It’s said that an individual’s personality is determined at birth. While that may be true for humans, it’s less certain for animals. Some signs that a pug might be stressed or anxious include excessive barking, overgrooming or licking, snapping at people or other dogs, or even displaying signs of abnormal behavior. Pug owners should keep an eye on their pets and be on the lookout for these signs if they appear. If ignored, these problems could develop into something more serious in the future. Some of the potential indicators of stress or anxiety include:
Excessive Barking
Excessive barking is one of the most common signs of stress or anxiety in dogs. Pugs often start to bark excessively when they are left alone, or when they are kept in a small space for too long. It’s important to note that pugs don’t have the loudest or shrillest barks in the dog world. They usually have shorter, higher-pitched barks that can be difficult to understand even for other dogs. However, when a pug starts to bark excessively, it’s important to take action. It’s best to ignore the barking at first and see if it stops on its own. If the barking continues, it’s best to seek advice from a vet.
Overgrooming or Licking
Another common sign of stress or anxiety that can be seen in pugs is overgrooming or licking. Pugs may start to overgroom or lick excessively when they are feeling anxious or stressed out. Overgrooming often starts out as a single bout of excessive licking, before evolving into something more serious as time goes on. Pugs may also start to overgroom as a way of dealing with stress. It can be difficult to determine whether a pug is just overgrooming, or if it’s a sign of stress. However, it’s important to note that overgrooming is not normal. It can lead to skin infections, matting, and even hair loss in extreme cases.
Snapping at People or Other Dogs
Another common sign of stress or anxiety in pugs is the tendency to snap at people or other dogs. Pugs may snap at people when they are excited, especially around children. They may snap at other dogs when they are left alone, or when they feel nervous. Pugs that snap at people or other dogs may be difficult to live with, as they can be unpredictable. It’s important to note that this behavior is often triggered by other signs of stress. It’s often a sign of frustration or anger.
Abnormal Behaviors
Pugs may also start to display abnormal behaviors when they are feeling stressed or anxious. Some of the more common ones include pica, urinating or defecating in the house, pacing, or even trying to eat their own feces. It’s important to note that these abnormalities are not normal, and they should be treated as quickly as they start to appear. Pica is the act of eating non-food items, and can be caused by stress and anxiety in some cases.
Conclusion
For most pet owners, the idea of their pets feeling stressed or anxious is not something they want to think about. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your pets and be on the lookout for these signs if they appear. While there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to solving these problems, there are several things you can do to help your pug feel better.