Some dogs are simply genetically
prone to anxiety and separation issues. Others can develop anxiety and stress symptoms in response to certain triggers, including physical illness or disease. It’s sometimes difficult to tell if your dog is simply having a bad day or if something persistent is developing, but we have some tips that should help you stay on top of things. Keep your eyes peeled for these unhappy pup symptoms.
Sudden Aggression
Any change in behavior is cause for concern, but aggression is especially alarming.
Dogs who are feeling stressed or unwell will adopt a body posture that signals fear, even towards their most loyal humans. Sometimes, they’ll alter between aggressive and submissive; in other cases, they’ll solely hide or lash out at you.
Know that any sudden shift in behavior is cause for concern. Contact your vet right away and consider using a muzzle when leaving the house – just to keep your dog and others safe until you figure out what is going on.
Attached at the Hip
On the flipside, dogs who are anxious or stressed can become
extra clingy. A dog that is usually content with being in the same room may suddenly want to be right at your feet; or, a dog who sleeps at the foot of your bed may want to lay right on you.
A little clinginess from time to time is normal. Clinginess combined with other symptoms is a cause for pause.
Excessive Sleepiness
Ok, ok ---
dogs like to sleep a lot. The thing is, they also like to play, eat, and be with their people. You are probably familiar with how often your dog sleeps, when, and where. Take note of any changes in your dog’s sleeping habits. Excessive sleeping can be a sign of trauma or illness.
Eating Habit Shifts
What
dog doesn’t love to eat? A dog feeling high levels of stress or anxiety. Dogs who are upset tend to eat less. This isn’t worrisome if it’s just once in a blue moon, but a pattern that shows a decreased appetite over several meals or days is worth exploring with your vet. You’ll want to rule out physical disease.
An Increase in Vigilance
The truth is that most dogs are relatively vigilant, keeping watch over their territories and families. Is your dog suddenly paying more attention to people, other animals, and their atmospheres than before; especially in situations where they’re usually comfortable?
Dogs that are being hypervigilant may startle easily, show signs of muscle tension, and may whine or bark more than usual. The key is in the sudden change, not necessarily a consistent interest in warning you about every falling leaf.
Doggie Destruction
Destructive canine behaviors are especially common in cases where a dog has separation anxiety. This leads to scratching, chewing, getting into trash, and shredding things (especially papers). They may even perform interesting feats of strength to get through gates and dog-proof barriers.
It’s also worth noting that destruction is also common during puppy teething stages. Chewing on items (anything in sight) relieves pressure on the gumline.
More than one homeowner has placed their new puppy in a roomy bathroom with food and water – only to come home to the bottom of the door chewed out. If your dog is suddenly destroying everything, it’s time to take a look at the cause! Asses your schedule and his health and try to narrow down common denominators; often, he’ll lead you to the reason if you just pay closer attention.
Your Dog Hides a Lot
Some dogs hide for unusual amounts of time, or in strange places, when they are stressed or struggling with anxiety. You’ll notice this more if your pup generally likes to be around people and other animals but suddenly shies away or seeks solitude elsewhere. Your dog may just want to be alone once in a while, but you’ll want to keep your eye out for trends.
A dog who suddenly isolates all the time is very likely to be in pain or even feeling generally unwell. He might also be afraid – of a child in the home, a new pet, a visitor, or even just an odd smell.
Repetitive Motions
Dogs with anxiety are similar to humans in that they sometimes just can’t keep still. Is your dog pacing back and forth or constantly moving from one spot to the next? It’s possible he’s just uncomfortable and isn’t sure where he wants to be. He might also be feeling anxious and displaying self-soothing behaviors similar to those commonly found in anxious children (of the human variety).
Panting More Than Usual
Dogs who have just had a really good play or exercise session are prone to short periods of panting. They may also pant or tremble if they’re just come in after spending time in excessive heat or cold. Other than that,
dogs shouldn’t really pant. Panting for or trembling for no identifiable cause is a sign your dog may be anxious; it may also signify confusion with a situation or even nervousness at encountering a new person.
Inappropriate Toileting
Does your dog have a set routine when it comes to going outside to urinate or defecate? Dogs who are otherwise housebroken only begin going to the bathroom inside if they have a true emergency (for example, if you aren’t home, if they’re ill, or if they’re anxious). Despite what some people believe, it isn’t normal for a pup to go randomly once fully-trained.
Dogs who experience a sudden onset of anxiety, with a specific trigger, may develop diarrhea due to the gut’s close relationship to the brain.
Canine urinary tract infections are another possibility, so you should always talk to your vet if you’re concerned.
Running Away
Some dogs just don’t listen, but most well-trained dogs will stick with their people. Dogs struggling with anxiety want to escape the situation and experience fight-or-flight responses, just like humans do. You may find your dog pawing or scratching at entrances, digging at fences, or even bolting through open doors and fences.
Keep any dog with symptoms of anxiety on a leash at all times when outdoors. Even dogs who typically listen to commands to sit or stay may not hear you or return if startled. This is especially common after trauma (such as a surgery or accident).
Excessive Shedding & Grooming
Dogs who are stressed shed more. They may also groom excessively, leading to additional hair loss. Too much grooming can lead to bald, raw spots or
hot spots on the skin, which are very uncomfortable and susceptible to secondary bacterial infection (including staphylococcus aureus). Your first step is to rule out allergies or skin diseases, but this symptom combined with others is a common sign of anxiety.
How to Help Your Anxious Dog
Dogs can have anxiety attacks, just like humans. The first thing you should do is talk to your vet to, again, rule out any underlying physical causes for your dog’s symptoms. If they are otherwise healthy, start to monitor your dog so you can figure out what triggers their anxiety or stress symptoms.
It’s important to not punish or praise your dog during attacks. Instead, be there for them when they are feeling clingy and try to disrupt destructive behaviors.
Your dog can’t let you know what’s going on all the time, especially when overwhelmed by anxiety. They depend on you for guidance, support, and love. Behavioral training, diet changes, and holistic anti-anxiety supplements, and even
agility training are all options to help dogs with stress and anxiety. Talk to your vet about what’s best for your situation.
