Why is my dog so clingy all of a sudden?
Our dog was an interesting character. He could be so aloof at times, but still affectionate. Not super cuddly like some dogs – he wasn’t one to come sit on your lap.
However, this started to change as he got older. It was almost an overnight change once he hit 12 years of age. Around this time in his life, he suddenly turned into the most clingy and needy dog you can imagine – he would not leave my side, would cry outside the bathroom door, and insisted on sleeping in my room with me.
Of course, the natural reaction at the time was to worry and wonder why my dog is so attached to me all of a sudden.
Why my dog was suddenly clingy was due to his old age and a further diagnosis of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which is very similar to how humans will experience dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The confusion made my dog extra cling and attached.
However, that might not be the reason why your dog is being extra clingy and attached to you all of a sudden. It could be due to other factors such as anxiety (including separation issues), health issues, boredom, or for female dogs being in heat.
Before I get started in detail though, please understand that I am not a vet. All of this advice about your clingy dog is based on personal experiences, my own research, and talking with vets.
If your dog suddenly becomes more attached to you, and the behavior chance is accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., sickness) please talk with your vet.
Why is my old dog suddenly clingy?
Your old dog is suddenly clingy because they’re undergoing functional changes. Aging dogs slowly suffer from losing their senses over time. Hearing is the first to go before losing their vision. They get clingy because they need their trusted human to guide them around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clingy Dogs
Are you still curious about your dog’s clinginess? Below are some common answers to questions that people have about clingy dogs.