Dogs show stress in many ways, and some of those signs can be easy to mistake for simple quirks or changes in routine. When anxiety begins affecting their health, the symptoms often appear gradually, showing up as shifts in appetite, behaviour, or physical comfort.
Because dogs cannot explain what they are feeling, paying attention to these quieter patterns can help identify when something deeper may be going on. Anxiety related illness does not have one single cause.
It can be influenced by age, past experiences, lack of stimulation, changes in the household, or underlying medical concerns. Recognising possible signs early allows owners to create a calmer environment and seek guidance when needed, ensuring dogs receive support before the stress becomes more difficult to manage.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Every dog is different, and symptoms of stress or illness can have many causes. For any concerns about your pet’s health or behaviour, consult a licensed veterinarian. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Excessive Barking Or Whining
Your dog might be trying to communicate distress through persistent vocal behaviour. When anxiety takes hold, dogs often bark at seemingly nothing or whine continuously, especially when left alone or during stressful situations.
This vocal pattern differs from normal barking because it lacks an obvious trigger and continues despite your attempts to calm them. The sounds may become high-pitched or more urgent than usual.
Pay attention to when these episodes occur, as timing can reveal specific anxiety triggers worth addressing with your veterinarian or a professional trainer.
2. Destructive Chewing And Scratching
Furniture, shoes, and doorframes become targets when anxious energy needs an outlet. Dogs dealing with anxiety often chew or scratch objects around the home, creating damage that goes beyond typical puppy mischief.
This behaviour typically happens when you are away or during particularly stressful moments. Your dog is not being naughty on purpose but rather coping with overwhelming feelings they cannot express verbally.
Look for patterns in what gets destroyed and when, since this information helps identify whether separation anxiety or other specific fears are at play.
3. Pacing And Restlessness
An anxious dog rarely settles down comfortably. You might notice your pet walking back and forth along the same path repeatedly, unable to relax even in familiar surroundings.
This constant movement reflects inner turmoil that prevents them from feeling secure enough to rest. Some dogs pace for hours, wearing themselves out physically while remaining mentally agitated.
Watch for this behaviour during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other known stressors, but also note if it happens randomly. Unpredictable pacing could signal a deeper anxiety issue requiring professional attention and possibly calming strategies.
4. Excessive Panting Or Drooling
Heavy breathing when your dog has not been exercising tells an important story. Anxious dogs often pant rapidly or drool excessively as their bodies respond to stress hormones flooding their system.
This physical reaction mirrors what happens to humans during panic attacks. The panting may seem out of place given the temperature or activity level, making it a clear red flag.
Check that your dog has access to water and is not overheated first. If those factors are ruled out, anxiety becomes the likely culprit behind this uncomfortable symptom.
5. Hiding Or Withdrawal
Some dogs respond to anxiety by disappearing into quiet corners or under furniture. Your normally social companion might suddenly prefer isolation, avoiding family members and refusing to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
This withdrawal represents an attempt to feel safer by removing themselves from perceived threats. Dogs naturally seek small, enclosed spaces when frightened, recreating a den-like environment.
Notice whether this hiding happens during specific events or becomes a constant pattern. Persistent withdrawal suggests your dog feels unsafe even in their own home, requiring gentle intervention.
6. Loss Of Appetite
Food suddenly loses its appeal when anxiety dominates your dog’s thoughts. A pet who normally devours meals might start picking at their bowl or ignoring it completely, which signals emotional distress affecting physical needs.
Stress hormones suppress hunger, making eating feel impossible even when the body requires nourishment. This symptom can lead to weight loss if the anxiety continues unchecked.
Rule out medical causes first by consulting your veterinarian. Once physical illness is eliminated, addressing the underlying anxiety often restores your dog’s healthy appetite and enthusiasm for mealtimes.
7. Trembling Or Shaking
Visible shaking reveals the intensity of your dog’s internal struggle. Anxious dogs often tremble uncontrollably, particularly during thunderstorms, vet visits, or encounters with unfamiliar people or animals.
This physical response happens because anxiety triggers the same fight-or-flight mechanism that prepares the body for danger. Muscles tense up, creating the shaking motion you observe.
Some dogs shake only during obvious stressors, while others develop chronic trembling that persists even in calm environments. Frequent trembling without clear cause deserves professional evaluation to determine appropriate treatment options.
8. Inappropriate Elimination
House-trained dogs who suddenly have accidents indoors might be dealing with anxiety rather than forgetting their training. Stress can disrupt normal bathroom habits, causing your pet to urinate or defecate in inappropriate places.
This behaviour often occurs during your absence or immediately after stressful events. Your dog is not being defiant but rather losing control due to overwhelming emotions.
Document when and where these accidents happen to identify patterns. Medical issues should be ruled out first, but if anxiety is confirmed, addressing the root cause typically resolves these embarrassing incidents.
9. Excessive Licking Or Grooming
Repetitive licking serves as a self-soothing mechanism for anxious dogs. You might notice your pet obsessively grooming their paws, legs, or other body parts until the fur becomes thin or the skin gets irritated.
This compulsive behaviour provides temporary comfort but can lead to serious skin problems, including hot spots and infections. The licking becomes a harmful coping strategy that requires intervention.
Watch for bald patches or reddened areas that indicate your dog has been focusing on specific spots. Addressing the anxiety often reduces this behaviour significantly, allowing the skin to heal properly.
10. Aggression Or Fearful Reactions
Fear-based aggression emerges when anxiety makes your dog feel cornered or threatened. A normally friendly pet might suddenly snap, growl, or show their teeth when approached, which reflects their desperate attempt to create distance from perceived danger.
This reaction stems from panic rather than true aggression. Your dog believes they must defend themselves because anxiety has convinced them that threats surround them constantly.
Never punish this behaviour, as it worsens the underlying fear. Instead, work with a professional trainer or veterinary behaviourist who can help rebuild your dog’s confidence safely.
