DID you know that some pet breeds are predisposed to being clingy? Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers, for example, are known to be highly social and are inclined to crave companionship.
Lapdogs in general are often clingier compared to other kinds of dogs, as well as mixed dog breeds, though this is not definitive for every single one of them. The following are other kinds of dogs that are known to be rather clingy, and they are labeled as “velcro dogs:”
- Australian Shepherds
- Chihuahuas
- Dobermans
- French Bulldogs
- Golden Retrievers
- Italian Greyhounds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Papillons
- Pugs
- Shetland Sheepdogs
However, a pet’s clinginess doesn’t just depend on their breed. Other factors come in, and some can be rather worrying. So, if your pet’s suddenly become clingy over the past few weeks, maybe consider getting them checked.
When it becomes a problem – and how you can deal with it
Who doesn’t love when their dog comes to lick their face, or when their cat suddenly decides to lie down on their chest? Having a pet show you love is one of the best feelings in the world, but there are times when their clinginess may be a cause for concern.
If your pet starts to be clingy, here are some things it could be a sign of:
- Sickness or health issues
Though clinginess isn’t always immediately indicative of health issues, pet website Canidae notes that it’s a red flag if there are any sudden changes in how your pet interacts with you.
Often their behavior changes because they feel confused with what they’re feeling, so they look for security in things or people that are familiar to them.
While you’re cuddling with your pet, you may not realize that they may have an infection, may be on the verge of seizing, or may eventually lose their vision or hearing.
If you see any changes in your pet’s behavior, even if it’s just being clingy, it’s best to schedule a visit to the vet ASAP.
- Stress or anxiety
Your dog may be going through sudden changes or instability, such as having to deal with a different routine or being in a new, unfamiliar setting. They may also be feeling anxiety if they’re away from their owner or are isolated for long periods.
Even your own emotions can affect that of your pet, as they can sense how you’re feeling, particularly if you’re dealing with stress or anxiety. Their feelings may also escalate to separation anxiety, wherein they panic or feel uneasy whenever you’re not there. This may lead to destructive behaviors such as pacing around the house, whining, barking, chewing on things, or peeing in the house even if they’re potty-trained.
If your dog starts to exhibit these signs, it’s best to start training or retraining them to get rid of their habits or to hire a professional who’ll be able to do some behavioral training to help them.
- Lack of socialization
It’s important to socialize your pets even at a young age because a lack of this often leads to clinginess in pets given that you’re the only one that they’ve been able to bond with thus far.
This can be done by taking them to the park or daycare, giving them time to exercise, or setting up play dates with your friends who also have pets. Your pet’s world mustn’t just revolve around you; they need to expand their horizons. This is part of them becoming more independent, as well.
Interacting with others will also help them to be more comfortable around others, as well as more confident in how they deal with situations, even ones that may be foreign to them.
- Boredom/lack of stimulation and exercise
During the pandemic, many would find comfort in talking to their family or friends to pass the time, lest they go insane from boredom. The same can be said for your pets; if they lack entertainment or stimulation, they may try to fill the void by interacting with you.
It’s important to keep your pet stimulated in more ways than one. Take them out on walks, buy them toys, and train them when you have the time. Pets are a commitment, and they deserve to be loved and cared for no matter how tiring doing so may be.
- Inadvertent reinforcement
As per Jacqueline Cote, many people like the feeling of their pets seeking them out.
When their pets approach them, they then respond by praising, adoring, and giving a lot of love and treats to their pet, which may lead the pet to see these as forms of reinforcement.
They then start to grow clingy because of these behaviors and become less familiar with independence and boundaries.
It’s important to continue to establish boundaries with your pet, as well as to not give in every time they start to get clingy, no matter how hard resisting may be. This will be good for them in the long run, as it will teach them to be more independent.
