A Practical, Vet-Backed Guide for Indian Pet Parents
Bringing a pet home is an emotional decision, one filled with joy, companionship, and unconditional love. But as every pet parent eventually realises, love alone doesn’t solve everything. Behaviour issues in pets are extremely common, and they are often the number one reason for stress, guilt, or even rehoming.
The truth is: most behaviour problems are not “bad behaviour.” They are your pet’s way of communicating discomfort, fear, boredom, anxiety, or unmet needs.
This guide breaks down the most common behaviour issues in dogs and cats, why they happen, and most importantly how to solve them compassionately and effectively.
Why Do Pets Develop Behaviour Problems?
Before addressing any issue, it’s important to understand the root cause. Behaviour problems usually stem from:
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Lack of mental or physical stimulation
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Improper socialisation during early life
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Fear, anxiety, or past trauma
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Medical issues or pain
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Inconsistent training or unclear boundaries
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Sudden changes in routine, environment, or family structure
Correcting behaviour starts with understanding the “why”, not punishment.
1. Excessive Barking or Meowing
Why it happens:
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Attention-seeking behaviour
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Boredom or lack of exercise
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Separation anxiety
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Fear or territorial instincts
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Medical issues (especially in senior pets)
How to solve it:
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Identify triggers (doorbells, strangers, loneliness, hunger)
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Increase physical activity and mental enrichment
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Ignore attention-seeking vocalisation but reward calm behaviour
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Avoid yelling, it reinforces anxiety
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Consult a vet if vocalisation is sudden or excessive
2. Aggression Towards People or Other Pets
Why it happens:
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Fear-based reactions
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Poor socialisation
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Resource guarding (food, toys, territory)
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Pain or illness
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Hormonal factors in unneutered pets
How to solve it:
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Never punish aggression, it escalates fear
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Identify specific triggers
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Use positive reinforcement training
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Create safe spaces for your pet
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Consult a professional trainer or vet behaviourist
Aggression is often a cry for help, not dominance.
3. Destructive Chewing or Scratching
Why it happens:
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Teething in puppies
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Boredom or lack of stimulation
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Separation anxiety
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Natural instinct (especially in cats)
How to solve it:
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Provide breed-appropriate chew toys and scratch posts
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Rotate toys to maintain novelty
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Increase exercise and interactive play
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Puppy-proof your home
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Address anxiety rather than just hiding objects
Destruction is usually a sign of pent-up energy or stress.
4. Separation Anxiety
Why it happens:
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Sudden routine changes
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Over-dependence on pet parents
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Past abandonment or trauma
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Lack of independence training
Signs to watch for:
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Excessive barking or howling
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Destructive behaviour when alone
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Toileting indoors
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Drooling, pacing, or escape attempts
How to solve it:
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Gradually desensitise your pet to being alone
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Avoid dramatic goodbyes and greetings
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Create a predictable routine
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Provide puzzle toys or enrichment feeders
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In severe cases, seek vet-guided behaviour therapy
Separation anxiety is one of the most misunderstood pet behaviour issues, yet highly treatable.
5. House Soiling or Litter Box Issues
Why it happens:
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Incomplete toilet training
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Stress or anxiety
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Dirty or poorly placed litter boxes
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Urinary tract infections or digestive issues
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Marking behaviour
How to solve it:
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Rule out medical issues first
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Maintain strict hygiene (especially for litter boxes)
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Reinforce toilet training using positive rewards
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Avoid punishment, it increases fear
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Use enzyme-based cleaners to remove scent markers
Behavioural toileting issues are often health-related, so never ignore sudden changes.
6. Jumping on People
Why it happens:
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Excitement and lack of impulse control
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Reinforced behaviour (people unknowingly reward it)
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Inconsistent training
How to solve it:
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Ignore jumping and reward calm greetings
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Teach “sit” as an alternative behaviour
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Ask visitors to follow the same rules
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Practice impulse-control exercises daily
Jumping is friendly but unsafe if left unchecked.
7. Fearfulness and Phobias
Common triggers:
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Loud noises (fireworks, thunder)
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New environments
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Strangers or children
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Vet visits
How to solve it:
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Never force exposure
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Use gradual desensitisation
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Create safe, quiet spaces
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Maintain calm energy during fearful events
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Seek vet advice for severe phobias
Fear-based behaviour needs patience, not pressure.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should consult a vet or behaviour expert if:
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Behaviour changes suddenly
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Aggression escalates
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Anxiety interferes with daily life
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Training efforts show no improvement
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Your pet seems withdrawn or distressed
Many behaviour issues are linked to underlying medical conditions, which only a vet can diagnose.
The Role of Preventive Vet Care in Behaviour
Regular health check-ups, proper nutrition, timely vaccinations, and mental enrichment play a huge role in preventing behaviour issues. Pain, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances often manifest as behavioural problems.
This is why an integrated approach combining training, vet care, and lifestyle management works best.
Conclusion
Your pet isn’t trying to be difficult. They’re trying to tell you something. When behaviour issues are addressed with empathy, structure, and professional guidance, pets become calmer, happier, and more confident and pet parenting becomes deeply fulfilling.
For pet parents looking for trusted vet care, behaviour guidance, grooming, and genuine preventive health support, Zigly Pet Care offers a holistic ecosystem designed around your pet’s physical and emotional well-being. Because happy behaviour begins with healthy care. Book a visit now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are behaviour issues in pets a sign of poor training or poor health?
Not always. Many behaviour issues are linked to underlying health concerns such as pain, digestive discomfort, hormonal imbalances, or anxiety. At Zigly Vetcare Centres, vets often recommend ruling out medical causes first before addressing training, as behaviour and health are closely connected.
2. When should I take my pet to a vet for behaviour problems?
You should consult a vet if your pet shows sudden behaviour changes, aggression, extreme anxiety, excessive vocalisation, or house-soiling without an obvious cause. Zigly’s experienced vet teams help identify whether the issue is behavioural, medical, or a combination of both ensuring the right treatment plan from day one.
3. Can grooming and routine care really impact pet behaviour?
Yes. Poor coat health, skin irritation, long nails, or ear infections can make pets uncomfortable and irritable. Regular grooming sessions at Zigly not only maintain hygiene but also reduce stress, improve comfort, and help pets stay calm and confident in their daily routine.
4. How does preventive healthcare help reduce behaviour issues in pets?
Preventive care like regular health check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and balanced nutrition plays a crucial role in behavioural wellness. Zigly’s preventive care approach ensures pets stay healthy from the inside out reducing anxiety, discomfort, and stress-driven behaviour problems.
5. Can Zigly help with both behaviour guidance and overall pet care?
Absolutely. Zigly offers an integrated petcare ecosystem including vet consultations, grooming, nutrition guidance, and authentic pet products, so pet parents don’t have to manage behaviour issues in isolation. With expert support at every stage, Zigly helps build healthier habits and happier behaviour for pets.
