personality disorders like separation anxiety, impulsive behaviors, and lack of natural fearful instinct and loyalty/affection. Inbred dogs may be more likely to behave erratically overall, but can still live a high-quality life if their health is supported to the best of your ability.
#5 Get your dog on a healthy diet.
This may seem obvious, but it’s very important for your dog to be receiving plenty of healthy food. This means skip human food and junk food when possible, and get your dog on a balanced diet that offers plenty of protein and healthy carbohydrates and fats. Steer away from processed foods when possible, and if you have the opportunity to feed your dog canine-safe fruits and vegetables, do so. Always check with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog’s unique needs.
#4 Ensure your dog receives plenty of exercise.
Exercise is particularly important for dogs that may have been injured at a young age, or are suffering from inbreeding. It’s important to monitor how your dog responds to exercise to ensure that they don’t become exhausted or overly hyperactive. It’s also important to monitor how they respond to exercise to ensure their health doesn’t further deteriorate. Keeping your dog on a leash while in an unenclosed area is critical to protect your dog from an accident or further injury, as dogs with already erratic behavior may be prone to behaving impulsively in public areas.
#3 Watch your dog’s signs and behavior to determine how they’re handling stress.
It’s important to monitor how your dog responds to stressful situations, as this is when erratic behavior is most likely to intensify. If your dog already behaves differently in calm, uneventful situations, there’s a high likelihood that they will behave more unpredictably in a high-stress environment.
Cautiously take your dog out of their comfort zone from time to time, fully equipped with any tools you may need (leash, collar, muzzle, etc.) to protect your dog, yourself, and others. Observe your dog in new environments to assess how they behave. Observe your dog in their natural, usual environment, too.
#2 Get them regular veterinary care.
If your dog is behaving erratically, it’s imperative that they receive regular veterinary care. To monitor their behavior, physiology, and overall well-being, your veterinarian can keep detailed measurements of your pet’s physical condition to ensure it is remaining consistent and not deteriorating.
#1 Take them to a pet chiropractor!
Once you’ve received information from your veterinarian on your dog’s condition, it’s time to bring your beloved furry friend to us. As pet chiropractors, we can help support your dog’s health, irrespective of what challenges they’re dealing with. Pet chiropractic can help regulate your dog’s nervous system, decrease their stress, and improve their longevity and overall health. If you want to support your pet’s well-being long-term and help give them the best life that you can, call us today to book your appointment or schedule online right now.