What should I do if my puppy chews excessively or bites people?

Record the situation and frequency first, provide a video of the biting behavior, and consult a vet or behaviorist to assess whether handling, training, or a behavior plan needs to be adjusted.

What can I do at home if I suspect my puppy has separation anxiety?

You can start by increasing environmental enrichment and practising brief separations. Keep notes and videos, and if the behavior continues or worsens, consult a vet or behavior specialist.

What tests will a vet do to find the cause of behavior changes?

Common checks include a physical examination, blood tests, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and imaging when needed. These help rule out medical causes before a behavior assessment is made.

When should I take my puppy to a behavior specialist or vet?

If behavior changes persist for several weeks, pose a risk to people or other animals, or occur with worsening body condition, see a vet promptly or ask for referral to a behavior specialist.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Puppy and Kitten Behavior Problems: Signs, Assessment & Care Guide [2025]

Puppy and kitten behavior problems need early training and socialisation.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVSAB, AAHA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek emergency care immediately

•Sudden collapse with prolonged loss of consciousness
•Continuous seizures that cannot be stopped
•Severely labored breathing or obvious difficulty breathing

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Significant decrease in appetite lasting more than two days
•Unable to eliminate normally or experiencing frequent incontinence
•Sudden behavioral change involving aggression or extreme fearfulness

01What signs suggest something is wrong?

Common abnormal behaviors in puppies and kittens include changes in mood, activity level, and toileting. Some situations may mean urgent veterinary care is needed.

Change in mental state: seeming lethargic or slow to respond
Reduced appetite or picky eating, with a noticeable drop in food intake
Lower activity levels, reluctance to play, or suddenly becoming inactive
Abnormal toileting: incontinence, urinating or defecating around the home, or changes in toileting habits
Changes in mood: becoming overly clingy, withdrawn, or refusing contact with people
Sudden aggressive behavior or an excessively fearful response

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Sudden collapse or prolonged loss of consciousness
⚠️ Ongoing seizures or inability to regain alertness

02How can you assess changes at home? Observation tips and when it may be urgent

Recording key details at home helps your vet understand the situation quickly and assess possible causes.

Keep a diary of when signs started, how often they happen, and how they change
Measure and record food and water intake at the same time each day
Record videos of the behavior from the front and side to show the problem clearly
Track toileting frequency, stool or urine appearance, and any incontinence
Weigh your pet weekly and record the weight trend
If signs worsen or are unstable, arrange a veterinary appointment as soon as possible

03How will a vet diagnose the problem? Common tests

At the clinic, your vet will perform a systematic assessment to rule out medical causes and decide whether further tests or referral to a behavior specialist are needed.

Physical examination

including observation of neurological and behavioral responses

Blood tests

to screen for infection, metabolic issues, or endocrine abnormalities

Biochemistry profile

to assess organ function such as the liver and kidneys

Urinalysis

to rule out urinary or metabolic problems

Diagnostic imaging (X-rays/ultrasound)

used when needed to assess organs or bones

Advanced imaging (CT/MRI)

used when necessary to assess the brain or complex lesions

Assessment and advice at a hospital with advanced equipment or a behavior specialist may be recommended

04How are behavior problems treated and managed after diagnosis? Medication, diet changes, and care

Care usually focuses on behavior modification and training, with medical management and regular monitoring added when needed. The plan should be tailored to the individual pet.

Create an individual behavior training plan based mainly on positive reinforcement
Home care: build a consistent routine and reduce sources of stress
Diet and environmental adjustments: change feeding methods or add environmental enrichment when appropriate
If needed, your vet will assess whether medical treatment should be included
Schedule regular follow-up visits to track behavior changes and test results
Ongoing follow-up and support with a behavior specialist or veterinary hospital may be recommended

05What should you prepare before seeing the vet? Key details that help identify the cause

Bring records of the signs and when they first appeared

Prepare detailed recent notes on diet, water intake, and toileting

List all current medications and supplements

Bring behavior videos, as video often shows the problem better than a verbal description

Bring vaccination records and previous medical history, if available

Before the visit, consider calling ahead to book and ask whether any tests can be arranged in advance

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.

Related Symptoms (You May Also Be Looking For)

Lethargy

Decreased activity

Anorexia

Loss of appetite

Aggression

Hostile behavior