There are some key differences to look for when trying to tell if your dog is acting out or just anxious.
The behaviors associated with acting out involve inappropriate behaviors or attention-seeking behaviors (e.g., barking excessively).
In contrast, anxious dogs exhibit physical signs (e.g., trembling, excessive panting, tucked tail).
These differences are only noticeable if we are alert to the circumstances and our dog’s typical behavior.
If you have any doubt, you should reach out to a professionally trained dog trainer or veterinarian.
They can help you identify the underlying triggers to the behavior and how to address them.
How to know if your dog is anxious?
It can be easy to overlook your dog’s body language cues because most of them are very subtle and often happen quickly.
To help read your dog’s body language, you need to consider the whole context of the situation along with your dog’s body.
Understanding your dog’s telltale signs of relaxation will help you recognize when they’re not feeling that way. This guide will help you read your dog’s body language.
Think about what might be causing your dog to act in this manner and how you can help them feel better.
You can handle the situation in numerous ways, such as by gently removing your dog from an area that is causing them anxiety or by leaving them alone.
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
Sometimes dogs show us they’re anxious without making it obvious. If your dog keeps walking around or can’t seem to settle, it could be stress. Notice these changes early so you can help them feel better.
1. Pacing and restlessness
When pets begin to pace, it may be because they are feeling stressed or anxious.
Loud noises, such as fireworks, bad weather or work being carried out around the house, can lead to increased restlessness.
Some dogs may also appear agitated as a result of separation anxiety brought on when you leave the house for long periods.
Some may start pacing up and down the house because they are after a bit of attention. There is likely nothing to be concerned about if it occurs infrequently or is directly caused by environmental stress.
However, there are numerous medical conditions that could contribute to your dog pacing and if you’re concerned, you should always contact your vet for advice.
If the pacing becomes a common occurrence, work out what the issue is. Stop and watch them. See if they are exhibiting any other symptoms.
If you think it is linked to something more serious, contact your vet.
2. Incessant whining
Dogs frequently whine nonstop when they are frightened or nervous. They do whine when they are seeking attention, so you will have to observe if there are any other symptoms.
If your four-legged friend only whines just before you leave the house, or even a room, it may be because of separation anxiety.
Again, check for other symptoms, like the ones listed above, if you think this may be the case. Of course, your dog’s ‘cries for help’ may be because they are in discomfort or pain.
If they start whining a lot more, have their bodies examined thoroughly to rule out any physical causes before taking them to a veterinarian.
3. Frequent yawning
Like humans, dogs do sometimes yawn because they’re feeling a little tired. If they’re opening their mouth while being led in bed or right after a nap, it’s probably due to drowsiness.
A little jaw-stretch here and there is nothing to be concerned about. If your dog has started yawning excessively, then you need to pay attention.
Your pet may be experiencing stress or anxiety if they are yawning quickly and repeatedly.
If you think they are yawning for this reason, then you need to identify and eliminate the stressor as quickly as possible.
It could be trips in the car, trips to the vets, or an unfamiliar situation. Once you remove the aggravation, the yawning should subside.
4. Hiding or avoiding interaction
Sometimes, when things get a little too much, we’ve all wanted to hide. Our dogs can feel the same.
Many dogs frequently hide under furniture or avoid attention, which could indicate that they are having problems.
Dogs hide to feel safe. It is their way of protecting themselves from a potentially stressful situation.
Perhaps there are some people nearby or there are loud sounds coming from outside. While you should attempt to make your dog as comfortable as possible during these situations.
If they have stopped interacting with you, or you have stopped noticing them around the house as much, and this has been going on for a few days then you need to do a bit of detective work and find out what the problem is.
5. Stiffness or shift in posture
You know the way your dog moves and behaves better than anybody.
A change in posture or a sudden stiffening up should be a fairly easy spot for pet parents, and could be a sign their furry friend is stressed out.
Are they crouching down more? Does it have its tail between its legs or down? Is their head held sideways or downward?
Your dog may be displaying these body postures as a sign of stress or anxiety.
Regular playtime and daily exercise are effective ways to lower stress. Another reason for the change in posture could be that the dog is in pain.
How you can help
Dealing with a stressed dog can be tremendously stressful for pet parents.
Not least because we detest seeing our beloved fur babies in pain. Furthermore, it can be quite difficult to identify the underlying cause.
A good starting point is always to observe how a dog is acting. The sooner we unravel what is bothering our four-legged friends, the sooner we can prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
It is your responsibility to identify the exact issue because your dog won’t tell you what’s wrong. Physical discomfort can quickly result from emotional stress, and we don’t want that.
Spending quality time with your dog will give you a glimpse into what is going on in their world.
You must take immediate action to address the issue if it is caused by an environmental factor or factors. Common reasons include loud noises, separation anxiety, and another animal in the house.
Take them outside for regular exercise, ensure they have a routine, and feed them a healthy diet; do everything you can to keep them happy and healthy.
Positive reinforcement is another way of lowering anxiety. There are times when they might simply need some quiet time.
If you believe that might be the case, give them room and allow them to approach you. If you think a physical problem might be the root cause, give the veterinarian a call.
Conclusion
Life is full of stressful situations, and dogs also experience stress. It can be hard for us to recognize when our pets are stressed or anxious, which is one of the risks.
Dogs become members of the family as soon as they enter our home. Consequently, they are our responsibility, and we should take the role of pet parent very seriously.
Unlike people, dogs are unable to express their stress or seek assistance when things become too much.
Therefore, it’s critical to know what to look for when our pet starts acting differently.
We’ve put together a list of the symptoms you should be looking out for to help you determine if your dog is acting out or just anxious.
