Can Your Dog Get Anxiety?

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, having written many times about my own mental health experiences, I thought it was time to think about my pets and ask, can your dog get anxiety? And how do you spot an anxious dog?

For years, I’ve been open about my own mental health journey on this blog, sharing advice and experiences with tackling anxiety and other challenges. But lately, I’ve been reflecting on the mental well-being of my furry companions. Can our beloved dogs experience anxiety too? And if so, how can we, as responsible pet owners, recognize and address it?

This post delves into the world of canine anxiety, exploring common signs, potential causes, and how to support our anxious pups. To help me out, Carolyn Menteith, Behaviourist and Dog Trainer at Tails, has sent over a list of signs you need to look out for, and how you can help your dog when they’re struggling with anxiety.

Signs Of Dog Anxiety

Whining or barking

While vocalizations are a natural part of canine communication, a significant shift in their vocal patterns can be a strong indicator of underlying anxiety. A dog that usually barks playfully during playtime may exhibit excessive barking or howling when anxious. Similarly, a dog who rarely whines might do so more frequently if they’re experiencing fear or distress. These changes in vocal behavior often signal that something in the dog’s environment is causing them significant stress and discomfort.

Licking or Yawning

While lip licking is a common canine behavior after a tasty treat or when encountering an appealing scent, it can also be a subtle but significant indicator of stress or anxiety. This subtle gesture often signifies that your dog is experiencing discomfort or unease in the current situation. It’s a cue that things are starting to feel overwhelming, and it’s crucial to remove them from the stressful environment or interaction to prevent further escalation.

Similarly, yawning in dogs, while often associated with tiredness or waking up, can also be a stress-related behavior. Just like humans, dogs may yawn when feeling overwhelmed or anxious. This yawning can be a subtle sign that they are experiencing discomfort or are trying to self-soothe in a stressful situation. Recognizing these subtle cues is crucial for understanding your dog’s emotional state and providing them with the necessary support and reassurance.

Avoidance or Hiding Behaviour

When socializing, dogs that feel overwhelmed may exhibit a variety of ‘deflecting’ or ‘avoidance’ behaviors to disengage from an interaction. Just as humans have ways of politely excusing themselves from an unwanted conversation (like feigning a sudden urgent need to check their phone!), dogs have their own unique strategies.

These can include:

• Sudden shifts in focus: They might become inexplicably fascinated by a distant bird, a passing leaf, or a non-existent scent, effectively redirecting their attention away from the social situation.
• Self-soothing behaviors: They might engage in excessive grooming, such as licking their paws or scratching repeatedly, as a way to self-soothe and distract themselves from the overwhelming stimuli.
• Burst of energy: They might suddenly experience a surge of playful energy, exhibiting “zoomies” (short bursts of rapid, erratic running) as a way to release pent-up anxiety and escape the social situation.

These behaviors are often subtle attempts to disengage from the interaction without resorting to aggression.

Less confident dogs may exhibit more pronounced avoidance behaviors, such as:

• Seeking refuge: They may seek refuge behind their owners, furniture, or other objects, creating a physical barrier between themselves and the source of their anxiety.
• Social withdrawal: They may actively avoid interactions with guests or other dogs, withdrawing from the social group and seeking a quiet, less stimulating environment.

While these behaviors might seem rude to human social norms, it’s crucial to respect your dog’s cues. Forcing social interaction when a dog is clearly overwhelmed can increase their anxiety and potentially lead to more serious behavioral issues. Recognizing these subtle signs of discomfort and allowing your dog to disengage from the situation is essential for their well-being.

Shake offs

Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior during and after social encounters, even with familiar dogs. A common post-interaction behavior is vigorous shaking, similar to a dog shaking off water after a swim. This “shaking off” behavior can signify a variety of emotions, including:

• Relief: It might indicate a sense of relief that the interaction is over, suggesting that the dog experienced some level of stress or discomfort during the encounter.
• Disengagement: It could simply be a way for the dog to disengage from the interaction and return to a more relaxed state.
• Uncertainty: It might reflect a sense of uncertainty or confusion following the interaction, as they process the experience and decide what to do next.

While seemingly innocuous, this shaking behavior could be a subtle indicator of underlying anxiety. It’s important to remember that your dog’s internal experience may differ from your own perception of the interaction. What you might perceive as a playful greeting may be causing your dog some level of stress.

Therefore, carefully observe your dog’s body language throughout the entire interaction. If you notice any signs of anxiety or discomfort, such as excessive panting, lip licking, yawning, or attempts to avoid the other dog, it’s crucial to respect their boundaries and allow them to disengage from the interaction.

How To Help Your Dog With Anxiety

1. Identify the Triggers:

• Observe: Carefully watch your dog’s behavior to pinpoint specific situations or stimuli that trigger anxiety. Common triggers include:
  • Separation anxiety: When left alone  
  • Noise phobias: Thunderstorms, fireworks, sirens  
  • Social anxiety: Meeting new people or dogs  
  • Travel anxiety: Car rides, vet visits  
  • General anxiety: No specific trigger, may be due to past trauma or underlying medical conditions

2. Create a Safe Space:

• Den or Crate Training: Provide a comfortable, quiet den or crate that your dog can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.  
• Safe Haven: Designate a specific area in your home as a safe haven, free from distractions and noise.  

3. Management Strategies:

• Avoid Triggers: If possible, minimize exposure to known triggers. For example, close windows and doors during thunderstorms, use white noise to mask loud noises, and take alternate routes to avoid situations that cause anxiety.  
• Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually expose your dog to the trigger in a controlled and safe environment while pairing it with positive experiences (treats, toys, praise).  
• Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular physical exercise and mental stimulation (puzzle toys, training games) can help reduce anxiety levels.  

4. Calming Techniques:

• Massage: Gentle massage can help relax your dog and reduce stress.  
• Pheromone Diffusers: Dog-appeasing pheromone diffusers can mimic a mother dog’s calming pheromones.  
• Thundershirts or Anxiety Wraps: These snug-fitting garments can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety.  
• Music Therapy: Some dogs find calming music helpful.  

5. Professional Help:

• Veterinarian: Consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss potential medications or supplements.  
• Certified Dog Behaviorist: A certified dog behaviorist can provide personalized guidance and training tailored to your dog’s specific needs.  

Important Considerations:

• Consistency is Key: Consistency is crucial for any anxiety management plan.
• Positive Reinforcement: Focus on positive reinforcement training methods. Avoid punishment, which can worsen anxiety.  
• Patience: It may take time to see significant improvement. Be patient and persistent with your efforts.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary or behavioral advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized recommendations tailored to your dog’s specific needs.