2) Stress, Worry, and Anxiety
Loud noises, such as storms and fireworks, are a common stress trigger for dogs.
Changes in routine, such as staying out late or changes to feeding schedules, can also unsettling.
Perhaps the greatest worry is separation anxiety. Pets do not like to be removed from human company, especially when they’re young. Maybe you’ve been coming home later than usual. Work to build your dog’s trust, and help them understand that you’ll always return home.
If your dog is pacing through stress, try to identify the trigger and eliminate it. Also, scented sprays can calm canine nerves. Calming supplements can also be added to your pet’s meal.
If the problem does not subside, your dog may have an anxiety disorder, seek support from an animal behavioral therapist. If that doesn’t work out, consider anti-anxiety medications.
It can be worrisome to see your dog pacing nonstop. However, it’s important to understand why. Usually, your dog will pace around and refuse to rest due to one of the following reasons.
Once you’ve identified the root cause of your dog’s pacing issues, do what you can to solve it. If your dog hasn’t gotten its daily walk, take it outside. If loud music is stressing it out, turn off the music and consider putting on gentle, calming classical tunes to calm it down.
There is another type of anxiety your dog might be suffering from – separation anxiety. Dogs can get scared and anxious when separated from their loved ones for too long. If you’re Googling, “My dog is pacing and won’t lie down,” for your neighbor’s or friend’s dog that you’re taking care of, it might just miss its owner.
If you just got a new dog, it may not yet have adjusted to your home. It takes time for dogs to get comfortable in new environments. With time, its anxiety should settle down, but be patient.
Dogs often get stressed when their owners are stressed. They can sense that there is something wrong, but they may not know what it is. If you and your spouse or kids are arguing and yelling, dogs can easily get spooked.
5) Looking for Something They Want
Dogs remember the things that are important to them. They’ll retain knowledge of anything that provides pleasure. Unfortunately, they don’t always remember where they left these items.
A favorite toy is a prime example. Your dog may have misplaced their preferred ball, or a chew toy of choice. They’ll pace around, trying to find it. Dogs can be relentless in such a scenario.
Don’t continually move a dog’s food or water sources for this reason. They’ll grow used to them being in a particular place. Your dog may have hidden a bone or a treat, which you’ve since moved.
Your dog may also be looking for a lost companion, or pining for a missing human. It’s no secret that canines forge deep emotional bonds. If another pet has passed away, they may not understand.
How to Teach your Dog to STOP BEGGING & SETTLE DOWN Right now!
Panting is one of the ways your dog regulates his body temperature —and the good news is that most of the time, it’s completely normal canine behavior. However, excessive panting, or panting without an obvious reason, may indicate something more is going on. Dr. Julie Buzby, integrative veterinarian and founder of Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips®, shares seven reasons why your dog might be panting and restless—reasons too important for you to ignore.
If you share your heart and home with a senior dog, this scenario—or some version of it—may be familiar to you:
You and your dog have just spent a lovely day outside—while you gardened, he nosed around the yard and napped in the sunshine. Later, as you’re getting ready for bed, you notice that he’s panting. Is he excited? Hot? Thirsty? The house (and weather forecast) are quiet and peaceful. The thermostat reads seventy degrees. And his water bowl is full of fresh water. You help him settle down and tuck him in for the night. But once the lights are off, you hear him pacing the floors. He’s restless, plus, he’s panting again. “What’s going on with him?” you ask—worry filling your mind.
If you’re like most senior dog owners, you tend to find any change in your dog’s behavior worrisome. And chances are, your instincts are right. Because you know your dog so well, it’s important to trust your gut and dig deeper to find out what’s behind any changes you notice. Often this starts with a call to your veterinarian to determine if an office visit and exam are warranted.
And if your beloved senior dog seems out-of-sorts—panting, pacing, and restless—read on to see if any of his behaviors line up with one of these common and concerning causes.