Pets are notorious for their shenanigans, and it’s something that always makes us crack a smile and lifts up our mood. But some unusual behaviors may also be a sign of something more serious going on with your pet. So in order to find out what exactly a pet owner should know about their weird behaviors, Bored Panda spoke with Dr. Sally Foote, the animal behaviorist who runs “Foote & Friends” clinic in Tuscola, Illinois.
Dr. Sally explained that when you notice your pet acting strangely, you should always look at what is benefiting the pet. “For example, liking objects may be self-soothing. This may be due to anxiety or nausea or intestinal pain, for example.” However, it's always best to talk to your veterinarian about such weird behaviors. “Often there is some kind of physical reason which may be normal or abnormal but presenting in an usual way,” Dr. Sally explained.
On a more positive note, Dr. Sally assured owners that many pets indeed have distinctive traits. “It is a blend of temperament, breed, health, age and just who they are,” she said.
Other explanation for weird behavior quirks is that they’re “a result of brain aging, chronic health conditions such as skin inflammation, joint pain or intestinal pain. Seeing the pet in the home is the best way to assess these 'weird' behaviors,” she concluded.
