7 dog behaviors that are not normal is a checklist that every responsible pet owner should have memorized, because the difference between a “quirk” and a medical emergency is often subtle. At Pet Breeding Club, we know that dogs are masters of disguise. Evolution has taught them to hide pain and weakness to avoid becoming prey in the wild. This instinct means that by the time a dog actually shows you they are sick, the condition may have been progressing for days or weeks.
As owners, we often laugh off strange habits. We giggle when a dog “scoots” on the rug or roll our eyes when they pace at night. However, recognizing the specific signs within the list of 7 dog behaviors that are not normal can literally save your dog’s life. This guide moves beyond simple training issues like chewing shoes or jumping on guests. We are looking at physiological red flags that scream, “I need a doctor.” Below, we explore these critical signs, the science behind them, and why you need to pick up the phone and call your vet immediately.
1. Head Pressing (The Silent Alarm)
The first and arguably most terrifying entry on our list of 7 dog behaviors that are not normal is head pressing. This is not the same as your dog affectionate nuzzling into your leg or burying their head in a blanket.
What it looks like:
The dog literally presses the top of their head against a wall, a corner, a doorframe, or a piece of furniture. They stand rigid, pushing hard, often remaining in that position for long periods. They may also stare blankly into space or get stuck in corners.
What it means:
Head pressing is a classic neurological sign of “prosencephalon disease”—damage to the forebrain or thalamus. It indicates massive pressure inside the skull or severe toxicity. Common causes include:
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Liver Shunt/Liver Failure: When the liver cannot filter toxins (ammonia) from the blood, they affect the brain (Hepatic Encephalopathy).
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Brain Tumors: A mass pressing on brain tissue.
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Stroke: A vascular accident in the brain.
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Poisoning: Ingestion of lead or toxic chemicals.
If you see this, do not wait. This is a top-tier emergency among the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal.
2. Sudden, Unprovoked Aggression
We often think of aggression as a behavioral or training issue, but sudden rage in a previously gentle dog is a major medical warning sign.
What it looks like:
Your sweet Golden Retriever, who has never hurt a fly, suddenly snaps when you touch his hip. Or, your Poodle growls deeply at the air or attacks a family member they adore. This isn’t just “grumpiness.”
What it means:
When compiling the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal, aggression is usually the number one indicator of chronic pain. Dogs cannot say, “My back hurts,” so they protect themselves with teeth.
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Arthritis/Hip Dysplasia: Severe joint pain makes them defensive.
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Dental Disease: A tooth abscess is excruciating; touching the face triggers a bite.
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Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid levels can cause cognitive changes and “rage syndrome.”
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Brain Chemistry: Neurological issues like seizures (specifically partial seizures) can manifest as aggression.
Never punish a dog for sudden aggression without a vet check. They are likely telling you they are hurting.
3. Excessive Panting (Without Exercise)
Dogs pant to cool down; that is biology. However, heavy panting when the dog is at rest, in a cool room, or hasn’t exercised is a significant red flag.
What it looks like:
The dog is lying down but breathing heavily with their mouth open, tongue wide, and chest heaving. It looks like they just ran a marathon, but they haven’t moved from the sofa.
What it means:
In the context of the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal, this often points to the cardiovascular or endocrine systems.
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Cushing’s Disease: An overproduction of cortisol causes weak muscles and excessive panting.
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Heart Failure: If the heart cannot pump oxygen efficiently, the dog pants to compensate. This is often accompanied by a cough.
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Pain and Stress: Dogs pant when they are anxious or in sharp pain.
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Heatstroke: If it is hot, this is an immediate life-threatening emergency.
Panting is a subtle communicator. If the context doesn’t fit (it’s not hot, they haven’t run), the behavior belongs on the list of 7 dog behaviors that are not normal.
4. Pacing and Restlessness (The Bloat Warning)
There is a difference between a high-energy dog wanting to play and a dog that physically cannot settle down.
What it looks like:
The dog walks in circles, lies down, gets up immediately, whines, looks at their stomach, and paces the floor anxiously. They may try to vomit but nothing comes out (non-productive retching).
What it means:
This is the hallmark sign of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as Bloat. This is one of the deadliest conditions in veterinary medicine. The stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow.
If you notice this specific restlessness, especially after a large meal, it is the most urgent of the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal. Without surgery within hours, GDV is fatal.
Other causes for pacing include cognitive dysfunction (doggie dementia) in seniors or severe anxiety, but you must rule out Bloat first.
