Dogs communicate with their body language, that’s why it is important for us humans to understand what they mean to say. Learning how our pets communicate can prevent unwanted situations and even help reduce their anxiety.

If you’re suspicious of the way your dog is acting lately, we’ve provided a list of signs to tell if they’re stressed or anxious so you can provide immediate help.

Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs

People have their own coping mechanisms against stress. Some occupy themselves by playing video games, doing routine chores like cleaning the house, socializing with friends, or blowing off some steam with exercises. But when dogs become stressed, they do not slam the door, voice out their feelings, or throw a tantrum. The signs of dog anxiety are usually subtle to the point it even mimics normal behaviors.

Below are five warning signs of dog anxiety you should watch for.

1. Freezing

When a dog gets stiff or freezes, this might be due to something they see. While this is considered “submission” in a training context, modern dog training practices say this could mean a dog is shutting down. This is an obvious red flag and can sometimes be dangerous. When dogs show stress indicators like this, they may bite if they feel cornered.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues

Although related to allergies or health conditions, gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or constipation are sometimes connected to stress levels. If this symptom lasts more than a day, it is best to take your pet to a veterinary diagnostics facility so treatment and diagnosis can begin immediately.

3. Loss of Appetite

Increased digestive problems or loss of appetite is a common indicator of chronic stress in dogs. Even overweight canines will still eat normally when healthy. So if your pup is suddenly refusing food, it can indicate anxiety, stress, or an underlying health issue. Loss of appetite is linked to numerous dog health conditions in social settings, including parvo, distemper, and canine influenza.

These viral diseases can be prevented by completing your dog’s vaccines and ensuring they don’t miss booster shots. This preventive measure is crucial, especially if your pet is socially active and you go to dog parks often. If your pet still lacks the mentioned essential preventative treatments, purchasing a pet wellness plan can help you save money and make your planning easier. You may also explore options that fit your budget and your dog’s needs.

4. Barking or Whining

Barking, a typical canine behavior, generally happens for specific reasons. Pups that bark in a prolonged, random, and uncontrolled way may indicate stress, particularly separation anxiety. Excessive vocalizations like whining, whimpering, and roaring are usually involuntary, which means your dog might be feeling scared, anxious, threatened, or in pain.

If you observe this behavior for days, take your dog to an animal wellness center for a checkup. The vet can determine the cause behind your pet’s unusual behavior and offer tailored treatment or therapy to address their condition.

5. Excessive Shedding

Shedding is a natural process of a dog ridding itself of old hair that has reached its cycle. This happens to all dog breeds with no exceptions. However, dogs that shed excessively or in larger quantities often indicate stress. Dogs that compulsively lick themselves usually lose hair in the areas they lick often.

Conclusion

As pet parents, we all share the same concern of keeping our pets relaxed and comfy at all times. The best way to calm your pet is to know what triggers their anxiety and stress. Paying attention to your dog’s body language helps you read their stress signals and relieve their anxiety. Expert dog trainers or veterinarians can also provide advice on reducing your pet’s response to their stress triggers and eventually eliminating them successfully.