Why is My Dog Anxious All of a Sudden?

Sad dog

When you have dogs, you get to know their personalities and behaviors like no one else, so it’s easy to tell when something is wrong. So, why is my dog anxious all of a sudden? Sudden anxiety in dogs has many reasons, ranging from fear to illness to aging. Let’s take a look at some of the symptoms, causes, and treatments for sudden anxiety in dogs to help get your pet back on track.

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Dog Anxiety Symptoms

First, what are common dog anxiety symptoms that you should know as a pet owner?
  • Pacing or shaking
  • Vocalizations, like barking and whining
  • Yawning, drooling, licking, or panting excessively
  • Changes in body posture or eyes
  • Avoidant behavior
  • Destructive behavior
  • Aggression
  • Eliminations

Some symptoms, like yawning or barking, may be normal under some circumstances. But you know your dog best, so be sure to pay attention when you notice any unexpected changes in behavior or appearance. It’s never a bad idea to give your vet a call if you have a concern.

Dog Anxiety Causes

If your dog is very anxious suddenly, what do you do? You’ll need to pinpoint the source of the anxiety in order to treat it. Here are a few common causes of dog anxiety symptoms:

  • Fear: Everyone has fears and phobias, and dogs are no different. Sometimes dogs are frightened of new situations and stimuli, like a visit to the groomer or vet. Others may have more ingrained phobias, like loud cars or slick flooring.
  • Separation Anxiety: Affecting around 14% of dogs, this anxiety occurs when your pet is left alone. Dogs may suddenly become destructive or soil the home.
  • Age-Related Anxiety: As dogs grow older, some develop new fears and confusion due to cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
  • Medical Issues: Underlying medical issues, ranging from pulled muscles to thyroid conditions, can cause sudden anxiety in dogs.
  • Temperature: Seasonal changes may leave your dog too cold and unable to get warm.

Dog Anxiety Treatment

We recommend seeing a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues and find a good course of action for your pet. The answer may be as simple as creating a quiet and comfortable space for your dog, or you may need to work on counter-conditioning to build confidence. We also recommend making sure that your dog has plenty of activities to burn off energy and work through stress!

Need to schedule an appointment with a Veterinarian?

Please contact Springbrook Animal Care Center.