Is It a Mood Swing or a Health Signal? How to Read Your Dog’s Behavior Changes

Ever feel like it’s a guessing game with your dog’s health?

One minute they’re fine, but the next they’re acting like a completely different dog. Deep down, you know something is off, but you can’t quite put your finger (or paw) on it.

To make it easier, we’ve outlined 3 of the most common wellness concerns, the warning signs to look for, and simple ways to help your pup feel like themselves again. 

When ‘Bad’ Behavior Is Really a Health Clue

It’s easy to feel confused or even discouraged when your dog starts acting differently. Maybe they’re withdrawn, restless, or unusually reactive. It’s natural to wonder what changed.

But here’s the truth: dogs can’t tell us when something’s wrong. And often, the first signs of discomfort or stress show up in their behavior.

Before assuming it’s just a “bad day,” consider this: sudden shifts in mood or routine can be early clues that something deeper, physically or emotionally, is going on.

Mood Swings, or Meaningful Signals?

If you’re noticing changes, start with observation. Take a few notes—when does the behavior happen? Is it tied to specific times, events, or routines? Is it a one-off or becoming a pattern?

Tracking what you see helps reveal what your dog can’t say out loud.

Once you have a clearer picture, here’s what those patterns might be pointing to and how you can support your pup through it:

1. Stress and Anxiety

Just like us, dogs can experience stress and anxiety for all kinds of reasons: new environments, loud noises, isolation, or meeting new people or pets.

Some dogs can regulate initial spikes in their cortisol levels. Still, studies show that around 1 in 3 dogs struggle to manage fear-related behaviors, which, left unaddressed, can quickly snowball into ongoing anxiety.[1] 

Signs of Anxiety to Watch for:

• Pacing

• Barking

• Trembling

• Hiding during storms

• Avoiding eye contact

• Appetite changes

• Accidents in the house

Your Dog’s Nervous System Needs a Hug

1. Create a Consistent Routine: Dogs thrive on predictability. Regular meal times, walks, and play help lower cortisol and reduce stress-related behaviors.[2]

2. Provide a Safe, Quiet Space: Designate a cozy area your dog can retreat to during loud events (like thunderstorms or fireworks). A crate with a blanket or a favorite bed can do wonders for a nervous pup.

3. Incorporate Calming Enrichment Activities: Gentle sniff walks, food puzzles, or licking mats tap into your dog’s natural behaviors and help them self-soothe, which supports nervous system regulation.[3]

4. Calming Support Soft Chews: The ideal supplement formulated to help promote relaxation and support emotional balance—with real ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, and thiamine—your pup will have the support they need during stressful situations.*

2. Digestive Discomfort

Would you be excited about day-to-day tasks if your stomach were in knots? Probably not—and your dog feels the same. 

The gut and brain are deeply connected, so even the smallest changes in your dog’s routine can trigger digestive issues and even impact their behavior. That’s why digestive-related concerns are one of the top reasons for vet visits!

Signs of Digestive Discomfort to Watch for:

• Lethargy

• Sudden food aversions

• “Sad eyes”

• Clinginess

• Scooting

• Constipation, or stool changes

• Vomiting

When Their Tummy Talks, Listen

1. Stick to a Consistent Feeding Schedule: Sudden changes or irregular meal times can upset digestion. Keeping meals predictable helps your dog’s gut do its job more smoothly.

2. Limit Table Scraps & Sudden Diet Changes: High-fat or unfamiliar human foods can trigger tummy upset. If you’re switching foods, always transition gradually over 7–10 days.

3. Hydration is Key: Encourage regular water intake, especially during warm months or after play. Proper hydration supports healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.

4. Digestive Support Soft Chews: Formulated with probiotics, prebiotics, fiber sources, and digestive enzymes, to help support you pup’s normal digestive function, gut flora, and occasional tummy trouble.*

3. Joint Discomfort

Have you ever joked that your pup has turned into a couch potato overnight? 

It might not just be age catching up with them; there could be more serious joint or mobility issues going on. These physical limitations can also frustrate them and negatively affect their emotions and behaviors.[5]

Dogs are experts at hiding discomfort, so don’t beat yourself up if you think you’ve missed something.

Signs of Joint Discomfort to Watch For:

• Quickly lose interest in activities they once enjoyed

• Slow movement

• Reluctance to climb stairs

• Whimpering, growling, or snapping when touched

• Excessive barking

• Depression

• Destructive behaviors

Because Stiff Joints Shouldn’t Steal Joy

1. Keep Them Moving (Gently): Daily low-impact exercise, such as leash walks or swimming, helps maintain joint function and muscle strength without overdoing it.

2. Provide In-Home Solutions: Orthopedic beds, stairs, and ramps can ease pressure on stiff joints, especially for senior dogs or breeds prone to mobility issues.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra pounds add stress to joints. A balanced diet and regular activity can help keep your dog in their ideal weight range.

4. Joint Support Soft Chews: Science-backed support with a powerful blend of ingredients including: Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Perna Canaliculuis, for occasional joint stiffness and to help maintain healthy connective tissue.*

Our Soft Chews are Helping Pups (& Their Humans)

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what other Pup Parents have said:

Janet O. on Joint Support:

“My dog is almost 8. We walk several miles a day. I was worried about his joints. I have been using these for a few months. He has a new spring in his steps. I love these.”

Terri R. on Digestive Support:

“Helped our Ella with bowel issues & she loves them 😊🐶”

Trish J. on Calming Support:

“My dog likes the taste of the calming treats. I like the way they help him to control his anxiety during busy days around our neighborhood.”

When to Call the Vet vs. Handle at Home

As a pet parent, you know your dog best—and small changes in behavior can sometimes signal that something’s off. While not every shift is cause for concern, it’s always wise to connect with your veterinarian if something doesn’t feel right.

In the meantime, keeping an eye on your dog’s day-to-day patterns can help you spot trends and have more informed conversations at your next check-up.

Behavior Speaks—Time to Listen!

Dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong—but their behavior often does. Sudden mood swings, odd habits, or low energy might be subtle cries for help.

Support starts with observation and a few simple, science-backed steps.

Help your dog feel better again—naturally.

Shop PupGrade soft chews and use code ‘BLOG10’ at checkout for 10% off your first order. 

*This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources:

1. Salonen, M., Sulkama, S., Mikkola, S., Puurunen, J., Hakanen, E., Tiira, K., Araujo, C., & Lohi, H. (2020). Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Scientific reports, 10(1), 2962. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59837-z

2. Mârza, S. M., Munteanu, C., Papuc, I., Radu, L., Diana, P., & Purdoiu, R. C. (2024). Behavioral, Physiological, and Pathological Approaches of Cortisol in Dogs. Animals, 14(23), 3536. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233536 

3. Hunt, R. L., Whiteside, H., & Prankel, S. (2022). Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 12(2), 141. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020141 

4. Kiełbik, P., & Witkowska-Piłaszewicz, O. (2024). The Relationship between Canine Behavioral Disorders and Gut Microbiome and Future Therapeutic Perspectives. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 14(14), 2048. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142048 

5.  Demirtas, A., Atilgan, D., Saral, B., Isparta, S., Ozturk, H., Ozvardar, T., & Demirbas, Y. S. (2023). Dog owners’ recognition of pain-related behavioral changes in their dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 62, 39–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2023.02.006