Pet Behavior Changes You Shouldn’t Ignore

Pets can’t tell us how they feel—but they do communicate through behavior. Sudden or gradual shifts in your pet’s habits, energy, or demeanor may be signs of an underlying medical issue. At Express Vets Buford, we encourage pet owners to pay attention to these changes and seek veterinary guidance when something seems off.

Not all behavior changes are emergencies, but they are often early red flags. A dog that becomes less social, a cat that hides more often, or a pet that’s suddenly more vocal could be experiencing pain, anxiety, or illness.

For example, increased drinking and urination might signal diabetes or kidney disease. Loss of appetite could indicate dental pain, nausea, or a systemic issue. Aggression in a previously calm pet may result from discomfort, injury, or neurological changes.

Even mild symptoms like restlessness at night, excessive licking, or pacing can point to problems ranging from arthritis to cognitive dysfunction in senior pets. Behavioral clues are often the earliest way we can identify what’s going on internally.

At Express Vets Buford, we take a comprehensive approach to behavior changes. During your pet’s exam, we’ll ask detailed questions about when the behavior began, what’s changed at home, and whether symptoms appear consistently or intermittently. Our goal is to get to the root of the problem—not just treat the symptoms.

We may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, or imaging to rule out underlying causes. If everything checks out medically, we’ll help you navigate environmental or emotional factors that could be contributing to your pet’s behavior.

For younger pets, behavior changes are often developmental and manageable with guidance. For senior pets, cognitive dysfunction may play a role, and we’ll offer strategies and treatment options to improve comfort and quality of life.

Remember, you know your pet better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Schedule a visit with Express Vets Buford at (470) 326-5220 or visit us at 4108 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 310,Buford, GA 30519 so we can help uncover the cause and get your pet feeling like themselves again.