15 Signs Your Dog Might Be Scared (And How to Help)

Just like humans, dogs often experience fear and anxiety, but they express it differently. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to recognize when your dog is scared so you can provide comfort and reassurance. Here are 15 signs that might indicate your dog is scared and what each means.

Pacing

Repetitive motion indicates that dogs are trying to burn off nervous energy. Pacing can be seen when they are anticipating something unpleasant, like a trip to the groomer. If you notice this behavior, you can intervene and try to calm them. Sometimes, a favorite toy or a soothing voice is all they need.

Panting

Dogs pant to cool down, but if this panting is excessive, it’s a reason to worry. Occurrences like a sudden thunderstorm do not just make them hot; such behavior often accompanies other signs of fear. By identifying this, you can take steps to calm them. Simply being close to them can make a big difference.

Destructive Behavior

Fear can manifest as destructive actions, such as chewing furniture or digging.  If a dog is left alone during a storm, it can tear up cushions to show they are scared and trying to self-soothe. Providing appropriate outlets for their anxiety can reduce destructive actions.

Whining or Whimpering

Vocalization is an attribute of dogs. If it sounds like continuous whining, it is a direct plea for comfort or help and a message that they are scared and seeking reassurance. Understanding this vocal cue and offering comfort can help you respond appropriately and address the issue. 

Freezing

Reactions like a “deer in the headlights” indicate they are unsure what to do next. Imagine a dog encountering a strange object; it stands still as a symbol of fear. A calm intervention, such as offering a gentle command or removing the stressor, can help them move again.

Avoiding Eye Contact

When a dog avoids eye contact, it’s often a sign of submission or fear, signaling that it is uncomfortable with the situation. Think of a dog avoiding your gaze when they know they are in trouble; they are scared of the reprimand. Offering positive reinforcement can reduce this fear.

Hypervigilance

It is not uncommon for canines to remain constantly on alert as they scan their environment. When a dog is in a new place, its ears are perked, and its head moves continually, passing a message of anxiousness. Reduce stimuli or take them on a rigorous walk to ease their anxiety.

Whale Eye

“Whale eye” refers to a dog showing the whites of their eyes. It may be funny, but it is usually when stressed, and the wide-eyed look indicates fear. Familiarity with this sign helps you respond with empathy. Furthermore, providing a comforting presence or distraction can alleviate their anxiety.

Licking Lips

Have you ever found your dog licking their lips even when they aren’t eating? It is often a sign of fright, and they take it as their way of trying to soothe themselves. When a dog is nervous, like during a car ride, lip-licking is common. By recognizing this subtle sign, you can take steps to alleviate their discomfort.

Yawning

Just like humans, yawning is a sign of tiredness in dogs. However, it can also signal stress. Whenever your dog yawns repeatedly during a visit to a noisy park, they are trying to calm themselves. By providing a quieter space, you can help them relax.

Tail Tucking

A dog with their tail tucked tightly between their legs displays a classic sign of fear. This posture is a protective mechanism, similar to a human crossing their arms when uneasy. For instance, when a dog meets a new, more giant dog, it might feel threatened and immediately tuck in its tail.

Clinginess

When panicked, dogs seek constant physical contact. This is a clear sign that they depend on you for safety amidst a frightful occurrence. Generally, a lack of mental engagement or activities can lead to boredom and clingy behavior.

Sudden Urination or defecation.

Fear can cause loss of bladder or bowel control, making dogs urinate or defecate unexpectedly. The involuntary response is a sign of extreme anxiety. Recognizing this can help you address the cause of their fear, and it can also be a call for immediate action.

Excessive Barking

Incessant barking is often a plea for help. When a stranger approaches your home, and your dog barks continuously, it indicates fear of the unknown. Addressing this anxiety through training or reassurance can help alleviate your dog’s stress.

Trembling or Shaking

Some involuntary response often occurs in situations where they feel vulnerable and a clear signal that something is wrong. For example, shaking can also happen at the vet’s office, filled with strange smells and sounds. You should try and create a safe space for them or give them a gentle hug, which can make all the difference.