Anxiety disorders in dogs weren’t widely studied until the 1970s, which means many owners spent decades misunderstanding what their dogs were trying to communicate. Today, we know anxiety affects dogs as seriously as it affects humans because constant stress changes how a dog behaves, eats, sleeps, and interacts with the world. Recognizing the early signs of anxiety in dogs gives you a chance to help your dog before the symptoms grow worse.
In this blog post, you’ll learn why it’s important to treat anxiety in dogs, the most common canine anxiety signals, how to help a dog during a panic attack, and how the vets at Penny Paws diagnose and treat anxiety with a clear plan.
If you still need help diagnosing anxiety in your dog after reading, or you want to get your dog treatment, call Penny Paws at (817) 993-1234 to schedule a visit with the best veterinarians in San Antonio, TX.
Why It’s Important To Treat Anxiety in Dogs
Some people might roll their eyes when you bring up canine mental health, but anyone who lives with an anxious dog understands how heartbreaking it feels. A dog that struggles with anxiety can’t relax, can’t connect normally with the people it loves, and can’t enjoy daily life. The behavioral signs of anxiety in dogs are obvious, but long-term stress can also trigger serious physical issues, such as:
- Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
- Digestive problems caused by chronic stress
- Weakened immune response that makes illness more likely
- Higher risk of skin problems from excessive licking or chewing
- Poor sleep quality that affects mood and energy
- Tension and muscle strain from constant fear
- Stress vomiting and diarrhea during severe panic
- Weight loss due to refusing food
Don’t let your pup experience the symptoms of untreated anxiety in dogs when early intervention prevents the condition from getting worse.
Canine Anxiety Signals You Shouldn’t Ignore in Your Dog
Dogs communicate through behavior, body language, and changes in routine, and the next sections explain the canine anxiety signals that deserve your attention.
Panting and Pacing
Panting and pacing happen when your dog tries to release nervous energy that feels overwhelming. A stressed dog often walks in circles or moves from room to room because it can’t settle or rest. These dog stress behaviors often appear during fireworks, storms, loud noises, or separation.
Destructive Anxiety Reactions
Anxiety creates frantic reactions that look like misbehavior but are actually due to fear. Destructive anxiety reactions include:
- Chewing furniture, doors, or walls
- Scratching floors or tearing bedding
- Shredding toys or pillows
- Digging at exit points to escape
Remember, these destructive signs of anxiety in dogs come from panic, not defiance, so try not to get angry with your dog. This will only make things worse.
Trembling and Whining
Trembling and whining appear as signs of anxiety in dogs when fear takes over, and they don’t feel safe. Your dog may shake, tuck its tail, lower its head, or cry quietly because it can’t control the fear response. These behaviors often show up during storms or when something stresses your dog without warning.
Refusing To Eat or Go Potty
A dog that refuses to eat or go potty feels overwhelmed and unable to focus on normal routines. Anxiety pulls your dog’s attention toward fear and away from basic needs, especially if something traumatic happened while they were eating or going potty.
How To Immediately Treat Anxiety in Dogs
If you’re struggling with any of the signs of anxiety in dogs just mentioned, follow the steps below to calm them until you can get to a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Panic attacks feel scary for both you and your dog, but try to relax and stay calm so your dog senses stability. Your reassurance helps your dog feel safe while the fear response slows down.
- Move your dog to a quiet room to remove overwhelming triggers and bring down sensory stress
- Lower the lights to create a peaceful space that reduces visual stimulation
- Sit on the floor with your dog to show support and build a sense of safety
- Speak softly because a calm voice helps regulate your dog’s breathing
- Offer slow, gentle petting to release tension and help your dog feel grounded
- Give a favorite toy or comfort item to redirect attention toward something familiar
- Avoid punishment so your dog doesn’t associate fear with negative consequences
These steps help reduce the signs of anxiety in dogs while you prepare for long-term treatment.
Diagnosing and Treating Dogs With Anxiety at Penny Paws
At Penny Paws, we take the signs of anxiety in dogs seriously, which is why we take a proactive approach to diagnosing and treating anxiety in dogs. Our goal is to identify the cause, treat the symptoms, and support long-term emotional health.
Identifying the Source of Your Dog’s Anxiety
We begin by reviewing your dog’s history, daily behavior, triggers, and routine changes. Our vets examine physical health to rule out medical problems that mimic anxiety.
What Treatment Looks Like at Penny Paws
We build a treatment plan based on your dog’s age, triggers, lifestyle, and overall health. Treatment may include behavior modification, training strategies, supplements, or medication when needed.
Ongoing Support You’ll Get After the First Visit
Ongoing visits help us measure progress and adjust treatment. Follow-up care helps your dog build new habits that replace stress with comfort.
Call Penny Paws for Help Diagnosing and Treating Your Dog With Anxiety
Dogs feel safer when the people they love understand what they’re going through, and your attention makes a bigger difference than you might realize. Anxiety doesn’t make your dog difficult or demanding; it just means they’re struggling and need you to guide them back toward comfort. If you’ve seen any of these signs of anxiety in your dog, call Penny Paws at (817) 993-1234 to schedule an appointment.
If your pet is also struggling with separation anxiety, check out our other blog post on six simple steps to calm your pet’s separation anxiety. Your dog deserves comfort, peace, and support, and we’re here to help every step of the way.