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Challenging Behaviour in Animals: Emotional Issues, Pain, and Unacknowledged Changes

Writer's picture: Cat HamiltonCat Hamilton

When a beloved animal exhibits challenging behaviour, it can often leave their caregiver feeling frustrated, confused, or even helpless. From sudden aggression to anxiety-driven actions or inexplicable stubbornness, behavioural challenges may appear to be the animal "acting out" or misbehaving. 


However, many times these behaviours are rooted in something deeper; emotional struggles, physical pain, or resistance to unacknowledged changes in their environment.


Understanding these underlying factors is key to helping our animals overcome their challenges and thrive in a harmonious relationship with their caregivers.


Animals, like humans, experience a wide range of emotions. These emotions can sometimes manifest in behaviour that seems difficult to manage. Emotional issues can arise for several reasons, including pain, fear, past trauma, loneliness, or feelings of insecurity.


For example, an animal that was previously well-behaved may suddenly become withdrawn, aggressive, or anxious. This could be due to changes in their environment, a lack of bonding time, or even a perceived threat that their caregiver may not be aware of. When animals feel emotionally unstable or neglected, they may exhibit behaviours that can be mis-understood, or in ways that communicate their distress.


Signs of Emotional Distress:


  • Aggression towards other animals or humans, often stemming from fear or insecurity.

  • Separation anxiety, expressed through destructive behaviour or excessive barking/howling, and insecurity 

  • Withdrawn behaviour, where the animal isolates itself or avoids contact with others.

  • Nervous or repetitive habits, such as pacing, repetitive licking, or excessive grooming.


Addressing emotional issues in animals often requires patience, understanding, and a focus on providing emotional security. This might involve giving them more attention, creating a consistent routine, or using animal communication to identify and help resolve their emotional blockages.


Just as humans might become irritable or impatient when in pain, animals can exhibit uncharacteristic behaviours when they’re dealing with physical discomfort. Pain is a common, but often overlooked, cause of behavioural changes in animals.


An animal experiencing pain may not be able to communicate this discomfort directly, but their actions can provide clues. For instance, a dog that once enjoyed being touched may start snapping or growling when someone gets too close. An animal may also become unusually lethargic or, conversely, hyperactive to distract themselves from the pain.


Common Pain-Related Behaviours:


  • Irritability or aggression when touched, especially around a specific part of the body.

  • Avoidance of activities they once enjoyed, such as walking, playing, or jumping.

  • Changes in eating habits, either eating much more or much less than usual.

  • Restlessness or difficulty settling, indicating discomfort that prevents relaxation.


If a caregiver suspects that their animals mis-understood behaviour is related to pain, a visit to a veterinarian is essential. Once the pain is addressed, whether through medical treatment or holistic therapies, behavioural improvements are often quick to follow.


Animals are creatures of habit, and sudden changes in their routine, environment, or social structure can be deeply unsettling. When significant changes occur—such as a move to a new home, the arrival of a new family member, or even changes in the caregiver’s schedule—animals can feel disoriented or stressed, especially when they haven’t been "consulted" or prepared for the shift.


While it might seem unusual to consider consulting with your animal, they thrive on communication, and they need to understand the reasons behind changes in their lives. Sudden disruptions to their sense of security can lead to behaviours like defiance, withdrawal, or seemingly acting out as they try to cope with the confusion and stress.

Signs of Resistance to Change:


  • Increased anxiety, shown through pacing, whining, or excessive grooming.

  • Destructive behaviour, such as chewing on furniture or clawing at doors.

  • Regressive habits, such as house soiling or ignoring previously learned commands.

  • Attention-seeking behaviour, including excessive vocalisation or clinginess.


To help animals adjust to change, it’s important to give them time to adapt and provide reassurance. One effective way to support them is through gentle communication, whether through direct dialogue, energy healing, or the help of an animal communicator who can provide insight into the animal’s perspective. Preparing pets for change and involving them in the process can reduce their anxiety and improve their behaviour.


Addressing challenging behaviours in animals requires a holistic approach that considers their emotional, physical, and environmental well-being. Here are some steps caregivers can take to better understand and resolve the root causes of behavioural issues:


  1. Observe Carefully: Take note of when and how the challenging behaviour occurs. Are there specific triggers? Is the behaviour linked to certain times of day, activities, or interactions?

  2. Consider All Aspects: Reflect on whether the behaviour may be due to emotional distress, physical pain, or recent changes in the animal’s life. Keeping a journal of behaviour patterns can be helpful.

  3. Consult a Professional: A veterinarian can rule out any underlying health issues, while an animal communicator or holistic healer can help explore emotional and environmental factors.

  4. Provide Reassurance: Ensure the animal feels safe and supported, especially during times of transition. This may involve extra attention, comforting routines, or calming environments.

  5. Communicate and Involve: Whether through direct conversations, energy work, or animal communication, keep the lines of communication open between you and your animal. Helping them understand their circumstances can often alleviate behavioural challenges.


Challenging behaviour in animals is often a reflection of deeper issues, whether emotional, physical, or related to unacknowledged changes. By approaching these behaviours with empathy, observation, and a willingness to communicate, caregivers can help their animals regain balance and well-being. After all, animals, like us, seek to feel safe, understood, and comfortable in their world.




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