10 Signs Your Dog Might Be Experiencing Anxiety (And How to Help)

Like people, dogs have personalities and experiences that shape who they are and how they behave. While their breed may shape their temperament, it’s not solely responsible for everything.

It’s more than possible for one dog of a single breed to be well-adjusted and friendly and another to be anxious and aggressive.

If you’re the owner of a dog displaying signs of anxiety. It’s in your best interest to help them manage this mental disorder for their benefit and yours. 

This begs the question: what are the signs of a dog experiencing anxiety in the first place? What’s the difference between a dog that’s anxious only because of an environmental trigger and one that’s chronically anxious?  

Signs of Dog Anxiety to Watch Out For

This article will delve into the symptoms of canine anxiety to help you properly identify and manage this disorder. Furthermore, we’ll also provide some practical tips and solutions to help your furry friend manage their tense and anxious state much better.

Let’s jump right into it.

1. Shaking and Pacing

One common sign of dog anxiety is if they’re visibly shaking or pacing back and forth. When anxious dogs are brought to an unfamiliar or triggering environment, they bundle up nervous energy internally. This can manifest with them shaking or pacing uncontrollably in fear. 

If your dog cannot cope with the fear due to the environment—like loud triggers, unfamiliar environments, or a brief separation from their owner—they may exhibit these signs through these visible coping movements.

In severe cases, anxious dogs may struggle to settle down from their discomfort and shake until the source of the stress is gone. 

To combat this symptom, it’s important to provide your dog with some reassurance. If it’s possible to move them away from the trigger.

Like a big dog or loud music, give them that space. If they trust you, then stay by their side to make them feel calm and safe in the face of an unfamiliar and anxiety-inducing environment. 

It’s important to remove them from the surroundings that cause them anxiety. Leaving them exposed to such a triggering place can exacerbate their anxiety. As much as possible, stick by their side and give them some gentle and loving pats to ease their worries and make them feel comfortable. 

2. Destructive Chewing

Anxious dogs act out in a slew of other ways, and destructive chewing is among the top behaviors that anxious dogs do to cope with their anxiety.

It could indicate underlying anxiety if your dog chews on random household items like books, shoes, and furniture legs. It’s not uncommon for dogs to chew on things to ease their distress.  

As frustrating as it is to return home with broken things. It’s important not to lash out at your canine pals, as they don’t know any better.  If your dog is a destructive chewer, know you can combat that with the right items.  

For instance, you can use high-quality anxiety toys to help them redirect their energy to items designed to withstand their incessant chewing. These toys provide dogs of all ages a sense of calm and relief, helping them unwind and sleep more easily. 

Of course, removing your dog from the source of its stress is also ideal. For instance, if your dog is anxious because of another dog in the house, refrain from leaving it with that dog and gently and slowly introduce it to a safe and controlled environment. 

By providing them with the right anxiety toys and keeping them away from stressors. Your pet can cope more easily with anxiety and become a relaxed and peaceful dog.

3. Excessive Whining and Barking

Another sign of anxiety in dogs is excessive whining and barking. Some dog breeds, like Huskies, whine more than others. Some dogs within the same breed could also be more natural whiners and barkers, while others may have a quieter temperament. 

It’s important to consider your pet’s baseline noise level before labeling it excessive. If your pet becomes noticeably louder during certain events—like if you leave home or during a thunderstorm—this can be a sign of underlying anxiety.  

If your dog has never whined before but is doing so now, that could indicate some underlying stressor affecting them. Conversely, if they’re natural whiners, then continued vocalization at the same frequency may not be something to worry about that much. 

Regardless, if you suspect your pet is expressing anxious behavior, offering them comfort from their distress is essential. Your presence, along with calming aids, can reduce their stress levels and make them feel at ease.

4. Hiding in Corners

If your dog flees and retreats to quiet and inaccessible corners, like under the couch, it could be a sign that it feels overwhelmed, unsafe, and anxious. 

Anxious dogs tend to gravitate towards small, tight, dark spaces whenever they feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. These places provide a solitary space where their senses won’t be overloaded. 

If there’s a likely reason for them to retreat in this corner, like the presence of a stranger at your house or the sound of loud music, then this would signal distress and anxiety on their part. 

To help them overcome this stress, it’s essential not to force them out. Be patient and allow them to retreat in that space until they feel safe. 

You can then gradually expose them to the trigger and provide positive reinforcement if they interact with it positively. This can build their confidence over time.

5. Flattened Ears

Looking at a dog’s posture is also a great way to gauge their anxiety levels. One clear sign of fear in them is if their ears are flattened and pulled back from their heads. This is often the case if they’re directly near a perceived threat. 

Removing that threat and easing a dog’s anxiety is one way of rebuilding their confidence. Besides cowered ears, you should also look if they’re tucking their tails or cowering their bodies, as those can also be visible indicators of anxiety in dogs.

6. Excessive Licking or Grooming

If your dog is licking its paws or body excessively, it could be a sign that it’s feeling anxious or stressed. Licking oneself is a coping mechanism for many dogs. If it’s their primary coping mechanism, it can lead to skin irritation and coat health issues.

Consider giving them other outlets to ease their worries, like an anxiety toy, a plush toy, or a mental puzzle. These stimulating items can distract them from the anxiety source and reduce destructive behavior. 

7. Change in Appetite or Sleep Habits

A dog facing mental turmoil may develop changes in its usual dietary and sleeping habits. Some dogs may sleep too much or too little, and others may choose not to eat. 

If your dog is exhibiting these behavioral problems, there’s a high chance that they’re facing anxiety. Putting them in a calm environment with no triggers is a good start.  

If their symptoms don’t subside, it’s ideal to bring them to a veterinarian for a proper health check-up.

8. Drooling or Panting

Dogs typically pant when they’re exposed to heat or heavy physical exertion. However, if they’re supposed to be relaxed but are still panting or drooling, this could be a sign of underlying anxiety. 

Panting and drooling are common physiological responses that dogs make when they’re exposed to stress-inducing triggers like unfamiliar environments or threats. In such cases, bringing them to a place without these stressors can help alleviate their discomfort.

9. Unusual Aggression

Some dogs may behave aggressively if they’re feeling anxious, particularly at the source of the anxiety. For instance, it’s not uncommon for anxious dogs to growl or bark at strangers, especially if they feel cornered or threatened.  

In such cases, it’s important to understand where the dog’s fears are coming from. Slowly address this aggressive behavior with a proper mix of desensitization training and positive reinforcement. By doing this, you can get your dog to behave more calmly in the face of stressors.

10. Hypervigilant Posture

Dogs who are overly alert to their surroundings may be exhibiting signs of anxiety. This can manifest as jumpiness, a raised front paw, and alert eyes.  

Hypervigilant behavior in dogs may manifest as a strong response to minor stimuli, like a doorbell ringing or the front door opening or closing.

Keep Calm and Stress Free!

In extreme cases, it’s important to encourage relaxation in your dog by giving them the right calming aids, like a plush toy or a dog treat.  

Moreover, keep calm and collected when these new stimuli happen as well. This way, they’ll feel more at ease even if these stimuli occur. 

All the best in keeping your dog calm and stress-free!