If you’re a pet owner, you know animals can sometimes display signs of anxiety. While some people may think all dogs bark and growl, the reality is many dogs display anxious behaviours in different ways.
If you’re interested in recognising the symptoms of anxiety in your dog and helping them to feel better, this blog post is for you! We’ll explore what causes canine anxiety, how to spot the symptoms and some tips for helping your anxious pup feel at ease.
What are the causes of canine anxiety?
There are many different causes of anxiety in dogs. If you think your dog may be anxious, it’s important to seek professional help. You will want to ensure they get the treatment they need. Your local vet will be able to accurately diagnose anxiety in dogs, and provide the appropriate treatment.
If you are concerned your dog may be reacting to some of the following common causes of anxiety, please contact your local veterinarian:
- Separation anxiety
Many dogs experience separation anxiety when their owners leave them alone. This can manifest itself in a number of ways, including barking, whining, chewing and even urinating or defecating indoors. If your dog typically has a calm temperament but becomes anxious when you leave them alone, it’s likely they’re suffering from separation anxiety. - Lack of socialisation
Dogs who lack socialisation are also prone to anxiety. Socialisation is key to helping your pup feel comfortable around other people and animals, and without it, they may become agitated and nervous in new situations. - Fear of loud noises or unfamiliar environments
Dogs can become anxious in unfamiliar environments or when exposed to loud noises. This can cause them to behave out of character for them, by cowering, whining or even hiding. While some dogs may eventually become used to these situations, others may never fully overcome their fear. As a pet owner, it’s important to be understanding and patient when dealing with an anxious dog and to help them feel safe and comfortable in their environment. - Anxiety caused by changes in routine (eg a house move, holiday)
Changes in routine can cause a dog to feel anxious, as they may not know what is happening. This can lead to them behaving differently than normal, as they try to figure out the new situation. For example, a dog who is normally calm may start to bark more, or a dog who is used to being left alone may start to follow their owner around the house. If you notice your dog behaving differently after a change in routine, it’s important to try and keep their routine as consistent as possible. - Reacting to changes in the family dynamic (e.g. addition of a new baby, pet, etc.)
Dogs are incredibly sensitive to changes in the family dynamic, and can often be the first to sense when something is wrong. For example, a dog may become anxious when a new baby is brought home, as they are not used to the new noise and activity level in the house. Additionally, a dog may become jealous of a new pet or family member and start to display behaviours they wouldn’t normally exhibit, such as growling or snapping. If you notice your dog behaving differently after a change in the family dynamic, try and keep your dog’s routine normal, despite the changes happening in the family. This will help them to feel more comfortable and less anxious. - Having a low threshold of sensory sensitivity
Many dogs have a low threshold of sensory sensitivity, meaning they are easily overwhelmed by sights, sounds, smells and other stimuli. This can often lead to anxiety and behavioural problems. As a pet owner, it’s important to be understanding and patient when dealing with an anxious dog and to help them feel safe and comfortable in their environment. - Anxiety caused by illness or injury
Dogs can also become anxious when they are ill or injured. This is often due to the pain they are in, or the fear of being in a new and unfamiliar environment (eg the vet). If you notice your dog behaving differently after an illness or injury, it’s important to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your dog’s condition and provide treatment to ease their anxiety.
How can you spot the symptoms of anxiety in your dog?
Some of the more common symptoms of an anxious dog, plus some tips to help calm your pet:
- Cowering
One common sign of anxiety in dogs is cowering. This is when a dog hunches down, often with their head down and tail between their legs. Cowering is an attempt by the dog to make themselves as small as possible and to avoid drawing attention to themselves. This behaviour is often seen in dogs who are afraid of loud noises, such as fireworks. If you see your dog cowering, it’s important to try and provide them with a safe space where they can feel comfortable and protected. This may be a quiet room in the house or a crate they can go into when they feel scared. - Shaking
Another common symptom of anxiety in dogs is shaking. This is usually caused by fear or stress and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as panting, pacing or hiding. If you see your dog shaking, it’s important to stay calm and reassuring. Speak to them in a soft, gentle voice and offer them a comforting pet or hug if they seem receptive. Avoid punishment or scolding, as this will only make their anxiety worse. - Panting
Dogs may also start to pant excessively when they are anxious. This is often due to fear or stress and can be a sign your dog is feeling overwhelmed. If you notice your dog panting more than usual, it’s important to try and calm them down. Offer them a reassuring pet or hug, and speak to them in a soft, gentle voice. You should also ensure they have access to water to ensure they stay hydrated. - Pacing
Pacing is another common symptom of anxiety in dogs. This is when a dog walks back and forth in an attempt to relieve their stress or anxiety. If you see your dog pacing, it’s important to try and calm them down. Offer them a reassuring pet or hug, and speak to them in a soft, gentle voice. - Hiding
Hiding is often a sign a dog is feeling scared or anxious. If you see your dog hiding, it’s important to provide them with a safe space where they can feel comfortable and protected. This may be a quiet room in the house or a crate they can go into when they feel scared. It’s also important to avoid punishment or scolding, as this will only make their anxiety worse. - Whining
Dogs sometimes whine when they’re anxious or scared. This is usually a sign they’re feeling overwhelmed and need some help to calm down. If you see your dog whining, it’s important to try and soothe them and make them feel safe. Speak to them in a soft, gentle voice, and offer them a hug or pet if they seem receptive. As always, it is important they have access to water. - Hiding
Dogs sometimes hide when they’re anxious or scared. This is usually a sign they’re feeling overwhelmed and need some help to calm down. If you see your dog hiding, it’s important to try and soothe them and make them feel safe. Reassure your pet and try to coax them out of their hiding place. - Barking more than usual
Dogs sometimes bark more than usual when they’re anxious or scared. This is usually a sign they’re feeling overwhelmed and need some help to calm down. If you see your dog barking more than usual, it’s important to try and soothe them and make them feel safe. - Following the owner around the house
Our dogs are loving and loyal and they’re always happy to see their owner come home. But what happens when a dog becomes anxious or scared? They may start following the owner around the house in an attempt to stay close to them. This can be a sign the dog is feeling overwhelmed and needs some help to calm down. - Acting out of character
It can be difficult to tell when a dog is feeling anxious or scared, as they often hide their emotions. However, there are some signs owners can look out for. One such sign is when a dog starts acting out of character. This may include barking more than usual, following the owner around the house, or even hiding. If you see your dog exhibiting any of these behaviours, it’s important to try and calm them down.
Matraville Vet – local care for your pets
At Matraville Veterinary Practice, we understand your pets. We can help you to work with your dog from a young age with our puppy school. Your pup will learn discipline and will learn to socialise, building confidence.
If you are concerned your furry friend is showing signs of anxiety, we can help you both. Contact us today and arrange a visit to our amazing veterinarians and nursing staff.