The internet is filled with hilarious videos where dogs tear apart their owners’ shoes and many other important things. Scratches on furniture, constant barking, suddenly not obeying any instructions, etc., may seem funny or not so serious initially. However, these aren’t simply signs of a misbehaving pet. Maybe your furry friend is suffering from anxiety silently. Anxiety in dogs is common; in fact, 73% of dogs have at least one anxiety-related behavior.
Dogs can experience emotional distress surprisingly similar to us. But they can’t communicate their discomfort like us. Instead, they communicate through behaviors that many of us misinterpret as disobedience or stubbornness. Being a pet owner, if you can decode these signals, it makes all the difference and helps your dog live a happier, more balanced life.
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Early Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs’ anxiety makes them overly nervous or panicky and triggers behavioral symptoms. Anxiety signs are different from a normal, healthy stress response. Normal responses are like a dog will run from danger or take cover to protect themselves. Let’s discuss some early signs that indicate your dog is suffering from anxiety.
Excessive Barking or Howling
A normally quiet dog won’t stop vocalizing when you leave the house. Your neighbors will report hearing hours of nonstop barking or mournful howling that begins shortly after your departure. This vocal distress is actually a request from your dog for you to get back home, as he/she is facing overwhelming emotional discomfort.
The barking often has a different tone that signals urgency compared to normal barking alerts. Dogs suffering from anxiety start barking within minutes of being left alone. They may continue until completely exhausted or hoarse. Some anxious dogs also develop patterns like an increase in volume and intensity in barking as their distress grows.
Many responsible pet owners install cameras to monitor their dogs’ behavior when they are away from home. If you do the same, you will be able to track the triggers and duration of the anxious behavior.
Destructive Behavior When Left Alone
Even after returning from a quick grocery shopping trip, your room may feel like a tornado hit. In your absence, your anxious dog shows significant destructive behavior—shredded couch cushions, scratched door frames, or chewed-through baseboards—despite having plenty of appropriate toys available.
Expert vets say that dogs with destructive behaviors mostly target exit points like doors and windows, where the pet frantically tries to escape and reunite with its owner. Items that are carrying your scent can also be their destructive target, like shoes or clothing, to get temporary comfort. If you monitor using a camera, you will find that such behaviors typically occur within 15-30 minutes of your departure when anxiety peaks.
Dogs can injure themselves during these episodes, such as breaking their teeth or cutting their paws. You should store appropriate chew toys specifically designed for anxiety relief before departures. Also try to find an indoor place where your dog feels safe and cannot damage household items or hurt themselves when alone. And most importantly, don’t ignore signs and consult an expert vet as soon as possible.
Excessive Panting and Restlessness
Many pet owners report that their dogs pace constantly from room to room and feel unable to settle or relax even in familiar surroundings. During such situations, dogs’ breathing becomes rapid and shallow with exaggerated panting that seems disconnected from temperature or physical exertion.
Many anxious dogs display an inability to get comfortable anywhere in the house. Occasionally, they stand alert for hours rather than lying down to rest. The restlessness frequently worsens during trigger events like thunderstorms or when visitors arrive.
Anxious dogs also show physical symptoms like trembling, dilated pupils, or increased heart rate visible through the chest wall. Regular exercise before potential anxiety-triggering situations helps burn excess energy that might otherwise fuel anxious behaviors.
Pet parents can try pressure therapy for their dogs through specially designed anxiety wraps that apply gentle, consistent pressure to the torso. Massage therapy techniques by professionals can help relax tense muscles and signal safety to your dog’s nervous system.
Inappropriate Elimination Habits
You may notice that your perfectly trained dog begins having accidents indoors despite regular bathroom breaks. This is a common elimination issue that we can notice exclusively during anxiety-producing situations rather than from medical problems or lack of training. These incidents can happen near doors, on personal items, or in unusual locations, and they are not typically associated with elimination problems.
Many dogs also convey visible distress or shame afterward. Some also develop patterns of urinating in small amounts in multiple locations when stressed. Many pet parents also report diarrhea in their dogs. It can be triggered by the physiological stress response affecting their digestive system.
Consulting with an expert vet can help you rule out medical causes like urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal disorders that often mimic anxiety symptoms.
Social Withdrawal or Aggression
It’s strange to witness that a normally friendly dog now hides under furniture when guests arrive. This personality change can be a reflection of their overwhelming anxiety making normal social interactions feel threatening.
Some dogs also suddenly start to avoid activities that they used to enjoy, like walks or playtime with other dogs. Sometimes, they also become unusually clingy and follow the owner and feel distressed when physical contact ends.
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Conclusion
Anxiety in dogs is so common, and pet parents should pay attention to their dog behavior problems. We can’t label pets’ discomfort or distress as just bad behavior. They constantly try to convey something to us. Leaving this anxiety problem doesn’t just diminish your dog’s quality of life but also damages the special bond between you and your pet. Consult an expert veterinarian and follow their guidance accordingly. Environmental change, behavior modification, introducing natural calming aids or prescription medications, and more ways are there to relieve dogs. Your compassionate understanding can make all the difference to keep your companion feeling safe and secure in a sometimes overwhelming world.