Understanding and treating anxiety in humans has changed a lot in the past ten years. Dogs also feel stress and anxiety, but they can’t tell us how they feel, so it’s tricky to know when they’re anxious.
As a dog owner, it’s your job to figure out what makes your pup anxious. If you can reduce these things, you can help your dog feel safer and happier. Signs of anxiety in dogs can be hard to spot, so it’s important to pay attention and learn what might be causing their stress.
Normally, relaxed dogs have round, open eyes, stand with their weight on all four legs, have a raised tail, and their ears are up and facing forward. They breathe normally unless they’re panting from playing or exercising.
Here are some signs of anxiety in dogs to look out for.
Pacing and Shaking
Like humans, dogs might walk back and forth or circle a lot when they’re stressed. This could mean they’re feeling scared or nervous. Your dog might also shake or tremble. Usually, this stops once whatever is making them stressed is gone.
Increased Heart Rate and Panting
When dogs feel stressed, their body goes into automatic mode called the autonomic nervous system. It’s like a survival instinct that helps them deal with danger. This system can make them want to fight, run away, or freeze in place.
Dogs also have a sympathetic nervous system. When they’re stressed, this system releases adrenaline, which makes their heart beat faster and their breathing quicker, like when they pant.
Yawning
Dogs don’t just yawn when they’re tired; they also yawn when they’re nervous. These yawns are often more frequent and longer than when they’re sleepy.
Drooling
When a dog is stressed, their nervous system can make them drool and lick their lips frequently, known as “lip-smacking.” This behavior is also observed when a dog feels nauseous, and it might be linked to the nervous system’s effect on the digestive system.
Compulsive Behaviors
Dogs have ways to calm themselves when stressed, but sometimes, these actions can turn into compulsive and harmful habits. They might excessively lick themselves, floors, or walls, bark a lot, or chew objects obsessively. This behavior can lead to skin infections and stomach issues from swallowing things, digging holes, destroying items, or trying to escape from crates. Crying or barking can also be signs of anxiety or an attempt to let us know they’re stressed.
Hypervigilance (Dilated Pupils, Ear Signals, Stiff Posture)
Dogs with anxiety may have bigger pupils and blink more quickly. They might stand very still, ready for danger, or it could be a natural reaction to fear. Their eyes might show more white than usual, and their ears might stick up or flatten against their head when stressed. When scared, they may tuck their tails between their legs or lean back on their hind legs.
Hiding or Acting Depressed
When dogs are stressed, they might hide behind you or objects like chairs or cars to feel safe. They might also seem very active and nudge your legs or hands to tell you to move away from whatever is stressing them out. Sometimes, they might just freeze and seem sad or disconnected from what’s going on around them.
Having Diarrhea or Accidents
Adrenaline affects dogs like it does humans, making them feel like they need to go to the bathroom. Your dog might suddenly pee, dribble urine, or even have a poop accident when they’re stressed. This is because of their sympathetic nervous system. Another sign of stress in dogs is a decreased appetite. They might not want to eat, even if it’s their favorite treat, when they’re feeling anxious.
Shedding
Stressed dogs often lose more fur, especially when they go to the vet.
