Not all anxious dogs shake: The surprising way that dogs show stress
Understanding the subtle signs of anxiety in dogs — and what you can do to help.
When we picture an anxious dog, we often imagine one trembling during a thunderstorm, hiding beneath the bed or barking uncontrollably at fireworks.
But what if your dog isn't doing any of those things?
What if they're simply licking their paws, yawning more than usual, following you from room to room or suddenly becoming unusually quiet?
Not all anxious dogs shake, bark or hide. Sometimes, the signs are so subtle that even the most attentive dog owners can miss them.
Dogs communicate their emotions primarily through body language and behaviour. And while they can't tell us when something feels wrong, they're often giving us little clues.
Learning to recognise those clues can make an enormous difference to their wellbeing.
Anxiety Doesn't Always Look Like Anxiety
Just like people, dogs respond to stressful situations differently.
Some become vocal and restless. Others withdraw, seek reassurance or display behaviours that might initially seem completely unrelated to anxiety.
A dog experiencing stress isn't necessarily frightened of something obvious, either.
Changes in routine, unfamiliar visitors, separation from their owners, loud noises, new environments or uncomfortable social interactions can all contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Even seemingly positive experiences, such as a busy family gathering or an exciting trip to the dog park, can become overwhelming.
The important thing to remember is that anxiety isn't always about what your dog is doing. Sometimes, it's about what they've stopped doing.
8 Subtle Signs Your Dog Might Be Anxious
1. Excessive Paw Licking or Grooming
Occasional grooming is perfectly normal. However, repeatedly licking the same paw or area of the body can sometimes be a response to stress.
Some dogs engage in repetitive licking when they're unsettled, particularly during periods of boredom, frustration or anxiety.
However, excessive licking can also indicate allergies, skin irritation, injury or pain.
What to watch for: Persistent licking, particularly when combined with restlessness or other behavioural changes.
If your dog is licking enough to cause redness, hair loss or irritation, arrange a veterinary examination rather than assuming anxiety is responsible.
2. Yawning When They're Not Tired
We generally associate yawning with sleepiness, but in dogs, it can sometimes signal discomfort or stress.
For example, you might notice your dog yawning repeatedly during a veterinary appointment, when approached by an unfamiliar person or while being hugged.
In these situations, yawning may be part of their way of communicating that they're uncomfortable.
What to watch for: Repeated yawning accompanied by a tense body, ears pulled back or attempts to move away.
Of course, sometimes a yawn is just a yawn. Context matters!
3. Lip Licking Without Food Around
Ever noticed your dog quickly flicking their tongue across their nose or lips?
This tiny movement can be easy to overlook, but it may be an early indication that your dog feels uncertain.
Lip licking can occur when dogs are uncomfortable with an approaching person, another animal or an unfamiliar situation.
What to watch for: Quick, repeated tongue flicks accompanied by turning away, lowered posture or tense facial expressions.
Recognising these early signals gives you an opportunity to remove pressure before your dog becomes more distressed.
4. Following You Everywhere
Some dogs are naturally affectionate little shadows. Wherever you go, they're right behind you.
And while this can simply be part of their personality, a sudden increase in clinginess may indicate insecurity or anxiety.
Dogs experiencing separation-related distress may become particularly unsettled when they notice familiar departure cues, such as picking up your keys or putting on your shoes.
What to watch for: A noticeable change in attachment behaviour, particularly if your dog struggles to settle when you're out of sight.
It's worth remembering that following you around doesn't automatically mean your dog has separation anxiety.
5. Suddenly Becoming Very Quiet
We often associate anxious dogs with excessive barking, but some respond in exactly the opposite way.
They become unusually still, withdrawn or quiet.
A dog that freezes during an interaction isn't necessarily being obedient or well-behaved. They may be overwhelmed and unsure how to respond.
What to watch for: A rigid body, fixed expression, reluctance to move or sudden disinterest in normal activities.
Never force an interaction with a dog showing these signs. Give them space and an opportunity to move away.
6. Pacing, Panting or Struggling to Settle
Does your dog wander around the house without appearing to have a destination?
Perhaps they repeatedly change sleeping positions, pace between rooms or pant despite not being hot.
These behaviours can indicate that something is making them uncomfortable.
Dogs affected by storms, fireworks or environmental changes may struggle to relax long before the obvious source of their anxiety begins.
What to watch for: Restlessness, unexplained panting, difficulty settling or repeatedly seeking hiding places.
