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Although there are many reasons your dog may appear anxious, such as changes in routine, new people or pets, or other triggers. But what does this mean? Is it something to be concerned about? And if so, how can you help your dog feel more comfortable in new situations and reduce their anxiety level? The answer to this question is a resounding yes!
Try the "does my dog have anxiety quiz" at the top or read on to find out.

Almost all dogs will experience some degree of anxiety at some point. While it’s not pleasant for you or your pup, it’s completely natural. Dogs have apprehensive instincts that help them stay alert and avoid danger. For example: If a dog growls when meeting someone new, it’s because they sense the person or animal poses a threat. When a dog whines and cowers away from someone they know well (such as their owner), it’s because they sense confusion or awkwardness that makes them feel uncomfortable and insecure.
What are the signs of anxiety in dogs?
While all dogs experience some level of anxiety, there are some signs you can look for to determine if your dog is experiencing anxiety. These signs may include:
- Excessive barking
- Urinating or defecating inside
- Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, etc)
- Excessive licking
- Urination when left alone Most of these signs can be caused by other things, such as boredom or being in pain.
If your dog has any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the vet. If your dog is experiencing anxiety, there are some simple things you can do to help reduce its stress. With our "does my dog have anxiety quiz" we will give you advice based on your answer you give.
How can I tell if my dog is anxious?
Dogs experience anxiety for many reasons, and often the only way to know for sure if your dog is experiencing an anxious moment is to ask them. While it’s possible to identify certain traits in dogs that may indicate they’re feeling anxious, there’s no way to tell for sure unless your dog tells you.
While some signs may indicate your dog is experiencing anxiety, there’s no way to know for sure unless your dog tells you. And even if you’re able to identify anxiety, it’s important to note that there’s no one-size-fits-all cure for anxiety.
What works for some dogs won’t work for others, and some dogs may need more intensive treatment. If you’re not sure if your dog is experiencing anxiety, it’s best to talk to your vet. Vets are trained to recognize common signs of anxiety and can help you come up with a plan to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Anxiety can sometimes be confused with anger. If you have a puppy, we recommend our quiz called Is my puppy aggressive.
4 Ways to help your anxious dog
There are many ways to help your dog overcome anxiety, both short- and long-term. Some of the best ways to help your anxious dog are to
1 Create a consistent routine
The more consistent your dog is with their schedule, the less likely they are to experience anxiety.
2 Spend more time with your dog
Dogs are social creatures, and if they don’t get enough attention from their owner, they may become anxious and uncomfortable.
3 Take your dog for walks
Spending time outdoors can help your dog feel less anxious and more in control of its environment.
4 Get your dog spayed or neutered
Unspayed and unneutered dogs are more likely to experience anxiety than their spayed and neutered counterparts.
Conclusion
Dogs experience anxiety as part of their instincts. Although it can be frustrating to see your dog experience any level of anxiety, it’s important to understand that it’s completely normal and expected.
Anxiety in dogs will sometimes come and go over time so it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to determine when it’s time to seek help from a veterinarian. And if you still have tried our dog anxiety quiz at the top, try it now and find out.