Rottie suddenly acts scared and unaware of family

by Margie
(Clemson, SC)

2 year old female American Rottweiler. Always loving, playful, and very gentle. Today acted like she didn’t recognize my husband or myself, until long hand sniffing and re-acquaintance. Then she continued to behave strangely, as if scared of every movement or noise.

She usually runs to drink water as it’s being filled. She ran to the opposite corner and hid until the water hose was put away. She usually loves to walk on her leash. She just kept laying down, and jumping backwards.

She doesn’t appear to have any physical injuries, but she is definitely not herself. She is still very sweet, but seems unsure of everyone and everything. HELP!!!

Hi Margie. I’m sorry that this submission seemed to slip under my radar. Obviously some time has passed now and hopefully this situation has resolved itself entirely.

Sometimes a dog can get scared by something and it’s enough to knock them off balance entirely. They’re skittish and anxious and just not themselves. Usually this is short-lived and they regain their usual confidence pretty quickly.

It’s always possible that pain or distress is causing the problem. Rottweilers have a high pain tolerance, so it’s not always clear when they’ve hurt themselves. Sometimes a hurt Rottie will act strangely, but not necessarily as if in pain.

Hope all is well now. ~ Sue