Is your dog or cat’s behaviour normal? Do they often do things that leave you scratching your head wondering is this normal or wishing they would stop? We have interpreted some of the common dog and cat behaviours and the meaning behind them so you can distinguish between what’s normal or when you need to seek help.

Is my dog normal?

1. Tail chasing

Most of the time, tail chasing is just playful behaviour, especially in young dogs and puppies. However, sometimes it can indicate a problem if they are doing it all the time. Watch their behaviour, are they acting playful or distressed? Try and distract them and if they would prefer to chase their tail than eat dinner or go for a walk, it may be time to talk to the vet.

2. Crotch sniffing

Dogs like to sniff each others bottoms, it’s like a handshake for humans. Dogs have a powerful sense of smell and they use this to investigate newcomers. It may be a perfectly polite and acceptable way for dogs to greet newcomers but its not so nice when they start nosing up to your friends or family members crotches. So if it’s starting to bother you or your friends, it might be time to get some obedience training.

3. Scooting

Its common for dogs to scoot around on their bottoms after they have done their business, especially if their stools are loose. However, if they are doing it all the time, it is often a sign that something is irritating your pet. This could include full or inflamed anal sacs or internal parasites so it is worth getting in touch with your vet to get it checked out.

4. Bad breath

Dogs aren’t known for having fresh, minty breath. However, bad breath is often an indicator or poor dental health, but it can be associated with kidney failure or diabetes. Dental disease is common in dogs, with up to 80% of dogs suffering from some form of dental disease by the age of three. Home tooth brushing in conjunction with regular veterinary dental checks can help prevent bad breath, painful teeth and gums, tooth loss and spread of infection to other organs. So if you have noticed a marked change in your dogs breath, get them checked out by your local vet.

5. Eating grass

Most dog owners have seen their beloved pet eating grass at some point in time, which can sometimes be followed by vomiting. You may be concerned that they are unwell, hungry, bored or worried that the grass may be bad for them. You will be happy to know that grass eating is quite common and considered normal dog behaviour. The only time you need to call the vet is when it becomes a regular habit. Make sure your grass isn’t treated with pesticides or fertilisers as this can be toxic for your dog. Also never let your dog eat mowed lawn clippings.

6. Eating bodily waste

You may be surprised to know that it is normal for dogs to eat poop. Dogs evolved as scavengers, eating whatever food they could find. Their digestive systems work well, so they get some nutrients out of it. You may not want to cuddle up to your dog with potty breath, so when you catch them in the act, offer them something else to eat.

7. Rolling in garbage

You see something rotten, decaying or smelly and you step around it. However, your dog takes great pleasure in rolling in it. This may be disgusting to humans, however it is perfectly normal dog behaviour. Many believe its instinctual behaviour, going back to the days when dogs used to disguise their own scent from prey. Whilst you can’t stop the behaviour, try steering them in a different direction or just offer a bath as soon as you get home!

8. Humping

It can be quite embarrassing when your dog starts humping your furniture, another pet or worse someone’s leg. This may be normal behaviour amongst dogs, but not socially acceptable to humans. Humping can be related to showing their dominance, boredom, to relieve stress or a medical problem. If your dog’s humping is becoming a problem, the first step is to consult your vet to rule out possible medical causes. Your vet or a trainer can then help with behaviour tips to try and deter the behaviour moving forward.

9. Scratching & licking

Dogs are often seen scratching and they often groom themselves by licking their paws and other parts of their body. This is normal behaviour as long as they don’t overdo it. Frequent itching and licking can be a sign of a skin irritation, allergy or fleas. This excessive behaviour can also lead to hot spots or raw and inflamed skin areas, which can become infected and require medication. So keep an eye on your dog’s scratching and licking habits and get it checked out if it’s becoming excessive

10. Dreaming

Have you ever watched your dog twitching, whining or moving their paws while they are asleep? Chances are they are dreaming. Like us, dogs and other animals go through several sleep cycles. One stage is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is the stage of sleep responsible for the most memorable and vivid dreams. You may be concerned that they are having a nightmare and want to wake them. But it is best to let them be as they may wake up startled, dazed or frightened. Instead offer them comfort if needed when they wake up naturally.

