15 Signs Your Dog Might Have Anxiety

Dealing with an anxious dog can be rough. It’s not just heartbreaking to watch your furry buddy suffer, but a nervous dog can also act out in ways that are destructive or painful. But what if you’re not sure if your dog’s anxious? Some symptoms of anxiety in dogs are similar to those in humans, but others aren’t as obvious. Here are 15 signs your dog might be feeling anxious.
Destructive Chewing

Have you ever left your dog alone at home, only to come back and find pillow stuffing everywhere, chewed-up shoes, or other ruined stuff? Most dogs go through a chewing phase when they’re puppies, but with some training and redirection, they usually grow out of it by the time they’re two. If your dog is still destroying your things well after that chewing phase, especially if it only happens when you’re gone, it could be a sign of separation anxiety.
Self-Mutilation

Instead of chewing on things, some dogs take out their anxiety on themselves. They might lick, scratch, or chew at their own skin, sometimes ending up with raw, patchy, or even bloody spots. If it’s due to a food intolerance, you’ll usually see this behavior pretty much all the time, even when you’re around. But an anxious dog will only scratch, lick, or chew on themselves when they’re super stressed.
Growling

Dogs growl to show they’re feeling uncomfortable. It might mean they’re threatened or in pain. If a puppy gets in trouble for growling, they might skip the warning and just bite next time. It’s really important to give your dog some space and figure out a different way to get what you need from them. Like, if your dog’s growling at their food, just let them eat in peace.
Potty Accidents

If your pooch is house-trained but suddenly starts having accidents around the house, anxiety could be the problem. Since scent is a huge part of how dogs communicate and get around, it makes sense they might go potty in random spots when they’re feeling anxious. It’s pretty common for dogs with anxiety to have potty accidents when they’re left alone, especially in places that smell like their humans.
Lip-licking

When dogs are stressed, they lick their lips because they’re trying to calm themselves down. It’s not really about being hungry or thirsty. It’s more like a nervous habit, something they do to comfort themselves when they’re feeling off. If you see this happening a lot, especially when there’s no food around, your dog might be feeling anxious.
Whining or Barking

When dogs are stressed, a lot of them start whining. This happens because they can’t control their automatic reaction to stress. Humans can use whining as a sign that something or someone around them is making them uneasy. It’s kind of like how puppies sometimes can’t control themselves and end up barking—it’s just a way for them to show they’re anxious.
Freezing

When your dog stiffens up and freezes, it may be because they’re anxious about something they’ve seen. In training, this might look like “submission,” but according to recent dog behavior studies, what’s really happening is that your dog is trying to back away from the situation. This is risky for both you and your pup. When dogs show stress like this, it’s a big warning sign—they could bite if they feel trapped or cornered.
Pacing

Pacing is a common sign that your dog is stressed. If your dog’s walking back and forth, it can be because they feel anxious or worked up about something. This may happen around mealtimes when they’re waiting for something or for other reasons. If you notice your dog pacing, figure out what’s causing the stress. For older dogs, pacing can also be a sign of dementia.
Excessive Shedding

Shedding is a natural process where a dog’s coat sheds old hair that’s done with its growth cycle. This happens with all dogs, no exceptions. But if your dog is shedding a lot more than usual, stress could be the cause. When stressed, some dogs will lick themselves a lot, which can lead to hair loss in the areas they lick too much.
Cowering

When your dog is cowering, it’s a big sign they’re stressed. You’ll see them shrink down low, with their head and tail tucked between their legs. This kind of body language usually means they’re scared or feeling submissive. If you spot this, give them a quiet space to relax or take them out of the situation causing the stress.
Sudden Changes in Activity

If your dog suddenly starts eating a lot more or less, it’s a pretty clear sign of stress. Just remember, anything out of the ordinary for your dog could be a sign they’re feeling stressed. What seems like a lot of energy for one dog might just be a quiet day for another. Pay attention to what’s normal for your pup, and keep an eye on any changes in their eating habits.
Avoiding Eye Contact

Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” but they can be pretty sensitive regarding eye contact. In the dog world, staring for too long can feel like a challenge or a threat. So if your dog is feeling anxious, they might avoid eye contact to keep things chill. If you notice your dog looking away or dodging your gaze, they just need a little space.
Ignoring Commands or Cues

Normally, your pup would be happy to follow your commands, but it can be hard for them to focus when they’re anxious. Your dog’s mind is all over the place so they can’t focus on you, no matter how many times you say “sit” or “stay.” It can be frustrating, but remember—they’re not being naughty. They’re just too stressed to pay attention.
Clinginess

We’ve all had those moments when we just wanted someone close for comfort. Dogs feel the same way. If your pup starts following you around everywhere, it’s their way of seeking reassurance. They’re feeling unsure, and sticking close to you makes them feel safe. Your dog might be trying to tell you they need that same kind of support.
Gastric Upset

Anxiety can really mess with your dog’s stomach. If your dog suddenly has diarrhea or is vomiting, and there’s no clear reason for it (like eating something bad), stress can be the cause. Some dogs respond to stress by getting an upset stomach, so it’s pretty normal for anxious pups to need more trips to the bathroom when they’re feeling uneasy.