Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs: How to Recognize the Signs

Symptoms of anxiety in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changes in the environment, past trauma, lack of socialization, and even genetics. Dogs may feel anxiety in unfamiliar situations or if they perceive a threat. If you’ve adopted your dog from a shelter, he may be especially prone to anxiety due to past trauma or significant changes in his environment.

In addition, some breeds are naturally more prone to anxiety, and certain life stages can intensify this feeling. For example, a new puppy may experience anxiety due to changes in its environment and separation from its siblings. Similarly, older dogs may feel anxious because their hearing and vision are no longer the same, leading to insecurity and fear.

These categories cover most cases of anxiety in dogs, but individual experiences and triggers vary widely, and dogs may show unique signs depending on their personality and history. Knowing the cause of your dog’s anxiety can help you take specific steps to manage it. Let’s look at some specific symptoms of anxiety in dogs so you can better recognize when your pet may need additional support.

Every dog shows anxiety differently, but there are some clear signs that can help you identify if your pet is feeling stressed or anxious. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

Panting in dogs is normal after exercise or in hot weather, but if your dog is panting a lot in a quiet, cool environment, it may be a sign of anxiety. Repeated pacing back and forth also often accompanies anxiety. This behavior often happens during loud noises, like thunderstorms, or when your dog senses you’re about to leave the house.

Vocalizing can be a sign of stress or anxiety, especially if your dog is usually calm. Dogs with separation anxiety often bark, whine or howl when left alone, sometimes continuously. If these behaviors only occur when you are away or in stressful situations, anxiety could be the underlying cause. In addition, some dogs may whine or bark when placed in situations that are uncomfortable for them, such as with unfamiliar dogs or in new environments.

If your dog chews furniture, dig at door or destroys household objects when you are away, it means that you dog is feeling particularly distressed This behavior is especially common in dogs with separation anxiety, who may try to “escape” to find their owner.

Excessive licking, especially of paws, or repetitive grooming of certain areas may be a way for dogs to calm themselves when they feel anxious. This behavior can serve as a distraction, similar to the way humans bite their nails when they are stressed.

If your dog starts to shiver or shake for no clear reason, such as being cold, it may indicate anxiety or fear. Shaking is especially common in dogs with noise anxiety during thunderstorms or fireworks. Although the shaking may be subtle, it is often accompanied by other signs of distress, such as dilated pupils or tucked tails.

Another common symptom of an anxious dog is trying to hide behind furniture, under beds or seek out smaller, enclosed areas where they feel safer. They may also avoid eye contact or avert their gaze when uncomfortable and is especially common in dogs with social anxiety.

Signs such as a lowered tail, ears pinned back or crouching may indicate that a dog is anxious or feels threatened. These physical changes reflect their internal discomfort and are often seen in dogs that feel unsafe in certain situations, such as with unfamiliar dogs or people.

Anxiety can affect your dog’s appetite, just as it does in humans. If your dog skips meals or shows a lack of interest in food in specific situations, anxiety may be the cause. Chronically anxious dogs may have ongoing changes in appetite that affect their nutrition and energy levels.

When a dog feels stressed or fearful, they may lose control of their bladder, leading to accidents even if they are house-trained. This behavior is particularly common in cases of separation anxiety or when a dog is exposed to new environments, loud noises, or other stress-inducing situations.

These are physical reactions in your dog, so if you notice sweaty paw prints on the floor or if you feel your dog’s heart beating faster when you touch his chest, he may be suffering from anxiety. In addition, physiological symptoms often accompany the behavioral signs listed above, so it is easy to confirm that your dog is feeling stressed.

If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, there are many ways to help him feel calmer and more confident, starting with establishing a predictable routine, creating a space where your dog feels safe. Check out our 10 ways to calm your anxious dog to learn how to create a happier and safer environment for your pet.

Recognizing the symptoms of anxiety in dogs is key to supporting your pet’s well-being. Signs such as trembling, shaking, whining, barking, loss of appetite, sudden movements, or destructive behaviors can indicate your dog is feeling stressed. Identifying these behaviors early allows you to take steps to reduce their anxiety and help your dog feel more secure and at ease.