Is my cat normal?

1. Face rubbing

Cats love to rub up against their owners; it’s a sign of affection. When cats rub up against surfaces they are transferring their scent, its almost like they are claiming ownership. They may nuzzle up against your face, or even weave through your legs as you are preparing their dinner. All of which is normal, loving cat behaviour.

2. Bringing you “gifts”

Being presented with gifts of dead mice, birds or lizards is not much fun, but hunting is a cat’s natural instinct. However, there is a real concern that domestic cats are impacting on the welfare of the natural wildlife. To help prevent your cat bringing home unwanted surprises it is best to restrict outdoor access at dusk, dawn and after bad weather when wildlife is most active. Attach a bell to your cats collar to warn off their prey and encourage your cat to use their natural hunting instincts inside by offering a range of fun toys to play with.

3. Drinking from the toilet

You watch your cat groom themselves, then you see them drinking out of the toilet and wonder why? Some cats drink from the toilet as it tastes fresh, due to regular flushing. There is no need to worry about your cat’s toilet drinking habits unless you use chemical cleaners. If so, prevent your cat from drinking toilet water by closing the lid and make sure their water bowl is regularly cleaned and filled with fresh water.

4. Eating plants

Although cats are primarily carnivores, in the wild they also nibble on plants for added nutrients and fibre. Domestic cats sometimes eat houseplants out of boredom or simply because they like the taste. Take note if your cat is chomping on your plants, as many are poisonous to cats. Lilies are particularly dangerous and potentially fatal to cats. All parts of the plant, including the pollen, flower, leaves are poisonous so make sure lilies are well out of reach. Some other plants that can also be dangerous if eaten by your cat include azaleas, tulips, daffodils and carnations.

5. Sleeping all day

Cats typically sleep anywhere from 16-20 hours per day. Although they sleep two thirds of the time, their daytime naps aren’t generally deep sleeps, so they are easily woken by household sounds, patting, food or other stimuli. The only time to be concerned is if your cat is sleeping more often or more deeply than usual. Or if they are having difficulty lying down or getting up its time to get in touch with your local vet to have your cat checked out.

6. Playing at night

Your cat’s instincts may be telling them to play at night, when their super vision lets them sneak up on prey. Most domesticated cats adjust their schedule to be active when everyone is awake, but this doesn’t always happen. If you have a night owl, try wearing them out with a game and meal before bedtime. If they wake you up, ignore them. You can also try removing their toys before bedtime. If this doesn’t solve the problem, speak with your local vet.

7. Kneading

Kneading is natural, instinctual common cat behaviour. When your cat starts kneading your lap while you are patting them, they are simply returning the affection. Kneading is learned very early in a cat’s life to stimulate the mother’s milk production. So your cat may knead you, blankets or other soft objects around the house as a reminder of the rewarding comfort of nursing. If your cat’s kneading is causing a problem, don’t punish them. Instead try placing a thick blanket between you and your cat and make it a habit of keeping your cats nails trimmed.

8. Scratching

Cats need to scratch. They do this instinctively to keep their nails in good condition. To allow this natural behaviour, provide a scratching pole or mat to help prevent your cat from scratching your furniture. If they do starting scratching your furniture, place protective material over the area and ensure a scratching pole or mat is placed nearby to divert their attention. Make sure the scratching pole is stable enough that it won’t wobble during use and you may need a few around the house depending on your cats needs.

9. Bad breath

Bad breath is often an indicator or poor dental health, but it can also be associated with kidney failure or diabetes. Dental disease is common in cats, with up to 70% of cats suffering from some form of dental disease by the age of three. Home tooth brushing in conjunction with regular veterinary dental checks can help prevent bad breath, painful teeth and gums, tooth loss and spread of infection to other organs. So if you have noticed a marked change in your cat’s breath, get them checked out by your local vet.

10. Chatting

Some cats are more talkative than others. Some softly meow periodically, while others can meow loud and often, sometimes in a demanding voice. As long as your cat doesn’t seem anxious, angry or in pain there is no cause for alarm. However, if you notice a sudden change in the way your cat vocalises, or their yowling and crying in a concerning way, its time to speak to the vet.

Is my pet normal?