Why Is My Dog Being Clingy?

As people head back to work, many dog owners are noticing signs of clinginess in their furry friends. Whether it is separation anxiety or you notice a difference in your dog’s personality, there may be signs of clinginess in your dog. Clinginess can be endearing at first, but after a while, it can become a problem.

Clinginess

Dogs can show clinginess in many different ways depending on their personality. A clingy dog may not leave its human’s side, watch its human’s moves, whine, bark, or act destructively when its human leaves. Although a dog’s company may be desirable, mentally and physically healthy dogs are able to separate from their humans without distress. 

Reasons for Clinginess

There are a few typical reasons for clinginess that might explain some of your dog’s anxiety. Some possible causes are separation anxiety, illness, and estrus which may lead to a clingy dog. 

Separation Anxiety

When separated from members of their family, dogs can express their discomfort in many ways. This anxiety can be expressed through destructive behavior, whining, pacing, or other erratic behaviors. When at home, your dog will most likely not leave your side and follow you around when you leave the room. 

Illness

A dog may appear clingy and act differently when an illness starts to take over the body. Whether your dog is getting older and is losing its vision or an illness is coming on, dogs may seek human companionship. They may feel more vulnerable and feel like they are unable to take care of themselves, because of that, your dog may become clingy.

Estrus

Estrus is the period in which a female dog is able to mate or is in heat, which can happen two times a year. During this time period, your dog may become very clingy and need to be around you. If you notice your dog’s vulva is swollen and this clinginess lasts for around 4 weeks, it may indicate that your dog is in heat.

Prevention

It is difficult to prevent clinginess as there are many possible reasons for it. To decrease stress and emotional anxiety, exercise can be great medicine. When your dog gets plenty of exercise, it may feel more emotionally stable when you leave the room or home. It may also be a good idea to hire a dog sitter or enroll your dog in doggy daycare. 

There are many signs of separation anxiety that could also be symptoms of other diseases, so it is important that you take your dog to be examined by a veterinarian. Anti-anxiety medicine or behavioral exercises are treatments for separation anxiety that can calm your dog. Rewarding your dog when they do behave is a good way to reinforce positive behavior. 

Illnesses, though, need treated for what they are and need to be evaluated by veterinarians.