Why is my dog suddenly clingy and panting after being away?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Your description sounds most suspicious of generalized anxiety. There may have been something that spooked your dog recently to cause the behavior change, making him want to be near you all the time and causing him to seek reassurance. However, given his breed, it's also possible that he's just got too much pent-up energy - many high energy breeds can develop either anxiety or boredom if they aren't given an outlet for their energy and a way to tire themselves out. I recommend making sure your dog has a way to RUN his energy off daily. (with his breed and age, a walk probably won't cut it). You can take him running, or if he's ball motivated, throwing a ball is a great option to get him running. Fenced in dog parks are good options too. If tiring him out doesn't help reduce his clingy behaviors, I recommend consulting your vet and having them do a physical exam and likely some screening bloodwork. Sometimes panting, whining, and being generally clingy are the dog's way of telling us that something's not right, which can be the first sign of a disease or health problem. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bella! Panting and being clingy can be a sign of fear or anxiety. If being left in the crate is unusual then it could be from being crated. If there were thunderstorms or other loud things that happened while you were gone then that could explain her behavior as well. I wouldn't say it is "normal" to act like this but it isn't uncommon to have anxiety from certain things. I would try to work on crate training and desensitizing her towards the crate or loud noises. If she is an older dog and the panting persists or she had effort even when asleep I would have her seen today by a Vet. Good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Casper. No, I don't think this is good. I'm concerned this can be a sign that he's sick, in pain, stressed, or scared. Keep a close eye on him tonight and if he's still acting this way in the morning, have him seen by a vet for a health check. Best of luck.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that but this could just be exhaustion and normal tiredness. They may have been exhibiting breeding behavior if they are male and female dogs resulting in exhaustion or just very tired from roaming while away from your home. I wouldn't encourage any playing. Let them rest up. As long as your dog is eating, drinking and going to the bathroom normally then I wouldn't be too concerned but if any seems different, the best bet is to have your veterinarian evaluate them. They can perform a physical exam, take their temperature, and advise any tests (fecal, blood, xrays, ultrasound, etc) which would help them with a diagnosis. Or they may just prescribe some medication if that is indicated. Good luck with your dog and I hope things return to normal soon.

This may be from the stress of a new routine since you had to leave him. For some dogs, it is not uncommon for them to get lethargic and even have a decreased appetite due to changes like this. If he is not back to normal with in 24 hours of your normal routine again, then I would have him checked by your vet

Any abrupt change in behavior without a known cause should be investigated by your vet as soon as possible. Sometimes this is the only sign we get of a medical condition. The behavior could be due to feeling ill, being in pain or may be because of a developing neurological condition. Your vet will do an exam, labwork and possibly some diagnostic imaging, x-rays or ultrasound to determine the cause for your pet's change in behavior and, based on the results, will be better able to advise you on treatment options.

It sounds like Hope is just anxious in her new surroundings. Restlessness, pacing and panting are all signs of nervousness/anxiety. I’m sure the more time you two spend together the more accustomed she will be to staying at your new place. Practice commands with her and exercise her regularly to help drain some of her excess energy. If her behavior continues even when she is in her familiar environment she may need to be examined by a veterinarian to make sure nothing medical is going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.