Can Dogs Have Anxiety? Yes – Here Are Some Common Symptoms 

Do you ever wonder what your dog does when you’re away? As it turns out, they worry…a lot.

While it might seem strange to ask “Can dogs have anxiety?” the truth is that they absolutely can. According to the American Kennel Club, as much as 14% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety.

If you’re worried that you may have an anxious dog you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common signs that your dog has anxiety.

Shaking

Often, the greatest indicator of an anxious dog is its body language. While your dog may not whimper or whine, anxious dogs tend to express their fears physically by shaking and sticking their tails between their legs.

When a dog shakes, it’s typically a sign of a sudden adrenaline boost. Their instincts are kicking in, and they’re ready to keep you safe — even if it doesn’t always seem like it.

Misbehaving

How many times have you left your dog home alone only to come back to a total mess like torn pillows or ripped toilet paper? It can be frustrating, to say the least.

However, your dog isn’t being destructive simply to be destructive (though that can happen in certain breeds). Instead, it’s a way for your dog to blow off steam and release some of that aforementioned adrenaline.

So next time you come home and see that your dog has created a mess, don’t scold them right away. While you can voice your displeasure with them using a stern tone, you should also think about why they’re acting out.

Did they go through a major change like the loss of someone in the household? Is their a shift in their diet or feeding time?

These things might seem small, but dogs love stability. And as soon as that stability is threatened, all chaos breaks loose.

Hiding Food or Treats

When a dog hides things from you, it’s because they’re used to fending for themself. This is particularly common in rescue dogs and you shouldn’t take it personally.

Typically, dogs who do this haven’t had a stable source of food in the past. As such, they feel the need to stow things away where they think only they can access them.

Often, this behavior stops on its own when a dog sees that you love them and aren’t going to abandon them.

Can Dogs Have Anxiety? Yes! Here’s What to Do

By now we’ve established that dogs can have anxiety. But what exactly can you do about it?

For starters, you can discuss CBD-based treats or CBD oil for your pups. CBD has a ton of great benefits for dogs and humans alike, including aid with relaxation. To discover the benefits, check out this helpful article.

If your dog’s anxiety is severe, you may also want to talk with your vet about giving your dog specialized anti-anxiety medicines, which, believe it or not, do exist.

Taking Care of Your Four-Legged Friend

If you came into this post wondering “can dogs have anxiety?” we hope we’ve answered your question sufficiently. A lot of anxious behavior can be curbed with time and training.

And as always, make sure to talk with your pet’s vet before making any major changes to their diet or lifestyle.

Make sure to check back with our blog for additional tips and tricks!