No pet owner wants to see their precious pup suffering from anxiety. Unfortunately, many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, generalised anxiety, environmental anxiety or social anxiety. Sometimes it can be difficult to spot the signs, especially for first time owners. Read on for the 8 most common signs of anxiety in dogs and get the low-down on what to look out for!
Panting
All dogs pant, but if your dog is suddenly panting for no apparent reason, it might be a sign they’re feeling anxious. If the weather isn’t particularly warm and they’re doing it around certain people, other dogs or in specific environments, chances are they aren’t feeling too happy about the situation they’re in.
Pacing
Just like humans, dogs pace back and forth when they’re feeling worried. If your dog suddenly starts doing this, they’re probably trying to communicate that something is up. Comfort your dog and remove them from the situation that is causing them distress.
Barking
Some dogs bark more than others and it usually isn’t a cause for concern. Many dogs bark when they have the ‘stranger danger’ feeling or simply just to get your attention. The key here is to note when your dog starts barking. If you think something in particular is winding them up and it is out of character for them to bark, they’re probably suffering from anxiety.
Whining
When dogs whine, it is a very distinctive noise and one of the most dependable signs that your dog is experiencing a heightened sense of emotion. It usually means they’re worried or upset but it could also mean they’re super excited! Puppies obviously whine a lot more than older dogs so this is worth keeping in mind if your pup is young. If you have an older dog and they suddenly start whining a lot, observe them carefully to assess what the root cause might be.
Shaking
Dogs shake and tremble when they’re scared, just like us. Some owners may assume that their dog is just a bit cold but this is actually a common indicator of anxiety. If your dog frequently shakes in a certain situation or with certain company, they’re likely to be a bit worried about something.
Defecating
It’s not pretty, but even house trained dogs are known to defecate or urinate in the house when they’re feeling extreme anxiety. Never chastise your dog if they do this, what they need is your love and acceptance in a time when they feel very stressed.
Aggression
Aggression in dogs can be caused by many things. Dogs will act out aggressively if they feel threatened or scared and they might be more inclined to act out aggressively if they’ve been abused by previous owners. If a previously sweet natured pooch suddenly seems more aggressive, this definitely warrants further investigation.
Chewing
Puppies are known to be chewers but adult dogs sometimes do this too, especially when they’re feeling anxious. If your dog chews up a different pair of shoes every time you leave the house, this is usually due to separation anxiety. Shop the TastyBone range today; our flavoursome chew toys will be sure to keep your pooch busy for hours.
It’s important to note that changes in behaviour may not just be a sign of anxiety. If you’re ever concerned about your pooch, it is always worth taking a trip to the vets to make sure there’s nothing more sinister going on.
Does your dog suffer from anxiety? Connect with us on social media and tell us what you do to comfort your dog in times of stress.
