Signs Your Pet Is Asking for a Little Extra Attention
Our pets may not speak our language, but they have their own way of telling us what they need. If your pet is feeling stressed, bored or anxious, their behaviour often changes in subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways. Identifying the signs that your beloved companion needs a little extra attention and love can help you strengthen the bond with your pet and prevent any destructive behaviour that they may be tempted with.
In some cases, your pet could be asking for extra attention because they’re in pain or not feeling their best. You may need to book a trip to the vet so they can get checked over and see if there’s a physical issue behind your pet’s clinginess. It’s helpful if you have pet insurance to help cover potentially expensive vet fees for anything unexpected, so that you can get to the bottom of any sudden illness or injury and not be left out of pocket. Hopefully, it’s nothing to worry about, but sometimes it’s best to check for peace of mind.
As it can sometimes be subtle, below are a few of the common signs that your furry friend needs more attention from you. Once you know the signs, you can help your pet grow more independence and improve their overall happiness.
Why is My Pet Making So Much Noise?
When your pet becomes unusually vocal, it’s often their way of saying they need something. Dogs may bark more, cats might meow persistently, and some pets may whine or make whimpering noises. While you might be tempted to tell your pet to quieten down, this isn’t going to get to the root of the problem and address why your pet is being unusually loud.
Your pet could be making so much noise because they’re bored, lonely, or lacking mental stimulation. In some cases, they may feel anxious, especially if their routine has changed or they’re not getting enough quality time with you. Over time, if they’re still ignored despite making noise, your pet may start exhibiting more destructive behaviour like chewing, scratching or leaving mess around the home.
Why Is My Pet Being Naughty?
If your usually well-behaved pet suddenly starts chewing shoes, scratching furniture, digging through the bin, or ignoring house rules, you might be quick to label it as ‘bad behaviour’. But in many cases, what looks like naughtiness is actually your pet trying to get your attention or express their frustration, boredom, or stress.
When animals feel under-stimulated or lonely, they often act out in ways that guarantee a response from you, even if that response is negative. If you don’t give them enough attention when they’re behaving but start interacting with them if they act out, your pet will start to associate misbehaving with getting attention from you.
Your pet may be feeling anxious due to a change in their routine, or they may be feeling bored or lonely because they’re getting less one-on-one interaction, exercise or playtime. You could find that giving your pet a bit more attention or helping them burn energy through playtime reduces their bad behaviour and restores order to your home.
As per the Cats Protection, most cats can be left alone for up to 12 hours, although you shouldn’t regularly leave your feline friend alone for this length of time. Most animal experts agree that dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than four hours at a time, although it depends on the individual animal. If your pet is misbehaving, it may be a good idea to adjust your routine, so they’re not left alone for so long or look into getting a pet sitter.
Why Do Pets Become Clingy?
If your pet has started following you from room to room, sitting closer than usual, or getting upset when you leave the house, it could be a sign of an emotional or physical problem.
There are several reasons pets suddenly become extra attached. Sometimes it's as simple as missing your attention or as a result of a change in routine. Your hours at work might have changed, or you’ve had a child or discovered a new hobby that takes up more of your time. Your pet may be clingy because they’re feeling unsure and want to spend more time with you, because you’re their safe space. While it’s great that your pet feels so comfortable with you, it’s important that they learn to feel secure when you’re not around too.
Research suggests that 8 out of 10 dogs find it difficult to cope when left alone, as per the RSPCA. Creating a consistent routine and giving your pet a safe space to sleep in and plenty of toys to play with when you’re not around can help reduce overly dependent behaviour and help them feel more relaxed when they’re left alone.
Should I Get My Pet A Companion?
If your pet seems lonely, bored, or especially attached to you lately, you may be wondering if they need a furry friend to keep them company. While it can help in some cases, it all depends on your pet’s personality, needs, and whether your household can cope with another pet.
Some pets are highly social and thrive with a companion to play with, nap next to, or simply share space with. It’s typically easier to introduce a new pet into the household if your pet is young or if they are a particularly sociable breed. Having another animal in the house can help ease separation anxiety, especially if your pet is home alone for long periods of time.
As per the Dogs Trust, you can gradually introduce a new dog to your existing pet via scent swapping. It’s a good idea to take a blanket or toy with one dog’s scent on it and place it in the other dog’s environment (and vice versa) to help them familiarise themselves with each other’s scents before they meet.
It's important to remember that some pets prefer being the only animal in the house. They may crave being the centre of attention or may feel territorial or anxious around other animals. Introducing a new pet can also bring its own challenges, like time, training and costs, so you need to think carefully as to whether another pet is the right choice for you and your furry friend.
How to Give Your Pet Extra Attention
Setting aside a bit of time each day to spend with your pet is the perfect way to build a strong connection and make sure they’re feeling loved. Whether it’s playing with a toy, training sessions, or simply having a cuddle, your beloved companion will appreciate any and all time you spend with them, helping to boost their mood and prevent them from getting bored or anxious.
If you can provide your furry friend with interactive toys or puzzle feeders, this is great for their mental stimulation, while making sure they get plenty of exercise and pet-safe enrichment activities will help both their mental health and physical health too.
Even small moments like brushing their fur or chatting to them helps them get the attention they need. However you choose to spend time with your pet, giving them some much-needed attention is one of the best ways to make sure they’re living a happy, healthy life.
