The Importance of Recognizing Early Signs of Dog Anxiety

Just like humans, dogs experience anxiety as a normal emotion. However, when anxiety becomes persistent or overwhelming, it can lead to chronic stress and behavioral disorders. Early recognition of anxiety allows you to intervene before the problem escalates. By understanding your dog’s subtle cues, you can identify and remove them from stressful situations, work on counter-conditioning and desensitization, and seek professional help when needed. Ignoring the early signs can lead to a dog who lives in a constant state of fear, which can manifest in ways that are dangerous for the dog and others.

The Subtle Language of Early Anxiety: What to Look For

The earliest signs of anxiety in dogs are often fleeting and can be easily misinterpreted or missed altogether. These subtle cues are your dog’s way of communicating that they are feeling uncomfortable or unsure.

Body Language Cues

• Yawning: While dogs yawn when they’re tired, a yawn in a new or stimulating environment can be a sign of stress. A stress yawn is often more prolonged and intense than a sleepy yawn.
• Lip Licking: Frequent lip licking, especially when no food is present, is a common sign of anxiety. It’s a self-soothing gesture that indicates your dog is feeling uneasy.
• Avoiding Eye Contact and Head Turning: Dogs may turn their head away from something that is making them uncomfortable. This is a polite way of saying “I’m not a threat” and trying to de-escalate a situation they find stressful.
• Paw Lift: A dog might stop and lift one paw when they are feeling unsure or anxious about something in their environment.
• Dilated Pupils and Changes in Eyes: A stressed dog may have dilated pupils and blink rapidly. Their eyes may also appear wider than normal, showing more of the white part (sclera), a phenomenon often called “whale eye”.
• Ears Pinned Back: A dog’s ears can be very expressive. When a dog is anxious, their ears may be pinned back against their head.
• Tense Mouth: An anxious dog may keep their mouth closed and pull their lips back at the corners, creating a tense facial expression.

Displacement Behaviors

Displacement behaviors are normal behaviors that are displayed out of context when a dog is feeling stressed or conflicted. These are some of the most commonly missed signs of anxiety.

• Sudden Sniffing or Scratching: If your dog suddenly stops and starts intensely sniffing the ground or scratching themselves when there’s no obvious reason to do so, they may be trying to cope with a stressful situation.
• Shaking Off: You’ve seen your dog shake off after a bath, but a full-body shake can also be a way for a dog to release tension after a stressful encounter, like a visit to the vet.
• Stretching: A dog might stretch as if they’ve just woken up, even if they haven’t been sleeping, as a way to relieve stress.
• Sudden Grooming: Licking a paw or another part of their body excessively can be a self-soothing behavior in an anxious dog.

Escalating Signs of Anxiety

If the early, subtle signs of anxiety are missed, or the stressful situation continues, a dog’s anxiety can escalate. These signs are more obvious but indicate that the dog’s stress level is rising.

Moderate Anxiety

• Panting: Panting when it’s not hot and the dog hasn’t been exercising is a common sign of stress.
• Pacing or Restlessness: An anxious dog may be unable to settle down and may pace back and forth.
• Lowered Body Posture: A dog may crouch or lower their body to the ground to make themselves appear smaller. Their tail may be tucked between their legs.
• Refusing Treats: A dog that is too stressed will often refuse even high-value treats. This is a good indicator that their anxiety level is high.
• Whining or Whimpering: Vocalizations like whining can increase when a dog is anxious.

Severe Anxiety

• Trembling or Shaking: Uncontrollable shaking or trembling is a clear sign of severe fear or anxiety.
• Drooling: Excessive drooling, especially if your dog is not a breed prone to it, can be a sign of significant stress.
• Hiding or Escaping: A severely anxious dog may try to hide behind their owner or furniture, or actively try to escape the situation.
• Freezing: A dog may become completely still and rigid when they are extremely fearful.
• Aggression: Aggression in dogs is often rooted in fear and anxiety. This can include growling, showing teeth, snapping, lunging, or biting. Aggression is a last resort for a dog who feels they have no other way to make the scary thing go away.

Common Behavioral Problems Rooted in Anxiety

Chronic, untreated anxiety can lead to a host of behavioral problems, which are often the reason owners seek professional help.

• Destructive Behavior: Anxious dogs, particularly those with separation anxiety, may chew on furniture, door frames, or windowsills in an attempt to relieve stress or escape.
• Excessive Barking or Howling: Continuous barking or howling, especially when left alone, is a common symptom of separation anxiety.
• House Soiling: A house-trained dog may urinate or defecate inside when they are anxious. This is a physiological response to fear and not a spiteful act.
• Repetitive or Compulsive Behaviors: Some dogs develop repetitive behaviors like tail chasing, spinning, or excessive licking of a body part (which can lead to acral lick dermatitis or “hot spots”) as a way to cope with chronic anxiety.

Physical Symptoms of Chronic Dog Anxiety

Long-term anxiety can take a physical toll on a dog’s health.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic stress can lead to digestive problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of appetite.
• Excessive Shedding: A dog that is stressed may shed more than usual. This is often noticeable after a stressful event like a vet visit.
• Weakened Immune System: Just like in humans, chronic stress can weaken a dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness.

Common Types of Dog Anxiety

Anxiety in dogs can stem from various sources. The most common types include:

• Separation Anxiety: This is the fear of being left alone or separated from family members. It is estimated to affect around 14% of dogs.
• Fear-Related Anxiety: This can be triggered by loud noises (like fireworks or thunderstorms), new people or animals, specific objects (like hats or umbrellas), or situations (like car rides or vet visits).
• Age-Related Anxiety: As dogs get older, they can develop Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), which is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. The confusion and disorientation associated with CDS can lead to anxiety.

What to Do If You See Signs of Dog Anxiety

If you recognize any of these signs in your dog, it’s important to take action.

1. Consult Your Veterinarian: The first step is to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the anxiety, such as pain or thyroid disease.
2. Consult a Professional: Work with a certified professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist who uses positive reinforcement methods to help you and your dog. They can create a behavior modification plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
3. Management and Avoidance: In the short term, try to manage your dog’s environment to avoid their triggers as much as possible while you work on a long-term solution. Forcing a dog to “face their fears” can make the anxiety worse.
4. Enrichment and Exercise: Ensure your dog is getting enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, scent work, and regular training sessions can help build confidence and reduce stress.

By learning to understand the subtle signs of canine anxiety and taking a proactive and compassionate approach, you can help your dog lead a happier, more confident life.