Dog Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety in dogs may appear in different ways; not all dogs experience anxiety the same way. Some symptoms like panting and shaking often fly under the radar.

Many if not most dog anxiety symptoms go unnoticed until it turns into a big problem.

The more noticeable anxiety traits are excessive barking or aggression, but again sometimes, a dog does not have anxiety if they are doing these things.

Subtle Symptoms of Anxiety

These are all the symptoms that most dog owners don't notice or recognize as anxiety.

1. Excessive licking

When a dog becomes anxious they may start to compulsively lick or chew their fur.

2. Hiding or solitude

Dogs that want to be alone all the time can be experiencing anxiety; they are hiding because they are fearful.

This happens a lot of times when small children or large groups of people come over to your house.

You might notice your dog taking off and hiding.

3. Shaking or Panting

Dogs that shiver or pant are generally very nervous and maybe experiencing anxiety. Panting is normal but can become a sign of anxiety depending on conditions such as fireworks.

4. Seeking Comfort

Dogs that always want to be near or touching you often are suffering from separation anxiety. This is when a dog has a hard time coping when they are away from you.

Overt Symptoms of Anxiety

These are symptoms that most dog owners do take notice of but do not understand why they are acting out.

1. Panic attacks

Dogs that suffer from any of the below symptoms my have panic attacks as a result of the high stress it puts on their bodies.

Some panic attacks can be over within seconds or minutes others can last for hours.

2. Tring to escape

If a dog feels like they are trapped or closed in, they will start to panic, anxiety will build up, and they will start trying to escape.

This leads to digging and other destructive behavior.

3. Excessive barking

One of the most obvious and well know signs is dog barking; dogs that start to excessively bark generally have anxiety.

Not just any anxiety but separation anxiety. They bark until they cant bark anymore; they are trying to call out to their owner.

4. Destruction

Dogs deal with stress in a lot of the same ways as humans, sometimes when a dog is under a lot of stress, anxiety kicks in and they start to destroy everything around them by chewing it up.

5. Aggression

Dog anxiety can get so bad that a dog can come aggressive because they don't know how to handle themselves.

Final Thoughts

You need to act fast when you discover your dog is suffering from anxiety. Whatever you do avoid scolding or punishing your dog; that is not how to cure dog anxiety.

The first stop on how to cure dog anxiety is to identify the root cause, only then will you be able to help them.