What it is
When a dog is anxious, its body stays switched into alarm mode: the heart beats faster, breathing quickens and stress hormones keep it on edge, so it struggles to settle, rest or even eat. A dog cannot tell itself that the thunder will pass or that you will be back soon, so its fear feels as real as a genuine threat.
Anxiety can grow out of a dog's temperament, too little calm contact with the world as a puppy, a frightening experience or big changes at home, and it can also appear in older dogs as their senses and memory fade.
In daily life it helps to know what sets your dog off and to give it a quiet, safe spot it can retreat to. Punishment only deepens fear, while a steady routine and patience help a dog feel safer.
Signs you may notice
- Paces and cannot settle
- Pants or trembles for no reason
- Whines or barks when left alone
- Chews things or soils the house
- Hides or follows you everywhere
- Licks itself constantly
The dog may pace, pant, tremble, whine or bark, hide, chew things up or soil the house when left alone. Some dogs lick themselves constantly, lose their appetite or will not leave their owner's side for a moment.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if the anxiety is getting worse, the dog is harming itself or stops eating, or a calm dog suddenly becomes fearful, since pain or illness can lie behind a change in behaviour.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.