How To Tell if Your Dog Is Feeling Anxious
Aug 11, 2025
It may come as a surprise to you, but dogs can experience stress and anxiety in a similar way to humans. Responsible dog owners need to be able to recognize common signs of anxiety and learn how to provide support for their furry friends. Knowing how to tell if your dog is feeling anxious can help you take action to give them the space or environmental changes they need to calm down.
Anxiety can stem from separation from their owners, loud noises, new environments, or changes in the dog’s routine. Understanding the signs of anxiety can help you keep minor symptoms from evolving into more serious and habitual behavioral issues.
Behavioral Changes That Signal Stress
The easiest way to tell if your dog is feeling anxious is to look for changes in their behavior. Pet owners can learn a lot from their dog’s body language and how it showcases their emotional state. For example, your dog may pant excessively to indicate stress, show off their anxiety with trembling or shakes, or keep their tail tucked between their legs when they’re scared.
You might notice your dog pacing restlessly around the house or hiding in small spaces under furniture or in closets. Some dogs may drool more than usual when they’re feeling stress, as digestive issues can stem from anxiety and a loss or increase in their appetite.
When dogs feel anxiety, they often need to put that energy somewhere. Your dog may start biting or chewing things they’re not supposed to, especially when you’re not at home. One way to get your dog to stop chewing is to locate the source of their anxiety. Dogs normally chew on items that have your scent, which provides comfort to them in stressful periods.
Vocalization changes may also indicate anxiety. Dogs might whine, bark excessively, or howl when left alone. Some dogs become hypervigilant, reacting strongly to normal household sounds or movements outside.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you think your dog is experiencing anxiety, keep an eye on their behavior. Occasional mild stress is normal, but you may want to contact a veterinarian if the problems persist for more than a couple weeks. A veterinarian can help identify specific triggers and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This might include behavior modification techniques, environmental changes, or in severe cases, anti-anxiety medications.
Patience and consistency are essential when helping an anxious dog. Creating a calm, predictable environment while addressing the underlying causes of stress will help your canine companion feel secure and comfortable in their home.
Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.
