Ever noticed your furry friend indulging in weird dog habits, like a new hobby of dining à la poop? It’s easy to brush these off as just another one of their endearing quirks, but with a little insight from our friends at Burns Pet Nutrition, we’re diving into the “why” behind these behaviours. Founded by the knowledgeable vet and pet food pioneer, John Burns, Burns is on a mission to shed light on how many common (and often overlooked) doggy traits can actually be cries for help from their bodies, overloaded with toxic waste due to unsuitable diets and overfeeding.
1. Unusual Odours from Paws
When your dog’s paws start to emit a curious popcorn-like scent, it might seem amusing at first. This aroma typically originates from bacteria and yeast thriving in the warm, moist crevices between their toes, often harmless and merely a quirk of their natural flora. However, while a faint, yeasty smell can be normal, it’s essential to stay alert for any changes. Other odours emanating from your dog’s paws, particularly those that are foul or pungent, could signal an infection or an underlying health issue that requires attention.
Beyond the scent of freshly popped kernels, any sharp, acrid smells should prompt a closer examination. A foul odour could indicate a bacterial infection, allergies, a compromised immune system, or dietary imbalances. Observing your dog for signs of discomfort, excessive licking, or swelling can help catch these concerns early. Regular paw checks and good hygiene practices are key to keeping your dog’s feet healthy and sniffing out when something’s amiss.
2. Excessive Flatulence
Occasional gas is a normal part of canine life, but persistent and odorous flatulence suggests that something’s amiss with your dog’s digestive system. This could point towards a diet that doesn’t quite agree with them or the possibility of overfeeding, even with high-quality foods. Modifying the type of food, adjusting feeding schedules, or reducing portion sizes can aid in mitigating this issue.
3. Continuous Shedding and Skin Problems
Whilst shedding is a natural process, excessive hair loss or accompanying skin issues such as itching, redness, and bald spots might indicate that your dog’s diet requires attention. These symptoms often suggest an attempt by the body to rid itself of excess toxins, possibly due to an unsuitable diet or overfeeding. A reassessment of your dog’s food ingredients and portion control, ensuring a balanced and high-quality diet, could provide relief.
4. Persistent Itching
If your dog seems to be in a perpetual state of itchiness, and parasites or infections have been ruled out, their diet may be the culprit. Certain foods high in specific proteins or additives might trigger allergic reactions, leading to relentless scratching. Offering your dog a well-balanced diet devoid of common allergens might help in alleviating their discomfort.
5. Eating Poop (Coprophagia)
Eating poop, technically known as coprophagia, might be one of the more baffling (and frankly, gross) weird dog habits. While it might prompt a double-take or a cringe from us, it’s worth considering what this behaviour might be signalling about our dog’s health. Often, it’s not a sign of hunger or dietary deficiency, as one might guess, but rather could indicate an underlying issue with their digestive system. Whether it’s an imbalance in the gut flora or a problem with nutrient absorption, this behaviour is a clear signal from your dog that something might be off with their internal processing. Addressing their diet and ensuring they’re receiving the right balance of nutrients could be a key step in curbing this unsavoury habit.
6. Tear Staining
Characterised by reddish-brown marks beneath the eyes, tear staining is more prevalent in lighter-coloured breeds but can affect any dog. Often dismissed as a cosmetic issue or breed trait, tear staining can actually be a manifestation of diet-related issues. The body’s attempt to eliminate toxins, often due to overfeeding or an unbalanced diet, can result in excessive tearing and staining. Ensuring a well-balanced diet free from excess additives could help in reducing this problem.
7. Ear Issues
When it comes to your dog’s ears, there’s a fine line between normal and a sign that something’s off. An excessive buildup of wax or a recurring need to scratch those floppy or pointed appendages might be your clue that your dog’s diet isn’t quite right. While it’s normal for dogs to have some wax, just like humans, an overflow can be a red flag. This issue isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s often about what’s going on inside their body.
A diet that doesn’t suit your dog can lead to internal imbalances, manifesting in various ways, including the health of their ears. Too much wax, along with frequent infections, could indicate that the body is trying to expel something it doesn’t agree with. This is its way of saying, “Hey, I might be getting too much of something I don’t need, or not enough of what I do need.”
Monitoring your dog’s ears for signs of discomfort, odour, or unusual discharge is a simple way to keep tabs on their overall well-being. If you’re noticing that ear issues are becoming a regular part of your dog’s life, it might be time to examine their diet. Ensuring they’re on a balanced and suitable diet can sometimes be the key to clearing up those ear woes.
8. Over-Grooming
Dogs that obsessively groom themselves, particularly by chewing or licking their paws, may be attempting to soothe irritation or discomfort. This behaviour can often be traced back to dietary issues, such as food intolerances or allergies. Over-grooming can lead to skin damage and infections; thus, investigating the underlying cause is crucial. A carefully considered diet, possibly incorporating hypoallergenic ingredients, can mitigate these symptoms and curb the compulsion to over-groom.
9. Fussy Eating Frenzies
Ever find yourself in a standoff, with your pup turning their nose up at what used to be their favourite dish? Fussy eating might seem like a straightforward case of canine caprice, but it could hint at deeper dietary discomforts. Sudden changes in eating habits may signal sensitivities to certain ingredients or dissatisfaction with mealtime monotony. However, it might also be a response to overfeeding; with less room in their belly, your pooch can afford to be picky. Delving into a diet that offers variety within the bounds of balanced nutrition, alongside strict portion control, could turn meal rejections into tail-wagging anticipation.
10. Always Hungry
In a twist of irony, an apparent increase in hunger — think Oliver Twist with fur — could actually indicate nutritional mismanagement. Dogs incessantly acting hungry, especially right after meals, might not be getting the right balance of nutrients, leading them to seek constant top-ups. This relentless quest for more could push their weight up and their health down. Ensuring their meals are rich in the right nutrients, rather than just filling their bowl more, might be the ticket to satisfaction. Burns Pet Nutrition emphasises that a well-rounded diet is crucial, feeding not just the stomach but the whole body system, potentially putting an end to the perpetual hunger games.
Turning Quirks into Clues
Still feeling bewildered by your canine’s weird dog habits? Burns Pet Nutrition offers a free helpline with nutrition experts ready to listen and lend a helping paw. They can provide guidance tailored to your pet’s specific needs and help navigate any remaining roadblocks on the path to peaceful mealtimes. Remember, sometimes those oddball antics are more than just cute eccentricities; they’re clues that can lead you to a happier, healthier dog. By paying close attention and making smart dietary adjustments, you can ensure that your furry friend’s peculiarities are just part of their charm, not a cry for help.
