If you’re like most dog owners, your dog is like an extension of your family. You care about him just as much as you would one of your children, and you want the best for your furry friend.
If he shows signs of anxiety, it can be difficult to understand how to help him cope with his emotions.
However, if you know what to look for and work with a qualified behaviorist or trainer, there are many things that you can do to ensure that your pet feels comfortable enough to live up to its full potential.
In this article, you will learn about six of the most common signs of anxiety in dogs along with some ways to help keep them calm.
Indoor Urination And Elimination
Even though most dogs will urinate or defecate inside your home when they are extremely stressed out, pets who are anxious about their surroundings may take it a step further by doing this even when they are calm.
If your dog is peeing indoors despite his comfort level, he’s trying to tell you that there’s something that concerns him.
As written in an article behind this URL, the causes of this type of behavior may range from discomfort with new surroundings, people, animals to an unfavorable change in schedule or routine.
The best way to help ease any sort of anxiety that your dog is feeling is to pack his belongings before making stops on trips away from home, keeping him close to you at all times, and gradually introducing changes into his daily schedule.
Panting
Dogs pant when they are hot, but also during moments of stress or excitement. However, if your dog is exhibiting an unusual amount of panting for his breed, the weather outside, and his overall demeanor, he could be showing signs of distress.
When dogs are anxious they tend to sweat more than usual through their paws because this is usually the only way that their bodies can release heat quickly.
If your pet’s mouth is open as well as his nose, it may be a sign that he feels overwhelmed by whatever situation he is experiencing at the moment.
Some dogs who know they are going to the veterinarian will pant as they wait in the car or as they sit at a table. This is not necessarily a sign of anxiety, but rather an exciting response to being around people he loves and his favorite toy.
Restlessness
Dogs that have been through many changes recently may begin to pace back and forth throughout your home, especially around mealtime or their bedtimes.
Although some dogs need a large amount of exercise each day, those with anxious personalities often become more active at night because it helps them calm down from all of the excitement of the day.
If your pet begins to walk from room to room but doesn’t seem tired or energetic enough for this type of behavior, she may be feeling uneasy about something.
This is not to say that dogs with high energy levels are always “nervous” or anxious, but if they seem unusually excited and can’t seem to settle down, there’s a chance she is experiencing some sort of angst.
The best way to help with this type of anxiety is to make sure she gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day so that her energy levels decrease before bedtime.
Excessive Barking And Howling
Even though he may never stop yapping, most dogs do not bark or howl all day long without a break. If your canine friend’s voice is starting to sound hoarse from all of the noise he’s making, there is a chance that something has him worried.
In some cases, dogs will continue barking because they have been rewarded for their behavior by getting attention from people passing by the home or going on walks more often due to an increase in daily activity around the area where you live.
On the other hand, it could just be that your pet is stressed or bored, but this behavior does not necessarily indicate anxiety.
For example, some dogs will bark simply because they are excited about having guests in the home or they want to play with a new toy they haven’t seen in a while.
Excessive Licking And Chewing
It is normal for most dogs to lick or gnaw on their paws from time to time, but when you notice that your canine friend is doing it excessively, you should look for signs that all is not well.
Some dogs will lick their paws because they are dry or chapped, but most of the time it’s a sign that they are feeling anxious.
Some dogs may only chew their paws when they are left alone (or in close quarters with other pets), while others may do so out of boredom.
If he starts chewing on his body or licking his feet more than usual throughout the day, this could be an indication of anxiety related to something in his environment.
Also, licking in this manner may be a compulsive disorder that your pet is unable to stop without professional help.
Refusing To Eat
If your pet suddenly changes her diet and stops eating her regular food, this may indicate that she has stressed about something in her environment.
While many owners have no idea what could be causing this type of anxiety, some common things may cause dogs to lose their appetites.
This is not uncommon in cases where a new puppy or human has been added to the family because they are the ones who usually take away the dog’s food for one reason or another (usually due to their ignorance about proper canine etiquette).
If someone has moved into your home recently or you’ve recently changed something about your daily routine (e.g., walking the dog), your pet may stop eating her food until she gets back on track with everything else.
If you notice that your dog is exhibiting any unusual behaviors associated with anxiety, the best thing you can do for them is to consult with a trained professional who can help you determine if your pet is experiencing anxiety.
If so, this may require medication or therapy.
It’s important to note that not all dog owners will be able to tell what is causing their pet’s anxiety, but if you notice any of the above symptoms, they could indicate that something is bothering your furry friend.
By acting quickly, you may be able to get your pet back on track and ease their anxiety with success.
