Sometimes, the uncommon behaviour of our pets can be unsettling. Especially so for first-time pet owners, some pet quirks may be a cause for worry. While we may not have the explanation for every quirk, the good news is, there is a reason for every action. From escaping from the bath to scooting, here’re some of the more common pet quirks explained.

Jumping Out of the Bath

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While this is a more common behaviour amongst felines, there’re dogs who too, dislike baths. While the exact reason for why cats escape from baths is unclear, many vets in Singapore suggest that this behaviour may be due to the length of their fur. As a cat’s fur is relatively longer than that of a dog’s, a feline will take longer to dry off and the discomfort from being wet may cause it to form a negative association with baths.

If bathing your feline is a challenge, consider engaging mobile pet grooming services in Singapore. With their assistance and experience, bath times will be relatively fuss-free.

Scooting

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You might spot your dog or cat dragging their bottom across the carpet or floor – a behaviour known as scooting. This action could be due to a gastrointestinal worms infestation, infected anal glands or an issue with their anal sacs.

Dogs and cats have anal sacs located at the rectum which release fluids, used to mark territory and identify each other. If the sacs are impacted or blocked or if there is an excess of that fluid, your pet may seek relief by scooting. It’s recommended to seek help from a professional if your pet is consistently scooting.

Rear Sniffing

Sniffing another animal’s butt is a common behaviour displayed by dogs. If you observe closely, you’ll notice that animals sniff butts whenever they meet new friends, in the mornings, or when one of them has just returned from a walk or being away for some time.

Sniffing the rear is a form of communication and a quick sniff can equip a dog with the knowledge of the other dog’s gender, health and even how they’re feeling. In short, this behaviour is a canine’s way of getting to know each other, so don’t worry too much if you see your pet sniffing around another animal’s bottom.

Poop Eating

This strange behaviour is known as Coprophagia, a scavenging behaviour instinctive to dogs. However, this behaviour can also be attributed to malnutrition or health conditions such as diabetes. Hence, a trip to the vet is advisable.

When in doubt, always seek the assistance of a vet as it is best to get a professional’s opinion rather than attempting to correct the behaviour. After all, who else better understands our pets than the professionals?