Because panting and restlessness can also indicate pain or illness, particularly when sudden or unusual, veterinary assessment is important.
7. Avoiding Eye Contact or Turning Away
Sometimes the smallest movements speak volumes.
A dog might turn their head away when someone approaches, avoid eye contact or move behind their owner.
These behaviours can be polite attempts to avoid uncomfortable interactions.
You may also notice your dog's ears moving backwards, their tail lowering or the whites of their eyes becoming more visible.
What to watch for: Several of these signals appearing together, particularly during unfamiliar or unwanted interactions.
Rather than encouraging your dog to tolerate the situation, consider whether they're asking for a little space.
8. Destructive Behaviour When Left Alone
Coming home to chewed cushions, scratched doors or shredded furniture can be incredibly frustrating.
But before assuming your dog has simply been naughty, consider what might be driving the behaviour.
Some dogs experiencing separation-related distress chew, scratch or attempt to escape when left alone.
Others may become destructive through boredom, insufficient enrichment or unmet exercise needs.
What to watch for: Destructive behaviour that happens primarily during absences, especially alongside vocalising, pacing or toileting indoors.
A pet camera can sometimes help identify patterns and provide useful information for your vet or qualified behaviour professional.
Why Recognising Early Signs Matters
Dogs rarely communicate discomfort through one single behaviour.
Instead, they use combinations of body language, movement and changes in their normal habits.
A quick lip lick might be insignificant on its own. But combine it with flattened ears, a lowered tail and repeated attempts to move away, and the message becomes clearer.
Recognising these quieter signals allows us to respond before anxiety escalates into more obvious behaviours such as trembling, barking, growling or attempting to escape.
It also helps us avoid unintentionally placing our dogs in situations they're struggling to cope with.
The goal isn't to eliminate every stressful experience. It's to help our dogs feel safe, supported and understood.
How Can You Help an Anxious Dog?
The good news is that there are plenty of simple ways to support a dog experiencing stress.
Create a safe retreat. Give your dog access to a quiet, comfortable space where they can withdraw without being disturbed. This might be a favourite bed, a quiet room or an open crate they already associate with safety.
Keep routines predictable. Regular feeding, walking, play and rest times can provide reassurance, particularly for dogs that struggle with change.
Provide appropriate enrichment. Snuffle mats, food puzzles, scent games and suitable chew toys can offer constructive activities and mental stimulation. Choose activities your dog enjoys rather than forcing engagement.
Respect their boundaries. If your dog moves away from a person, animal or situation, allow them that space. Never punish growling or other warning signals.
Consider environmental support. For dogs affected by storms or fireworks, closing curtains, reducing outside noise and creating a quiet indoor retreat may help. Some dogs also find appropriately fitted calming garments comforting, although they won't suit every dog and shouldn't replace behaviour support.
Reward calm, confident behaviour. Gentle, reward-based training can help dogs build positive associations with situations they previously found worrying. For significant fears, this should be approached gradually with professional guidance.
Most importantly, avoid forcing your dog to confront something that genuinely frightens them. Flooding them with an overwhelming experience can make their fear worse.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Occasional stress is a normal part of life, but persistent anxiety shouldn't be ignored.
If your dog's behaviour changes suddenly, they're injuring themselves, regularly becoming distressed or struggling with everyday activities, speak to your veterinarian.
Pain, illness and other medical conditions can produce behaviours that look remarkably similar to anxiety.
Once medical causes have been considered, your vet may recommend a qualified reward-based trainer, veterinary behaviourist or an individual behaviour management plan.
Some dogs also benefit from prescribed medication alongside behavioural support.
Getting help early can prevent problems from becoming more deeply established.
A Little Understanding Goes a Long Way
Our dogs depend on us for so much more than food, exercise and a warm place to sleep.
They rely on us to recognise when something isn't quite right.
Sometimes that means noticing the dog trembling beneath the table during a thunderstorm.
Other times, it's recognising the quiet dog who's stopped enjoying walks, the nervous lip lick when visitors arrive or the subtle change in behaviour that tells us they're struggling.
Not every unusual behaviour means anxiety, and no single signal tells the whole story.
But by becoming more familiar with our dogs' individual personalities and body language, we can better understand what they're trying to communicate.
Because sometimes, the dogs who need our reassurance the most aren't the ones making the most noise.
At Pawsupport, we believe supporting your dog's wellbeing means caring for both their physical comfort and emotional needs. A little patience, understanding and the right support can make everyday life more comfortable for everyone.
Supporting their journey, every step of the way.