Is your furry friend hiding, shaking, or engaging in destructive behavior? These could be signs that your dog is struggling with anxiety. Studies show that up to 72.5% of dogs exhibit at least one anxiety-related behavior.1
Anxiety in dogs can manifest in various ways, from excessive barking and panting to loss of appetite and aggression. Left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact your dog’s quality of life and even lead to serious health issues.
As a loving dog owner, it’s crucial to recognize the red flags of anxiety in your canine companion. By understanding these 16 signs and implementing effective strategies, you can help your dog find relief and regain a sense of calm.
1. Excessive Barking or Whining
Does your dog seem to bark at everything and nothing? Incessant vocalization is often a sign of distress. Dogs may bark or whine excessively when anxious, trying to alert their owners to potential threats or seeking attention.
To help your vocal pup, try identifying the triggers for their barking. Once the cause is pinpointed, you can work on desensitization techniques or provide distractions during stressful situations.
Remember, patience is key when addressing this behavior.
2. Destructive Behavior
Chewed-up shoes, shredded curtains, or scratched doors can be more than just mischief. These destructive tendencies often indicate that your dog is experiencing anxiety, especially when left alone.
To address this issue, ensure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, regular exercise, and crate training can help reduce destructive behaviors.
If the problem persists, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for tailored advice.
3. Excessive Panting & Drooling
While it’s normal for dogs to pant after exercise or in hot weather, excessive panting without an apparent cause could indicate anxiety. Coupled with drooling, these symptoms might indicate your dog is stressed or uncomfortable.
To help your panting pooch, create a calm environment and provide a safe space where they can retreat. Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps.
If the behavior persists, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
4. Restlessness & Pacing
Does your dog seem unable to settle down? Constant pacing or restlessness can be a clear indicator of anxiety. This behavior often stems from an inability to relax due to stress or nervousness.
To help your restless rover, establish a consistent routine that includes regular exercise and quiet time. Creating a predictable environment can help reduce anxiety.
Teaching relaxation techniques, such as “place” or “settle” commands, can help your dog calm down.
5. Aggression or Reactivity
Sudden aggression or increased reactivity towards people, other animals, or specific situations can indicate anxiety in dogs. This behavior is often rooted in fear or discomfort.
Addressing aggression requires patience and professional guidance. Consult a certified dog behaviorist to develop a safe and effective training plan.
Never punish aggressive behavior, as this can exacerbate anxiety and lead to more serious issues.
6. Excessive Licking or Chewing
If your dog constantly licks its paws or chews on its fur, it might be more than grooming. These repetitive behaviors can be self-soothing mechanisms for anxious dogs.
To help your dog break this habit, provide alternative activities and distractions. Interactive toys or puzzle feeders can keep their minds occupied.
If the behavior is causing skin irritation, consult your vet for potential treatments and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
7. Changes in Appetite
Anxiety can significantly impact a dog’s eating habits. Some anxious dogs may lose their appetite entirely, while others might eat excessively as a coping mechanism.
Monitor your dog’s food intake and consult your veterinarian if you notice significant changes.
They may recommend adjusting feeding routines or exploring anxiety-reducing techniques to help normalize your dog’s eating habits.
8. Hiding or Seeking Isolation
Is your usual social pup suddenly seeking solitude? Hiding under furniture or retreating to the quiet corners of the house can indicate that your dog is anxious or overwhelmed.
Respect your dog’s need for space, and create safe, comfortable areas where they can retreat when stressed.
Gradually encourage positive interactions and socialization at their own pace to help build confidence.
9. Excessive Shedding
While shedding is normal for most dogs, excessive hair loss can signify stress and anxiety. You might notice more fur than usual on your furniture or clothing during heightened anxiety.
Regular grooming can help you monitor your dog’s shedding patterns. Consider potential stressors in your dog’s environment if you notice an increase.
Addressing these factors, along with providing a balanced diet and proper skin care, can help reduce anxiety-related shedding.
10. Trembling or Shaking
Shaking or trembling, especially in situations that wouldn’t normally cause fear, can be a clear sign of anxiety in dogs. Other anxiety symptoms often accompany this physical manifestation of stress.
To help your trembling terrier, identify triggers and work on gradual desensitization. Create a safe, calm environment during stressful situations.
In severe cases, your veterinarian might recommend anti-anxiety medications or supplements to help manage symptoms.
11. Excessive Yawning or Lip Licking
While yawning and lip licking are normal dog behaviors, excessive occurrences can indicate stress or anxiety. These are often calming signals that dogs use when they’re feeling uncomfortable.
Pay attention to when these behaviors occur to identify potential triggers. Through reward-based training, work on creating positive associations with stressful situations.
Providing a calm environment and respecting your dog’s boundaries can also help reduce these anxiety-related behaviors.
12. Tail Tucking
A dog’s tail position can speak volumes about their emotional state. A consistently tucked tail, especially when your dog would normally be relaxed, can indicate anxiety or fear.
Observe the contexts in which your dog tucks their tail and work on building positive associations with those situations. Gentle encouragement and reward-based training can help boost your dog’s confidence.
Remember, never force your dog into situations that cause them to display this anxious body language.
13. House Soiling
Anxiety could be the culprit if your house-trained dog suddenly starts having accidents indoors. Stress can cause dogs to lose control of their bladders or bowels, even if they’re normally well-behaved.
Rule out medical issues with a vet check-up, then address potential anxiety triggers. Maintain a consistent potty routine and avoid punishing accidents, as this can increase anxiety.
Positive reinforcement for appropriate elimination can help rebuild confidence and reduce anxiety-related house soiling.
14. Clingy Behavior
Is your independent pup suddenly your shadow? Excessive clinginess or neediness can indicate that your dog is anxious and seeking reassurance.
While it’s important to provide comfort, avoid reinforcing anxious behavior with too much attention. Instead, reward calm, independent behavior and gradually increase your dog’s confidence through training and positive experiences.
Creating a predictable routine can also help reduce anxiety-driven clinginess.
15. Excessive Sleeping
While dogs sleep a lot naturally, a sudden increase in sleep or lethargy can be a sign of anxiety or depression. Anxious dogs may sleep more to escape stressful situations.
Ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. Establish a consistent routine that includes exercise, playtime, and training sessions.
If excessive sleeping persists, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
16. Hypervigilance
Does your dog seem constantly on edge, reacting to every little sound or movement? This state of hypervigilance can be exhausting for both you and your pet, and it’s often a sign of underlying anxiety.
Help your hypervigilant hound by creating a calm, predictable environment. Use white noise or calming music to mask sudden sounds.
Gradually expose your dog to various stimuli in a controlled, positive manner to help build their confidence and reduce anxiety-driven alertness.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.