Vet explains what it means when your dog barks more than usual

Cuddling up with a dog at the end of a long day, or enjoying a wander in the sunshine together is a great way to add joy to your life. However, if your dog is constantly barking and yapping then it can be quite draining.

There are a lot of reasons that your dog will bark and a lot of them are totally normal. However, Dr Suzanne Moyes, in house vet at Burgess Pet Care said it’s important to understand what may have caused a change in behaviour in your dog. She said: “Barking is a normal and natural way for dogs to communicate, but if a dog is barking more than usual or it becomes excessive, it is often a sign that something else is going on.

“Rather than simply trying to stop the barking, it’s important to understand what might be causing it.

There are a lot of reasons dogs will bark. They can be excited, frustrated, bored, scared or looking for attention.

Dr Moyes said: “In some cases, barking can also be linked to separation anxiety, particularly if it happens when they are left alone.

“Some dogs can find time on their own difficult, especially if they have not been gradually introduced to it, and barking may be a sign that they are worried or unsettled.”

It can also be a learned behaviour. That means that if your dog barks, and then receives love, food or play they can associate barking with getting what they want.

Dr Moyes warned that even being told to stop can feel like attention to your dog. She said: “it’s important to think about what may be reinforcing the behaviour.”

One of the ways you can help your dog to not grow up as one which relies on barking is to focus on socialisation from a young age.

Dr Moyes explained: “Dogs that have had positive experiences with different people, places, sounds and situations from a young age are often more confident and less likely to be afraid or unsure of everyday triggers as they get older.”

Although barking can be completely normal behaviour, it’s important to be mindful if there is a sudden change.

Dr Moyes said: “In some cases, pain, discomfort, changes in hearing or another underlying health issue could all make a dog more vocal.

“If your dog has started barking excessively, or their behaviour has changed, it’s always best to speak to your vet for advice.”