Dog anxiety symptoms range from subtle body language like lip licking, yawning, and showing the whites of their eyes to obvious behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking/howling, pacing, trembling, house soiling (urinating/defecating indoors), hiding, and aggression (growling, biting). They may also lose appetite, drool, have accidents, or engage in repetitive actions like tail chasing.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
An anxious dog may pant, pace, tremble, drool, withdraw from its owner, or hide. Alternatively, they may appear irritable or aggressive (i.e., bark or growl at someone). The dog's tail may be low or tucked, ears back, eyes dilated or showing lots of white around them (whale eye).
A dog's panic attacks usually only last for a few minutes, but it can feel like a long time for them. Panic attacks can be especially scary for your dog since they can sometimes occur out of nowhere.
There are several things you can try to help combat anxiety, including:
5-4-3-2-1 exercise for anxiety FAQs
It involves identifying 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. By doing so, it helps shift your focus from anxiety-provoking thoughts to the present moment.
You might also try playing quiet, classical music in the background, as this has been scientifically proven to have a calming effect on dogs. Natural therapies and products can also help with anxiety, including calming aids like pheromone collars (Adaptil) or products like the Anxiety Wrap or Thunder Shirts.
Dog panic attack symptoms
Trembling or shaking. Lip licking and yawning. Vocalisations such as barking or whining. Unusual or unexpected aggression.
How to stop a dog panic attack
Dog anxiety can stem from several causes, and the most common are separation anxiety, environmental changes, past trauma, loud noises, or lack of proper socialization. Separation anxiety is particularly frequent and occurs when a dog becomes extremely stressed when left alone.
Signs of anxiety in dogs
Most dogs are receptive to pets in areas such as:
A higher than normal anxiety level. Seeking out unusual places to sleep or hide. Your pet no longer enjoys or seeks out contact with your family and/or their fur family. Consistent pacing or circling, restlessness; especially at night.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Keep introductions short by following the “three second rule”; count to three as the dogs sniff each other, say thanks or nice to meet you to the owner, and then excitedly call your dog away and continue your walk.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids, found in fish oil, flaxseed, and certain algae, have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit brain health. Studies have shown that omega-3s can help reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function in dogs.
7 Proven Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog
Selecting your veterinary team
Often, these clinics will attempt to limit noise that could stress out pets, play calming music, examine dogs on the floor, where they feel less stressed, instead of on an exam table and more.
Tips for Calming Your Dog Naturally
Signs of anxiety can include:
Here's what we know — and don't know — about some herbal supplements:
The 3 C's of Anxiety—Control, Certainty, and Comfort (or Context, Curiosity, and Compassion)—offer a practical framework for managing stress and emotions. By practicing mindful awareness, grounding exercises, and balanced daily routines, you can reduce anxiety, improve resilience, and restore inner calm.