Fear & Trauma Can Make Dogs Avoid People
Traumatic events may have caused a fear response in your dog, which may cause them to avoid you or other people. Extremely traumatic events may make your dog feel unsafe around you, even if you had nothing to do with it. Examples of traumatic events include: getting hit by a car, getting attacked by another dog, getting abused by a human, and more.
If your dog is acting fearful, but you can’t recall a traumatic event, it may have happened when you weren’t around. Did you recently leave the dog with another person, or could they have had a traumatic experience while at home alone? In this case, it’s best to consult the professionals.
Why Isolating Himself Occurs in Dogs
Your dog may be isolating himself because of a mental or physical condition, the reason of which could vary.
Anxiety
Anxieties and fears are commonly seen in dogs, and can develop due to a number of reasons, such as poor socialization or trauma. Along with hiding and cowering, fearful and anxious dogs can exhibit behaviors such as trembling, whining, barking and grooming excessively, and even incontinence. Common conditions like noise anxieties could cause your dog to stay away from noisy situations, even if that means avoiding the family.
Depression
Dogs can be victims of depression, just like humans, and can show the same kind of detached behaviors. Major life changes can cause depression, such as a move, an addition to the family, or the loss of a companion. Mourning is common for dogs who have lost a friend, causing changes in appetite and activity, and possibly restlessness as he searches for his lost companion. Other signs of depression include decreased or absent social interactions, anxiety, or an increase in sleep. Another reason for depression in your dog may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Heart Disease
Heart disease can be congenital, but is also often acquired through a lifetime of general wear, injury, or infection. It includes diseases of the valves, heart enlargement, and heart failure, and can lead to death. When the heart cannot function properly, the body is deprived of oxygen and fluid can leak into the airways, causing coughing and gagging. The reduction in oxygen transport results in a reduced stamina, fainting, a loss of appetite, and various behavioral changes, all of which can be misconstrued as isolation behaviors or dullness. While the body can compensate for many months, the signs will eventually progress into a life-threatening condition unless medical attention is sought.
Other Illness
There are many other types of illness and disease that can cause behaviors related to depression, a lack of activity, and seeking isolated areas. Due to a physical discomfort, your dog may be unable to play or move like he normally would. If he is suffering from an illness, he may be quieter than usual, have a decrease in appetite, and hide. This is a behavior that dogs in the wild exhibit called fasting or natural hygiene, which allows the body to concentrate its energy on healing itself rather than moving or digesting food. Such medical problems that can cause this reaction include cancers, infections, poisonings, and various diseases of the respiratory, neurological, autoimmune, and digestive systems.
Pain
Pain is a real condition for some dogs. Joint, bone and muscle problems, as well as various traumas and injuries, can cause pain that results in a reluctance to move. Older dogs can suffer from arthritis and a decrease in muscle mass, which can cause limping and a reduction in movement, jumping, and even comfortable sitting. Dogs may be unable to follow their family members around the house due to pain associated with it, and may choose to lay still, or far from situations which may cause them further pain.
Age
Aging can be tough for our furry companions. While humans can complain of the various problems they are experiencing, our dogs simply can’t tell us that they are having trouble seeing, hearing, or understanding their surroundings. Because of conditions of deafness or vision, they may seem unresponsive to family members whom they did not see or hear. They may have decreased movement due to physical conditions. Cognitive dysfunction may cause confusion as they forget where they are, and can be accompanied by increased vocalization and changes in sleep and eating habits. An older dog who often sleeps away from the family may have gotten lost, or was just too tired to get up when a family member moved to another room.
My Dog Doesn’t Like Me – What Should I Do?
When its time to welcome a dog into your home, you may imagine cuddling, fun training games and lots of playtime. Unfortunately, thats not always the case. There can be an adjustment period for both dogs and humans, so remind yourself that sometimes when you may think “My dog doesnt like me,” hes really just taking time to get to know you. It takes patience to earn trust, so keep playing the role of the pack leader, and your dog should warm up to you.
If youve had your dog for a while, it can be alarming to suddenly wonder, “Maybe my dog doesnt like me anymore,” especially if youve always had a close bond. This may be a reason to be concerned. Changes in behavior may indicate a health problem, so its important to bring your dog to the veterinarian. Health isnt the only reason a dogs behavior changes. A dog who suddenly becomes disinterested in his pack may be experiencing a wide range of emotions, such as jealousy, anxiety or depression. Has anything changed in your home environment recently? Maybe someone moved into your home (or out of it). Maybe youve been taking him for walks less often than usual. Any changes in routine, even small ones, may be reason for your dog to act disinterested in you.
Its also important to make sure that youre respecting your dogs personality and not just assuming, “I guess my dog doesnt like me,” when really his personality is different than your expectations. Heres a pertinent example from Vetstreet: “Some dogs love to snuggle and be held, while others only tolerate touch. If your dog doesnt enjoy petting, but you keep trying to touch him, its very likely your dog will avoid you.”
Finally, age may play a role in your dog appearing distant. A formerly playful pup now suffering with arthritis may lounge in bed instead of getting up to chase a ball. His change in behavior doesnt mean he no longer loves spending time with you, hes just adjusting to his elder years.
14 Critical Signs Your Dog Is Begging For Help
Then you might be out of your mind with worry what’s causing this behavior change in your dog.