3 Weird Dog Behaviours and When to Seek Help

Dogs sometimes exhibit strange behaviours that can be endearing or puzzling to their owners. Understanding these odd habits can help you decide when to simply smile at your pooch's quirks and when a visit to the vet might be necessary. This article explores three common weird dog behaviours and offers advice on managing them responsibly.

1. Why Does My Dog Take Food Out of Their Bowl?

It’s not unusual for dogs to take their food out of their bowls and carry it elsewhere before eating. This behaviour is deeply rooted in their ancestral pack instincts. In wild packs, dominant dogs pull food away from others to eat in peace, avoiding confrontation and potential injury. Even if your dog lives alone, this natural impulse often remains.

Another reason some dogs do this is because metal bowls can be noisy when food shifts or collar tags clink against them, causing discomfort or anxiety. Taking food away is their way of escaping the unpleasant stimulus.

To help your dog feel more comfortable, try feeding them from a plastic bowl or a quieter spot where they can eat undisturbed. If you have multiple dogs, separate them during feeding to prevent rivalry and ensure each gets their fair share.

2. Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

When your dog gazes lovingly at you, it often signifies their affection, loyalty, and attention. Some dogs will follow their owners closely, maintaining eye contact which trainers often encourage as it shows focus and readiness to respond to commands.

However, excessive staring can sometimes mean your dog is trying to communicate a need, like wanting to go outside or hoping for a treat. It’s important to recognise the difference so you don’t unintentionally reinforce begging behaviour.

Keep in mind that direct prolonged eye contact with unfamiliar dogs may be seen as a challenge and could provoke aggression. Always use eye contact positively with your own dog and build a strong bond based on trust.

3. What Does It Mean When My Dog Brings Up Yellow Foam?

Yellow foam vomited by dogs usually consists of bile, a digestive fluid produced in the liver and released into the small intestine. If a dog's stomach is empty, bile may irritate it causing vomiting.

Occasional vomiting of yellow foam can indicate your dog needs smaller, more frequent meals rather than fewer large ones. Feeding three or four smaller portions a day often helps reduce this.

However, if vomiting occurs alongside other symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhoea, or yellowing of gums and eyes, veterinary attention is essential as these signs could signal a medical condition. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to serious issues like blockages, so prompt care is crucial.

Responsible Ownership and When to Seek Veterinary Advice

Many odd dog behaviours are perfectly normal and part of their natural instincts or ways to communicate. Nonetheless, persistent changes in behaviour or the appearance of troubling signs call for professional evaluation to ensure your dog's health and wellbeing.

Whether you are a new dog owner or experienced, understanding and responding appropriately to your dog's needs is a key part of responsible pet ownership. If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, finding puppies from reputable breeders or shelters helps support ethical breeding and animal welfare.

FAQs: Answering Common Queries About Dog Behaviour

Why does my dog move food out of the bowl?

Quick Answer: Dogs move food out due to pack instincts, avoiding food competition or because of discomfort with noisy bowls.

This behaviour reflects ancestral survival strategies where dogs eat away from others to avoid conflict. Noise from metal bowls may also cause anxiety, prompting dogs to relocate food to a quieter place.

Is it normal for my dog to stare a lot?

Quick Answer: Yes, staring is often a sign of attention and love, but excessive staring may be a request for something like a walk or treat.

Staring generally shows your dog’s focus and desire to connect with you. It can be positive for training as it means your dog is attentive. However, if it feels like begging, observe other behaviours to understand their message.

What causes dogs to vomit yellow foam?

Quick Answer: Vomiting yellow foam usually results from bile irritation on an empty stomach and can be managed by feeding more frequently.

While occasional bile vomiting is common, frequent or symptomatic vomiting requires veterinary diagnosis to rule out illnesses including gastrointestinal conditions or blockages, especially in young dogs.

For adopting dogs or puppies, check out puppies for sale and trusted reputable breeders.

Remember, loving and informed care is the key to your dog's happiness and health.