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What Are Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs?

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  March 31st, 2025
Paul's Lady/Shutterstock

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety due to various factors - separation from their owners, loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or even past trauma. While occasional nervousness is normal, chronic anxiety can lead to behavioral and health issues. Recognizing the signs early allows you to take steps to ease your dog's distress and improve their overall well-being.


Common Signs of Anxiety in Dogs


Dogs show anxiety in different ways, ranging from subtle body language changes to more obvious behavioral problems. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:


Behavioral Signs
  • Excessive Barking or Whining – If your dog frequently whines, howls, or barks, especially when left alone, it could be a sign of separation anxiety.

  • Destructive Behavior – Chewing furniture, scratching at doors, or destroying household items often stems from stress or an attempt to escape. Redirecting their attention to chew toys or crate training can help reduce these behaviors.

  • Pacing and Restlessness – An anxious dog may walk back and forth or seem unable to settle, particularly in response to loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks. In these cases, calming aids such as a Thundershirt can provide comfort.


Physical Signs
  • Trembling or Shaking – Some dogs, especially smaller breeds, may tremble when feeling stressed or fearful, though this can occur in any breed.


  • Excessive Licking or Chewing – Some dogs cope with anxiety by licking or chewing their paws, fur, or skin, which can lead to irritation or even wounds requiring veterinary attention.


Changes in Appetite
  • Loss of Appetite – Some anxious dogs refuse food due to stress, while others may overeat as a coping mechanism. If appetite changes persist, a vet visit is recommended.


Avoidance Behavior
  • Hiding or Seeking Isolation – An anxious dog may retreat under furniture, avoid eye contact, or seek out a secluded spot, especially when faced with unfamiliar people or situations. Ensuring a secure environment and using a leash in unfamiliar places can help prevent a scared dog from wandering off.


How to Help an Anxious Dog


If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take action to address the root cause and provide comfort. Here are a few effective ways to reduce anxiety in your dog:


  • Regular Exercise & Play – Physical activity and interactive toys can help release pent-up energy and reduce stress.


  • Create a Safe Space – A quiet, cozy area where your dog can retreat when feeling overwhelmed helps them feel secure.


  • Consistent Routine – Predictability in daily routines can help dogs feel more at ease.


  • Desensitization Training – Gradually exposing your dog to anxiety triggers in a controlled way can help them build confidence over time.


  • Consult a Veterinarian – If anxiety persists, your vet may recommend behavioral therapy or medication to help manage stress.


With patience and the right approach, anxiety can be managed, and your dog can regain their confidence and happiness. A calm, reassured pup means a happy home for both of you!

WOW
Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Experts Confirm Dogs Can Recognize Their Owner's Voice

Have you ever noticed how your dog seems to know your voice even when they can’t see you? Do you wonder if they actually know it’s their human calling or if they just assume it’s you because you’re in your shared home? A new study from Hungary suggests that your dog may actually recognize your voice. In fact, they may be able to recognize the voices of each of their family members. The study, published in Animal Behavior, aimed to find out if a dog could distinguish between different voices – not only between familiar and unfamiliar voices but also between the voices of different family members. “Previous studies demonstrated that dogs are sensitive to certain acoustic cues in the human voice, they can recognize the sex of the speaker and distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar voices,” explained Kinga Suranyi, Ph.D. student at the ELTE Department of Ethology. “Whether dogs are capable of voice-based individual-level recognition of humans had not been demonstrated before this experiment. To do this, they invited 31 dogs to participate, and with each dog, three different family members. One at a time, a pre-recorded speech made by one of the owners was played through the loudspeakers. The three owners sat in a row, not speaking, gesturing, or hinting at which person’s voice the dog was hearing. The dog was then monitored for any signs of recognition. Each dog went through this test 18 times. The results were surprising, with the dogs looking to the person whose voice they were hearing more often than not.

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Environmental enrichment is important for all pets, from dogs and cats to rodents and birds. When it comes to your feathered companions, you can keep them happy, entertained, healthy, and stress-free by providing a safe environment, toys, yummy foods, and physical and mental stimulation. To help you get started, here are a few tips you can implement to make your bird’s home even better.

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