5. Excessive Drinking and Urination (Polyuria/Polydipsia)
Owners often overlook this because they just think, “Oh, he’s just thirsty today.” But a sudden, sustained increase in water consumption is rarely benign.
What it looks like:
You are refilling the water bowl three or four times a day instead of once. The dog is waking you up in the middle of the night to pee, or having accidents in the house after years of being potty trained. The urine might be very clear and dilute.
What it means:
Veterinarians call this “PU/PD” (Polyuria/Polydipsia). Including this in our list of 7 dog behaviors that are not normal is vital because it signals organ failure.
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Diabetes: High blood sugar draws water out of the body, making the dog thirsty.
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Kidney Failure: The kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine, so the dog pees out all their hydration.
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Pyometra: In unspayed females, this uterine infection releases toxins that affect the kidneys, causing massive thirst.
6. The “Scoot” and Excessive Licking
We often joke about dogs dragging their rear ends on the carpet, but it is a sign of irritation that can lead to infection.
What it looks like:
The dog drags its anus across the floor. Alternatively, they obsessively lick their paws, their flank, or their rear end until the fur is gone and the skin is red (hot spots).
What it means:
While not always life-threatening, this behavior indicates a failure in the body’s defenses or anatomy.
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Anal Gland Impaction: The sacs near the anus are full or infected. If they rupture, it causes severe pain and an open wound.
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Allergies: This is the most common reason for paw licking. Environmental or food allergies cause systemic itching.
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Parasites: Tapeworms can cause itching at the rear.
When we analyze the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal, this category represents “discomfort” that severely impacts quality of life.
7. Extreme Lethargy and Isolation
Every dog has a lazy day. But there is a distinct difference between a tired dog and a lethargic dog.
What it looks like:
The dog refuses to get up for their favorite treat. They sleep in a closet or under a bed (hiding). Their eyes seem dull, and they interact less with the family. They may lag behind on walks or refuse to go out entirely.
What it means:
Hiding is an instinctual behavior to protect oneself while weak. Lethargy is a vague symptom, which is why it is the trickiest of the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal. It serves as a universal sign for fever, infection, anemia, or heart disease. If a dog who usually greets you at the door doesn’t lift their head when you enter, something is wrong internally.
Context Matters: Frequency and Duration
When reviewing these symptoms, context is everything. If your dog pants after a run, that is normal. If your dog drinks a lot of water after a salty treat, that is normal. The key to identifying the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal is looking for the change in pattern.
Ask yourself:
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Is this new?
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Has it lasted more than 24 hours?
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Is it escalating?
A Note on Senior Dogs
We must be careful not to dismiss these behaviors simply because a dog is old. “He’s just slowing down” is a dangerous assumption. Old dogs get kidney disease, old dogs get tumors, and old dogs get dental pain.
If an elderly dog starts head pressing or pacing at night, it could be Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), but it could also be a brain tumor. Senior dogs deserve the same scrutiny when they display any of the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal. In fact, they need more attention because their reserves are lower.
What To Do Next
If you observe any of these signs, your next step is a vet visit.
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Record It: Take a video of the behavior (especially for pacing, head pressing, or panting). The dog might not do it in the exam room, and the video will help the vet immensely.
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Check the Gum Color: Lift the lip. Gums should be pink. Pale, white, or blue gums confirm an emergency.
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Call Ahead: Tell the clinic, “I am seeing one of the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal, specifically [insert symptom].”
Conclusion
Our dogs rely on us to be their voice. They cannot tell us they are dizzy, nauseous, or in pain. They can only show us through their actions. By memorizing the 7 dog behaviors that are not normal, you become a proactive guardian rather than a reactive one.
At Pet Breeding Club, we encourage you to trust your gut. You know your dog better than anyone else. If something feels “off,” it probably is. Whether it is the frantic pacing of bloat or the subtle thirst of early kidney disease, catching these signs early is the greatest gift you can give your faithful companion. Don’t wait for the symptoms to disappear; investigate them. Your vigilance is the ultimate expression of your love.
Sources
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Disease Risks and Symptom Recognition in Canines.
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VCA Animal Hospitals: Head Pressing in Dogs: Causes and Treatment.
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Merck Veterinary Manual: Behavioral Problems Associated with Medical Conditions.
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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and Neurological Signs.
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Journal of Small Animal Practice: Clinical signs of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.
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