Seemingly Harmless Puppy Behaviors That Could Signal a Problem
Seemingly Harmless Puppy Behaviors That Could Signal a Problem
You know how puppies do weird stuff all the time? One minute they’re gnawing on their own tail like it’s the best toy they’ve ever seen, the next they’re sprinting around the house at full speed for absolutely no reason. Most of it’s just harmless puppy chaos. But every now and then, a behavior that seems funny or cute could actually be a red flag. The thing is, puppies can’t tell you when something’s wrong, so sometimes it’s those small, easy-to-miss little behaviors that actually clue you in.
Head-Shaking or Ear-scratching
A quick ear shake now and then is no big deal. But if your puppy is constantly flicking their head or rubbing their ears along the floor then it’s worth a closer look. Floppy eared pups in particular are basically walking invitations for ear infections- they trap moisture like nobody’s business. Mites are another possibility and they’re not just irritating but they spread like wildfire to other pets as well. If you catch your pup wincing when you touch their ear or notice any funky smells (yes, dog ears can smell suspiciously like old cheese when they’re infected), it’s probably time for a vet visit.
Too Much Sleep
Puppies sleep a ton—sometimes it feels like they’re either zooming around at full speed or passed out cold. But if your little bundle of chaos suddenly seems a bit too fond of their bed, pay attention. Lethargy can be sneaky. It might just be a growth spurt making them extra sleepy, but it can also be a sign of anemia or an underlying infection. The trick is to watch how they act when they’re awake. If they’re still their usual bouncy, tail wagging self, they’re probably fine. But if they seem disinterested in food or too sluggish to chase their favorite toy, it’s worth making the call.
Obsessed with Their Paws
A bit of paw licking is totally normal, but if they’re at it constantly (like full-on gnawing) it could be a sign of allergies. Puppies can be sensitive to everything from pollen to the chemicals you use to mop the floors. Also, if your pup’s paws start to smell faintly like corn chips (yep, that’s a thing), it could be a yeast infection. Gross, but pretty common.
Sudden Fearfulness
You’ve probably heard that puppies go through ‘fear periods’, random phases where they suddenly act like your harmless vacuum cleaner is a monster from the underworld. That’s normal. But if your puppy suddenly avoids things like stairs or hesitates before jumping onto the sofa, or even starts steering clear of certain rooms altogether then it could be more than just a passing phase.
Dogs often avoid activities that make them uncomfortable, which could point to joint pain or a minor injury. Fear in puppies can lead to aggression later on so it’s really important to nip this in the bud. If you’re wondering ‘should I get my dog trained?’ then go for it- it’s a great investment into your dog’s future. A trainer can show you how to help them overcome issues early before they turn into a bigger problem.
Eating Non-Food Items
Puppies will chew anything they can get their paws on- your slippers, your remote, your fingers. It’s all fair game. But if they’re eating random objects, that’s different. Rocks, dirt, socks, and other things might be signs of pica. Sometimes it’s just boredom, but it can also point to a nutritional deficiency or a stomach issue.
It’s easy to brush off weird puppy behaviors as just part of the learning curve. And most of the time, they are. But if something feels off (even if you can’t put your finger on why) then always trust yourself. You know your pup better than anyone. Puppies can’t tell you when they’re in pain, so those little quirks might be their way of letting you know. Better to be the over-cautious dog parent than the one kicking themselves later with a dog that’s sick or struggles with behavior.