Dogs are often considered to be one of the most loyal creatures on the planet. They are known for their unwavering devotion to their human companions and for their ability to provide love and support in difficult times. It’s no wonder, then, that many people consider dogs to be members of the family. However, just like any other member of the family, dogs can experience anxiety. In fact, anxiety is one of the most common psychological problems seen in dogs. If you’re worried that your dog may be experiencing anxiety, it’s important to know what the signs are. This article will discuss some of the most common signs that your dog may be anxious.
Destructive Behavior
Dogs who are anxious or afraid may engage in destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture or knocking over plants. This is actually a very common sign of anxiety in dogs and should not be ignored. Keep in mind, however, that it’s perfectly normal for young puppies to chew on things and some dogs may chew more than others. So, if your puppy is chewing on things and appears to be happy and healthy, this probably isn’t a sign of anxiety. Destructive behavior in older dogs, however, may be a sign of separation anxiety. If you notice your dog going from being relaxed to destructive only when you leave the house, separation anxiety is more than likely what is causing that behavior
Excessive Barking
Like destructive behavior, excessive barking is a very common sign of anxiety in dogs. It’s important to note, however, that there are different kinds of barking and some forms of barking can be normal while others can be one of the signs to look out for. There are times when your dog may bark at the door or perhaps because he or she needs to go outside to use the bathroom. However, if your dog is barking for no apparent reason, this may be a sign of anxiety. Dogs who are anxious or feeling threatened may bark excessively out of fear or stress. If you notice that your dog seems to start barking for no reason, pay attention to how he or she is acting before and after they start barking. Your dog may even appear to be a bit frightened or alert when they start barking.
Pacing
Pacing is one of the most obvious signs that your dog may be anxious. If you notice that your dog seems to spend a lot of time walking back and forth or running around in circles, this can often be a sign of anxiety. Dogs who are feeling stressed out from loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks may pace to try and cope with their feelings. Pacing and other types of restless behavior can also be a sign that your dog has separation anxiety and is anxious about being left alone. If you notice your dog pacing when you leave the house, it may be time to consider getting help from a vet or animal behavior specialist.
Urinating In The House
While some dogs may appear to be nervous or stressed by loud noises such as thunderstorms, others may actually become so anxious that they experience an increase in their heart rate and blood pressure. This rise in stress hormones means that dogs who are experiencing anxiety may also have a much more difficult time controlling their bladders. As a result, you may notice that your dog is urinating in the house more frequently than they normally would. Try to keep in mind, however, that dogs may not always show signs of anxiety before urinating so it can be difficult to tell whether or not your dog is peeing because he or she is anxious. If your dog is urinating more frequently than usual, take them to the vet so they can rule out any potential health concerns.
Aggressive Behavior
Like other signs of anxiety, aggressive behavior can sometimes come as a surprise to those who don’t know what to look out for. It’s important to remember that anxious dogs may feel threatened and start acting defensively. This defensive response could lead the dog to act aggressively as a way to protect themselves or their owner from whatever it is that’s causing them to feel threatened. Keep in mind, however, that aggressive behavior may also be the result of pent-up aggression or stress that has built over time. Just like humans, dogs can hold things in and build anxiety that is then unleashed on an unsuspecting owner or another dog. If your dog is suddenly acting aggressive or attacking for no apparent reason, it’s important to take them to the vet. That aggression may be an indication of something serious.
Hiding Or Seeking Solitude
While it may be normal for dogs to seek out a quiet spot to rest, some anxious dogs may spend more time hiding or seeking solitude than they normally would. If you notice that your dog is hiding under the bed or spending more time in their crate or another enclosed space, this could be a sign of anxiety and one you should pay attention to. Dogs may try and stay out of the way when they’re anxious to avoid people or other animals that may be causing them stress. If you notice that your dog is hiding for no reason, it could be time to consider getting professional help from a veterinarian or animal behavior specialist to better understand what’s going on.
Conclusion
Anxiety is one of the most common behavioral problems that veterinarians and animal behavior specialists run into. If you notice any signs or symptoms of anxiety in your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet so they can determine whether or not there’s a health concern at hand. If it turns out that there are no medical issues at play, your vet may be able to recommend steps you can take or medications you can give to reduce your dog’s anxiety. While some signs of anxiety may be normal, others may indicate that there is something more serious going on and should be addressed as soon as possible.