We’ve all experienced those mornings when everything goes wrong—a stubbed toe, spilled coffee, and an undeniable bad mood. But can our dogs feel the same way? It turns out, they can.
Veterinarian Kelly Moffat, a veterinary behaviorist and medical director at VCA Mesa Animal Hospital in Arizona, confirms that dogs can wake up grumpy, just like humans. “Dogs experience a range of emotions, and sometimes they can wake up feeling cranky, especially if they haven’t had enough rest,” Moffat explains.
Signs Your Dog Might Be in a Bad Mood
While we can vocalize our moods, dogs communicate differently. Certified dog trainer Tatiana Yastremski, based at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey, prefers to describe these changes as shifts in a dog’s emotional state, rather than a “bad mood.” Similar to humans, dogs’ emotions are regulated by hormones, which means they can experience similar emotional fluctuations.
Recognizing a dog’s mood can be tricky, but certain behaviors can be telling. Dogs that wake up stressed or irritable might exhibit signs like pacing, whining, panting, or even hiding. If a dog becomes more withdrawn or aggressive when touched, it could indicate physical discomfort, so owners should be attentive to these cues.
Common Triggers of Grumpy Behavior
Several factors can contribute to a dog waking up in a foul mood. Just like us, dogs can be affected by stress from the previous day, pain, or even the weather. A stressful visit to the vet, a sudden change in barometric pressure before a storm, or even a disrupted sleep cycle can impact a dog’s mood.
Yastremski recounts an instance with her dog, who became grumpy after a particularly exhausting week of training and activities. “She growled when I tried to massage her paws, a behavior she usually enjoys,” Yastremski shares. “It was clear she needed some quiet time to decompress.”
What You Can Do to Help Your Dog Feel Better
If your dog wakes up grumpy, sticking to a familiar routine can be helpful, Moffat suggests. “Keeping things predictable will help your dog return to a balanced emotional state.” In situations where changes to your routine are unavoidable, like having guests over, provide your dog with a safe space to retreat and relax.
Yastremski emphasizes the importance of respecting your dog’s wishes. If they seem irritated or uncooperative, give them space and allow them to decompress. For some dogs, a walk or a chew toy may be just what they need to feel better.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s mood changes persist or result in dangerous behavior, such as escaping or excessive digging, it may be time to consult a veterinarian. Keeping a record of your dog’s unusual behavior can assist the vet in determining if there’s an underlying health issue, such as pain.
Once medical causes have been ruled out, working with a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help resolve behavioral concerns, ensuring your dog wakes up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day—whether that means a walk, a game, or simply snuggling up on the couch.
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