Signs of Dog Anxiety

Dog Anxiety Awareness Week starts tomorrow, May 2nd. Our canine buddies can suffer from anxiety, just like people can. Some dogs are anxious about things like loud noises, such as fireworks, while others get upset in certain situations, such as when being left alone. Being anxious could just be in your pet’s nature, or it could be something that has developed because of bad things that happened to him in the past. Of course, your pooch can’t say how he feels, so it’s important for you to know the warning signs to look for. A Dutchess County, NY vet lists some key ones below.

Digging

Our furry companions can dig for many reasons. Fido could be going after a tunneling critter, or perhaps trying to escape. However, pooches also sometimes dig as a way to relieve stress and anxiety.

Chewing

Fido may also show his distress by chewing improperly. Of course, as with digging, dogs can also be chewing for other reasons, such as out of boredom. Other pups chew because they enjoy it. The trick here is to pay attention to when your pooch chews.

Nervous Behavior

Pacing can also be a sign of doggy anxiety. This may be accompanied by other signs of distress, such as whining, whimpering, or howling. Some dogs will also chew or lick themselves incessantly.

Vocalizations

Fido may also bark, growl, whimper, or whine if he’s feeling anxious. You may notice this more at certain times. For instance, if your pup has separation anxiety, he may cry when he’s left alone, but be quiet when you’re home.

Escape Attempts

Anxiety can also cause dogs to try to escape. For instance, many pups get scared around July 4th and New Year’s Eve, when things get loud. If Fido is scared of storms, he may try to bolt when he hears thunder. Keep your nervous pooch safe and sound indoors when it gets noisy!

Soiling

Any dog can have an accident, of course. But if you notice Fido slipping up more at certain times, anxiety could play a role.

Trembling

This one often happens when certain stimuli. For instance, if Fido is scared of storms, he may shake when the skies get dark, or when he hears that first ominous rumble of thunder.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Dutchess County, NY veterinary clinic, today!