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Is your happy dog now a cranky dog? As dog owners, you may ask yourself, 'is my dog angry with me?' while your pet could be melancholy due to aging. It is natural for a dog's behavior to change slightly and become slower & less enthusiastic as they get older. 

Dogs are normally very calm creatures, so a noticeable and sudden shift in your dog’s body language and demeanor could signal something is wrong. If you know your dog as a loving and usually chilled-out creature, you may want to ask yourself if anything has changed recently, like their environment or the loss of another pet. Also, you may want to check them over to see if they’re feeling okay – this can help identify possible underlying issues.

There are a few reasons why your dog may be displaying aggressive behavior or anxious type of behavior. The good news is that in this article, we will review three reasons why your dog may be feeling agitated. Plus, a few techniques any pet owner can use in helping their dog return to their old self!

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Common Reasons Why Your Dog's Behavior Might Have Changed

Lack of Sleep

Most people reading this would likely agree that they feel irritable when they go without sleep. For some, the morning does not even start until they are halfway through their cup of coffee. Dogs, of course, do not have the luxury of caffeine, which can lead to grumpy dogs, so their sleep might be suffering.

For instance, there is a good chance that their bed might not be suitable. The best way to solve this is orthopedic beds for large dogs (or smaller dogs) because it can address their joint issues. As a result, they may be able to fall asleep soundly once more. But this can also depend on where you have them sleep each night too. It is essential to ensure they sleep in a comforting area without loud washing machines or dryers. Also, ensure they are cared for in the summertime by putting a fan or air purifier near them. It really will make a difference!

Shop Best Beds For A Senior Dog

Health Issues

As you likely know, dogs also age like humans do, which means that their health eventually declines. These changes are no less natural than they are with us, but knowing why your best friend is grumpy can be particularly important, especially for an older dog.

If a dog is continually restless, it might be because of underlying causes, medical problems, or a health condition forming. Dental problems, joint issues, and the precursor to issues like cancer or kidney disease can be unfortunate causes of the difficulty your dog may be experiencing. However, do not worry because our examples here are hardly an exhaustive list. They may just have an ingrown claw or a skin irritation. Therefore, if your pup is experiencing any sign of pain, visiting the appropriate vet for a thorough examination will help clear this up.

Separation Anxiety

A dog with separation anxiety has an extremely high anxiety level and becomes fearful when trusted family members are absent. For pet parents, this behavioral problem may be an obvious reason for young dogs to act up, but this can occur at any dog age. This is especially true if a dog’s behavior was not resolved earlier, at home, or with a certified applied animal behaviorist. 

Some of the first things you should do to ease the behavior are to make sure your dog is getting enough physical exercise on a regular basis and take them on short walks before you leave the house. Secondly, use positive reinforcement, like giving your dog a special treat when you go. Lastly, if your pup's problem is more serious, seek professional help, such as a certified dog trainer.

The following symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs are below:

• Indoor accidents

• Whining and trembling

• Destructive behavior changes

• Howling and barking when left alone

Improper Diet

While dogs tend to have their own little personalities as they are young puppies, it’s true to say that these change over time as much as we do. Sometimes, a lack of nutrition can be the cause of irritability. It may be that your pet is actually hungry and you are not giving them the nourishment they require to make them feel content. It's important that pets, especially dogs, eat regular meals to manage food intake. 

However, they should also have access to "forbidden" snacks and treats if they are craving extra food but do not need it based on their daily nutritional requirements. Making sure your dog has plenty of chew toys for when your pup is bored or feeling rambunctious can help with the issue as well. As always, working with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist is best to assess what changes could be made properly. This is especially true if a new puppy encounters a growth spurt or has digestive issues.

With this advice, we hope you can more easily see the common reasons why your dog may be cranky, and benefit as a result.