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Has your dog suddenly become clingy? Are you worried he may have something wrong that’s causing this sudden clinginess? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what could be causing your dog to be clingy and what you can do to help him feel better. Let’s get started!
Reasons Your Dog Could Suddenly Be Clingy
There are many reasons your dog may suddenly be very clingy. In this section, we’ll take a look at several of these reasons.
1). Boredom
It’s possible that if your dog has become bored, he may suddenly become clingy. Boredom can lead a dog to want company and amusement all the time. This can happen if your dog has been at home alone for a long time (such as while you’re at work) or hasn’t been able to get outside and release pent-up energy. The cure is usually some stimulation.
You can help your dog with boredom by:
- Making sure he has plenty of fun, interesting toys to play with and chew on
- Snuffle mats and puzzles are great for stimulating a dog’s mind
- Playdates with other dogs is also a great way to ease boredom (as long as your dog gets along with other dogs)
- Getting more exercise can also help to relieve feelings of boredom, which helps to release the energy your dog has stored up
2). Separation Anxiety
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may also suddenly become clingy. Your dog may not want to leave your side. Your dog may also show other symptoms of separation anxiety. He may become more anxious overall, panicky if you leave, and more. Some dogs will even become destructive. You may leave for a while only to come home to a couch that’s torn to shreds.
You can help your dog with separation anxiety in the following ways:
- Leave an old shirt that you’ve worn with the dog when you’re away. This way, he’ll have your smell with him while you’re away from home.
- When you get home, don’t be too excited when you greet your dog. This may sound horrible; however, the goal here is to keep your coming and going calm and peaceful. This can help the dog to better adjust to your leaving and coming home again.
- If these methods don’t work, then it’s time to see the vet. They may be able to prescribe medication that works to calm your fur baby when you’re away, and he’s feeling more anxious.
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Ask a Vet Live Now3). Illness
When a dog becomes sick, it’s possible he may become clingy. They look to you for comfort and support. Not all dogs become clingy when they don’t feel good, however. Some may choose instead to stay away and hide. It just depends on how your dog’s feeling and his personality.
If your dog suddenly becomes clingy and you can’t find a reason for this behavior, then it’s a good idea to call the vet. Your dog needs to be checked for an underlying illness or health condition.
In most cases, if illness is the problem, then being treated by the vet may resolve your dog’s clinginess once he’s feeling better!
4). Life Changes
Have there been any huge changes in your life lately? If so, these could make your dog suddenly clingy. A recent move, a new addition to the family (human or another animal), the death of a loved one, and more can affect a dog. He can develop anxiety, which makes him be more clingy. He’s unsure of what’s going on.
As the pet parent, your dog looks to you for comfort and reassurance that’s all well in spite of the changes. You can help your dog by keeping things as normal as possible. This means helping your dog when a new baby comes home, or a new pet is adopted, and more.
These situations can be handled by the gradual introduction of new people or pets. It takes time and patience, but it can be done. This, along with keeping your dog’s feeding and walks on schedule, can go a long way in reassuring him everything’s OK.
With moving, it can be helpful to move your dog to your new home at the very end. This may not be possible; however, it can help your dog settle into the new space. Again, keep everything as stable and on schedule as much as possible for your dog until it’s time for him to make a move. Keeping his schedule and routine in the new place can also help reassure him that everything’s OK.
5). Doggie Dementia
As they age, some dogs will develop canine dementia, which is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. The name for doggie dementia is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS). This is most common in elderly dogs.
Clinginess may be one of the first symptoms you notice if your dog develops CCDS. It’s believed that this condition causes a lot of confusion in the dog’s mind, which then creates anxiety and clinginess. Another sign is that your dog may also become more vocal if he develops CCDS.
You can help your dog with canine dementia by:
- Keeping furniture in the same layout to keep your home familiar to your canine companion.
- Interactive dog puzzles can help keep your dog’s mind stimulated, putting off dementia symptoms.
- The vet may be able to provide some medications and/or supplements to reduce anxiety.
- Allow your dog to sleep near you at night; your presence will be a comfort to your dog when he may wake up confused.
As you can see, there are many reasons that may cause your dog to suddenly become clingy. If you’re not able to identify a cause, then it’s time to call the vet. It’s possible your dog has an underlying health issue.
The vet will be able to offer advice and guidance on how best to help your dog. They may also be able to provide your canine companion with medications or supplements that work to soothe anxiety and dementia symptoms.
The main thing is to pay attention if your dog suddenly becomes clingy. There’s a reason for your dog’s behavior, and he’s counting on you to help him work through the clinginess.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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