🐾 How to Spot Signs of Anxiety in Your Dog

Just like people, dogs can suffer from anxiety. The difference is that they can’t explain what’s wrong — instead, they show us through their behaviour. Recognising these dog anxiety signs early can prevent long-term stress and improve your pup’s wellbeing.

According to the American Kennel Club (2022), anxiety in dogs is one of the most common behavioural issues, with separation anxiety alone affecting around 14% of dogs. The good news? With the right awareness and support, most anxious dogs can live happy, calm lives.

Common Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

1. Excessive Panting or Drooling

While panting is normal after exercise, dogs experiencing stress often pant excessively even when they’re not hot. A study by Beerda et al. (1997) found that panting and increased salivation were consistent physiological markers of stress in dogs exposed to new or threatening environments.

2. Destructive Behaviour

Chewing furniture, scratching doors, or tearing up items when left alone are classic signs of separation anxiety. Ogata (2016) notes that destructive behaviour is one of the most frequently reported symptoms by owners of anxious dogs.
👉 One way to redirect this energy is to provide safe, long-lasting dog chews. A durable chew can satisfy their natural urge to gnaw while keeping your sofa safe (explore the Baxter & Teddy chew range).

3. Shaking, Trembling, or Pacing

Shivering or pacing without a clear trigger often points to nervousness. Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior (Rooney et al., 2007) highlights pacing as a typical behaviour in dogs with noise-related fears, such as fireworks.

4. Changes in Toileting Habits

House-trained dogs that suddenly have “accidents” indoors may be struggling with stress. Anxiety triggers the release of cortisol, which can disrupt normal elimination patterns (Sherman & Mills, 2008).

5. Withdrawal or Hiding

Some dogs retreat to small spaces or avoid interaction when overwhelmed. This is an instinctive coping mechanism, similar to how wolves seek sheltered areas when stressed (Fox, 1972).

6. Vocalisation (Whining, Barking, Howling)

Dogs express stress vocally. Persistent whining, barking, or howling — particularly when left alone — is strongly linked to separation anxiety (Overall, 2013).

7. Compulsive Behaviours

Repetitive licking, chewing, or tail chasing may indicate anxiety. According to Tiira et al. (2012), compulsive behaviours in dogs share similarities with obsessive-compulsive behaviours in humans, often triggered by stress or lack of stimulation.

What Causes Anxiety in Dogs?

Dogs may develop anxiety for a variety of reasons:

• Loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms
• Environmental changes, like moving home or adding a new family member
• Separation from owners, particularly in dogs not trained to cope alone
• Poor socialisation during puppy-hood
• Medical issues (pain, hormonal imbalances, or neurological conditions)

Anxiety isn’t just “in the mind” — it’s a whole-body experience. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline increase heart rate and alter digestion, which explains why anxious dogs may pace, pant, or have accidents indoors (Beerda et al., 1998).

How You Can Help Your Dog

• Positive reinforcement: Reward calm behaviour with praise or treats. Offering small, natural dog treats (like those in our Baxter & Teddy treat collection) can reinforce positive behaviour and help anxious dogs feel more secure.
• Safe space: Create a designated “calm zone” with a soft bed or blanket. Research shows that predictability and security help lower stress in animals (Hennessy et al., 2006).
• Consistent routine: Dogs thrive on predictability — regular feeding, walks, and sleep reduce anxiety.
• Enrichment: Toys, sniffing games, and chews can keep their mind and mouth busy, reducing stress.
• Calming products: Soft bedding, pheromone diffusers, or specially designed anxiety wraps can provide comfort.

 

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s anxiety is persistent or severe, speak to your vet. They may recommend:

• Behavioural therapy with a certified trainer
• Veterinary behaviourists for advanced support
• In some cases, short-term medication to manage severe anxiety

Final Thoughts

Anxiety is common in dogs, but it doesn’t have to define their life. By learning to recognise the signs — and responding with patience, compassion, and supportive tools like chews, treats, and calming accessories — you can help your dog feel safer and happier every day.

📚 References

American Kennel Club (2022) Dog Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Available at: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-anxiety/ (Accessed: 17 September 2025).

Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B. H., van Hooff, J. A. R. A. M., de Vries, H. W. & Mol, J. A. (1997) ‘Manifestations of chronic and acute stress in dogs’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 52(3–4), pp. 307–319.

Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B. H., Bernadina, W., van Hooff, J. A. R. A. M., de Vries, H. W. & Mol, J. A. (1998) ‘Chronic stress in dogs subjected to social and spatial restriction. I. Behavioural responses’, Physiology & Behavior, 66(2), pp. 233–242.

Fox, M. W. (1972) Understanding Your Dog. New York: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan.

Hennessy, M. B., Williams, M. T., Miller, D. D., Douglas, C. W. & Voith, V. L. (2006) ‘Influence of male and female petters on plasma cortisol and behaviour: Can human interaction reduce the stress of dogs in a public animal shelter?’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 61(1), pp. 63–77.

Ogata, N. (2016) ‘Separation anxiety in dogs: What progress has been made in our understanding?’, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 16, pp. 28–35.

Overall, K. L. (2013) Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. St. Louis: Elsevier.

Rooney, N. J., Gaines, S. A. & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2007) ‘Behavioural and glucocorticoid responses of dogs (Canis familiaris) to kennelling: Investigating mitigation of stress by prior habituation’, Physiology & Behavior, 92(5), pp. 847–854.

Sherman, B. L. & Mills, D. S. (2008) ‘Canine anxieties and phobias: an update on separation anxiety and noise aversions’, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 38(5), pp. 1081–1106.

Tiira, K., Hakosalo, O., Kareinen, L., Thomas, A., Hielm-Björkman, A. & Lohi, H. (2012) ‘Environmental effects on compulsive tail chasing in dogs’, PLoS ONE, 7(7), e41684.