No pet parent would wish their dog to feel anxious. It’s just too hard to watch. But a lot of their anxiety come from things we barely notice. From unusual noises to hurried walks, dogs are more sensitive than we think. Watch out for these 10 triggers that can make your dog anxious.
10. Meeting New People or Pets
Your dog’s world can suddenly feel unpredictable and overwhelming when they encounter unfamiliar humans or animals. Meeting strangers can trigger their fight-or-flight response as they try to figure out if the new person or animal is a friend or a foe. Signs of social anxiety include trembling, hiding behind you, or even excessive barking.
9. Inconsistency
Imagine, for a second, that you live in a world where rules keep changing without warning. Stressful, right? That’s how your dog feels when their daily schedule gets mixed up. Remember, dogs thrive on routine and predictability. So changes in their walking schedules or feeding times may send their stress levels through the roof.
8. Strong Fragrances
Your dog’s nose is basically their superpower. And because it’s more sensitive than yours, their heightened sense of smell can make strong fragrances feel inescapable. We’re talking about the scents of candles, personal care items, cleaning products, and air fresheners. Dogs may show signs of distress by sneezing, trying to leave the room, or pawing at their nose.
7. Rushed Walks
When you’re in a hurry and pull the leash during walks, you’re hurting your dog’s feelings. Why? Walks aren’t just exercise for them; it’s a form of mental stimulation and a time when they can sniff, explore, and process their environment at their own pace. When you rush through walks, you deny them a crucial sensory experience, which could leave them feeling anxious.
6. Playing Dress Up
Unless your dog is used to dress up, there’s a chance that they don’t like getting into costumes. Dogs who aren’t used to wearing anything beyond a collar may feel like their movements are restricted and this can trigger anxiety. Clear signs of stress in dogs when dressing up include panting, freezing up, and trying to remove the clothing items.
5. Moving
Relocating to a new home is one of the most stressful experiences dogs can have. This would disrupt everything they know (and trust) about their environment. Strange people carrying boxes and the disappearance of familiar furniture signal to your dog that something major is happening. If they see this as potentially threatening, it would keep them on high alert on several weeks.
4. Yelling and Harsh Punishment
Dogs may not understand each and every word you say but they’re sensitive to human emotions. So raised voices can send them into an anxious spiral. Meanwhile, harsh punishments can result in your dog associating your presence with fear and them being constantly worried about making mistakes.
3. Being Ignored
Because dogs are known as social animals, being constantly ignored can also trigger significant behavioral problems. Without enough attention or interaction, your dog may develop destructive behaviors, attention-seeking actions, or separation anxiety. In brief moments when they get attention, they might fear that it will disappear again.
2. Loud Noise
Dogs’ hearing is also more sensitive than ours, so sudden or sustained loud noises can send them into panic. Thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuum cleaners, and even loud music can trigger fear responses in dogs. And unlike us, they don’t know that the scary noise is temporary; they just know it’s loud and potentially dangerous.
1. Being Left Alone
Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues that pet parents encounter with their pups. That’s because dogs are wired for companionship and being isolated feels threatening to them. When their person disappears, even just for a while, they may feel abandoned, especially if they don’t understand that you’ll come back. Without the usual sounds and activities, they may also feel lonely and confused in an empty house.