The Restless Body
One of the earliest signs of a dog feeling anxious or unhappy is physical restlessness. This can manifest in several ways: pacing back and forth, especially
when they are usually calm; constant shifting and fidgeting while lying down; or an inability to settle comfortably in a single spot. Such behavior might also include excessive shaking or trembling, even when the environment isn't cold. If your dog exhibits this kind of fidgety behavior, it's worth observing for other signs of distress.
Repeated Yawns, Licking
Beyond physical activity, watch out for more subtle cues such as frequent yawning or lip-licking. These actions often serve as calming signals for dogs, and if they're happening more often than normal, they could indicate stress. Yawning, even without tiredness, can be a self-soothing mechanism, while repeated lip-licking, when not related to food, suggests the dog is feeling uneasy. These behaviors often precede or accompany other indications of distress, so keeping an eye on them will prove helpful in understanding the dog’s emotional state.
The Lowered Frame
Posture can speak volumes about a dog’s state of mind. A dog that is feeling anxious or unhappy will often take on a body posture that signals this to you. A lowered posture, where the body is closer to the ground than usual, is an indication that a dog is feeling fearful or apprehensive. This often goes hand in hand with the dog's tail tucked, and the eyes will typically appear wide, with whites showing (the 'whale eye' effect). These signs together signal anxiety and should trigger an investigation into the triggers affecting the dog's emotional health.
Appetite and Sleep
Changes in a dog's regular habits are key indicators. A shift in appetite can be a major clue. A dog suffering from anxiety might lose interest in food and eat less than usual, but the opposite may happen as well: some dogs may eat more as a way to self-soothe. Similarly, the dog’s sleep patterns may change. They might sleep more than usual, possibly to avoid facing a stressor, or may struggle to sleep at all, experiencing disrupted sleep. Keeping a record of food consumption and sleep patterns helps pinpoint potential causes for this behavioral shift.
Noise or Silence
The sensitivity of a dog to their environment plays a crucial role in their emotional well-being. Excessive noise, from loud traffic to fireworks, can be very stressful for some dogs, which could lead to them showing signs of anxiety. Conversely, absolute silence, if unusual in their setting, might also unsettle a dog. For instance, if a normally bustling household suddenly becomes quiet, a dog may become anxious due to a sense of disconnect or uncertainty. Observing how your dog reacts to its environment helps in identifying and lessening distress.
The Quiet Retreat
Dogs often signal their unhappiness by seeking isolation. They may choose to retreat to a quiet, less-trafficked area of the house. This can be under furniture, in a crate, or any space where they feel safe. If you observe your dog regularly withdrawing from social interaction or familiar environments and spending considerable time in isolation, it is a telling sign of distress. It is essential to ensure that your dog has access to a safe space and to not force them out of these spaces; let them retreat in peace.
