What are the signs my dog has anxiety?

Calm your anxious dog →

The short answer!

Signs can include barking, pacing, hiding, shaking, chewing when left alone, or changes in appetite and toileting. Some dogs become clingy or restless, while others freeze or avoid contact altogether.

Anxiety in dogs often shows up in clusters rather than single signals. Many owners miss the earliest signs because they look like minor quirks.

Physical signs

Watch for excessive panting when it's not hot or after going for a walk, yawning in non-sleepy contexts, or repeated lip licking when there is no food around. Dilated pupils are a reliable marker of sympathetic nervous system activation: the 'fight or flight' response that underpins anxiety (1). You might also notice sweaty paw prints on smooth floors, increased shedding, or digestive upset.

Important Context

Context matters. Does your dog pace or whine only when alone, near certain sounds, or when strangers visit? Destructive behavior focused on exits (doors, windows) suggests separation related distress. Some dogs develop compulsive behaviours: repetitive paw licking, tail chasing, or shadow chasing, while others can become hyper-vigilant—overreacting to everyday sounds like doorbells.

Red flags to watch out for

Red flags include self-harm (licking causing sores), fear-based aggression, or complete shutdown - freezing or becoming unresponsive. When dog behaviourists assess anxiety, they look for patterns: does the behaviour worsen predictably, improve with routine, or escalate despite the trigger being removed?

References:

  1. Mariti C, Raspanti E, Zilocchi M, Carlone B, Gazzano A. The assessment of dog welfare in the waiting room of a veterinary clinic. Anim Welf. 2015;24(3):299-305. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280156252_The_assessment_of_dog_welfare_in_the_waiting_room_of_a_veterinary_clinic

This content is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. Supplements and nutritional products are not licensed veterinary medicines. Always speak to your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet, supplements, or care routine.

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owners also ask

Do calming dog supplements work?

Yes. Although they are not a 'cure', supplements can help to lower emotional responses to triggers, leaving room for training and behavioural routines to become more effective.

What are holistic dog anxiety treatments?

Holistic dog anxiety treatments take a whole-dog approach, combining multiple strategies rather than relying on a single intervention.

What calming herbs for dogs actually work?

Calming herbs work through different pathways in the nervous system - the most common are Passion Flower, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, B Vitamins (from different sources, such as Brewer's Yeast) and Valerian root.