The Top 10 Signs Your Pet’s Behavior Is Actually a Medical Issue🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

“She’s just being stubborn.” “He’s acting out.” “She’s suddenly peeing inside.”

Sound familiar?

At Ask A Vet, we know that not all behavior changes are behavioral. Sometimes, what looks like a training problem is actually your pet trying to tell you, “Hey, something’s not right.” And the sooner we catch that, the sooner we can help.

Below are the top 10 most common behavior changes that could be medical in disguise—and what to do next if you spot them.

1. 🚫 House Soiling or Accidents Indoors

✅ Could be medical: Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, bladder stones, diabetes, arthritis, Cushing’s disease

👉 If your housetrained pet suddenly starts having accidents, don’t reach for the puppy pads—reach for your vet. Pain, urgency, or excessive thirst could all be behind the mess.

2. 🍽️ Loss of Appetite or Sudden Pickiness

✅ Could be medical: Dental disease, nausea, GI upset, infections, systemic illness, pain

👉 A normally food-motivated pet that turns up their nose at dinner isn’t just being dramatic. Appetite is one of the most important health indicators—and the first to change when something’s off.

3. 😾 Aggression or Sudden Reactivity

✅ Could be medical: Pain (arthritis, dental, injury), vision loss, neurological issues, thyroid imbalances

👉 If your sweet pup or chill cat suddenly growls, snaps, or hisses, don’t jump to “bad dog.” Pain and fear are massive drivers of reactivity, especially when medical causes go undetected.

4. 😴 Lethargy or Decreased Activity

✅ Could be medical: Hypothyroidism, anemia, infections, heart disease, musculoskeletal pain, cancer

👉 Not all sleepy pets are just “lazy.” A dog who doesn’t want to walk or a cat who stops climbing could be telling you they feel unwell—or even unsafe moving due to pain.

5. 🧠 Disorientation or “Spacing Out”

✅ Could be medical: Seizures, brain tumors, liver disease, low blood sugar, cognitive dysfunction (pet dementia)

👉 Staring into space? Wandering aimlessly? Getting stuck in corners? These can all be neurological red flags. Don’t wait—book a vet consult immediately.

6. 🚶 Repetitive Behaviors or Obsessive Licking

✅ Could be medical: Allergies, pain, anxiety, GI issues, compulsive disorders, parasites

👉 Dogs that lick their paws constantly, spin in circles, or chew one spot raw might be dealing with chronic discomfort. And cats who groom to the point of bald patches are not being vain—they’re in distress.

7. 😤 Excessive Panting or Pacing

✅ Could be medical: Pain, heart disease, respiratory conditions, overheating, anxiety, Cushing’s disease

👉 Restlessness, panting at night, or nonstop pacing could mean your pet’s in pain or can’t breathe comfortably. It’s not “bad behavior”—it’s your cue to check their health.

8. 📢 Vocalizing More Than Usual

✅ Could be medical: Hypertension, hyperthyroidism (in cats), pain, cognitive decline, deafness

👉 A pet that suddenly starts whining, meowing loudly, or barking excessively isn’t just bored—it could be a sign of confusion, pain, or even a neurological change. Cats especially become more vocal with thyroid problems or dementia.

9. 💥 Sudden Destructive Behavior

✅ Could be medical: Anxiety, dental pain, GI upset, undiagnosed neurological issues

👉 Chewing the couch or scratching furniture isn’t always rebellion—it could be anxiety, frustration from discomfort, or an attempt to self-soothe. Medical exams can help uncover underlying causes.

10. 🧊 Hiding or Avoiding Touch

✅ Could be medical: Pain, injury, infection, fear from trauma, or chronic illness

👉 Pets that suddenly avoid attention or retreat from interaction aren’t just “moody.” Pain and illness often drive pets to isolate, especially cats. Hiding is a red flag we never ignore.

🔬 Ask A Vet's Behavior + Health Connection

At Ask A Vet, we built our entire platform around one belief: Behavior is health. That’s why our app allows you to:

• 🩺 Log behavior and symptom changes in one place
• 📊 Track health metrics daily or weekly
• 📸 Upload photos or videos for vet review
• 📲 Chat directly with a vet when things seem off

Even a small shift—like more panting or less play—can be an early sign of something bigger. By catching changes early, we can prevent costly emergencies later on.

📱 How to Use the Ask A Vet App

• Tap on your pet’s profile
• Select “Behavior Log” or “Health Tracker”
• Record the change (e.g., pacing at night, avoiding stairs)
• Add a photo or note
• Send to a vet or wait for trends to appear

This isn’t just for peace of mind—it’s for real data that leads to real diagnoses.

🧑⚕️ When to Call a Vet Immediately

If you notice any of the following along with behavior changes, seek vet attention ASAP:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Limping or trouble walking
• Seizures or collapse
• Weight loss
• Not eating for more than 24 hours (dogs) or 12 hours (cats)
• Visible pain or injury

The Ask A Vet app is a great first step—but if your gut says something’s wrong, listen to it. Our team of vets is here when you need fast, trusted advice.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Not all behavior problems are training problems. Sometimes, they’re whispers from the body that something’s wrong—and as vets, we’re trained to hear those whispers before they become screams.

Using Ask A Vet, you can track, monitor, and chat with a veterinarian to decode your pet’s behavior and get help faster. Because the sooner we know, the sooner your pet can feel like themselves again. 💚