CD behaving very strangely

codemonkey

Something weird is going on with CD tonight. Earlier tonight he went out for his walk and started growling and barking at some girls. I don't know what happened - I wasn't there. He's only done this once before when we encountered a builder heading to work and that was months ago.

Tonight he's very edgy. He's not settling as normal, he keeps sniffing us and whining. I went to check his collar fit and he started shaking his head as he does when I'm doing something he doesn't like. He's been fed, he has water, his nose is wet and cold and I've checked him over and can't see any obvious areas of pain.

Any ideas what's up with him or how I can calm him down?

MrsAtobe

Any female dogs in season around?

codemonkey

Perhaps. There are lots of dogs around here. His, erm, lipstick has been out quite a lot too although I haven't noticed it tonight.

AW3412222222222222222222 - sorry about that - CD decided he wanted to join the conversation and slammed his paw on the keyboard.

MrsAtobe

Another thought, do the inside of his ears smell OK? I'm just wondering if he's got an issue with them, given the head shaking. Or if the hair in there is getting a bit long, and tickling him.

codemonkey

He's just been groomed. It's not a constant head shaking thing, it was just what he does when he's had enough of what you're doing. He's very attached to his collar and doesn't like having it taken off but normally he allows it. Tonight he was having none of it.

Just checked the ears and they're ok.

I've got him lying curled up next to me on the sofa and he seems a bit calmer now. Just a bit worried about putting him to bed if he's going to be stressed and upset.

wotsit78

Maybe some late fireworks? Dogs hearing is very sensitive!

you may not have heard, we are still having the odd firework.

zaksmum

When my dog was behaving like that it turned out to be some feral kittens at the back of a neighbour's shed.

Check there's nothing similar happening...or rats?

krlyr

With any sudden change in behaviour, a vet check to rule out a health issue is worthwhile. Could be pain around the head/ears/neck area if he's reluctant to let you touch his collar

Raksha

My thoughts were neck or shouldar pain too

codemonkey

He seems to be ok today, although this morning when I let him out for a wee he patrolled the garden first. Perhaps a strange cat or hedgehog came for a visit and spooked him.

We had a lovely walk through the park earlier and now he's lying on the floor fast asleep.