How Do I Know if My Dog is Afraid?

by Britt

Published: February 20th, 2024

Photo credit: Javier Brosch / Shutterstock.com

Experts often talk about the importance of reading your dog’s body language to reduce fear, stress, and anxiety. But do you sometimes struggle to identify if your dog is really scared or if you’re just reading into a situation?

Many common dog behaviors can be misinterpreted – fear or calm, comfort or stress. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. We are here to help! This post dives deep into the basics of canine communication and body language. We’ll highlight some of the more subtle body language cues, behavioral changes, and vocalization that you should be looking out for.

Plus, we’ll look at the most common situations that trigger fear in dogs, why these situations can be frightening, and how to comfort and support your dog moving forward.

What’s the ultimate goal? Ensuring you have the information needed to build your dog’s confidence, improve your communication, and help them enjoy a world free from unnecessary fear and anxiety. Dedicate the time and energy today to set your dog up for long-term success (avoiding potential health complications from too much stress).

Common Signs of Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

Life as a pet parent would be much easier if our pups could speak up and tell us exactly what they think in each situation. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality we live in. Instead, we must learn to pick up on their non-verbal communication to build a strong and trusting relationship with our furry friends.

Here are a few ways they may be trying to tell you that they are feeling “off” or nervous:

Body Language

One of the most important ways our pets communicate their feelings is through their body language. This includes the way they stand, the way they move, how they hold their ears or their tail, and so much more. Some signs will be obvious, while others will be more subtle.

Here are some of the more common signs of fear and stress related to body language:

Excessive panting
Yawning
Showing teeth
Lip-licking
Puckering of the lips
Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)
Large, dilated pupils
Ears backward or pressed forward
Tail up and stiff or down tucked between the legs
Cowering or standing with the body low to the ground
Attempting to hide
Displacement behaviors (sneezing, itching)
Shaking or trembling
Submissive urination

Behavior Changes

In addition to changes in how your dog stands or positions their body, you may notice some behavioral changes.

You may find that your dog tries to back away or avoid their trigger. On the other hand, your dog may become reactive towards a trigger by jumping or lunging at it. Both these reactions signify stress or anxiety, highlighting the importance of getting to know your dog as an individual. For example, we have two male dogs in our house. When presented with a trigger, Lucifer will hold his ground while Indiana tends to back away or hide.

You may also notice changes in how your dog reacts to objects or activities in their regular life. Many dogs, even those who are highly food-driven, will be reluctant to eat or take treats when stressed.

Vocal Cues

Finally, while we are focusing mainly on non-verbal communication, there are some vocalizations that could help you recognize that something is wrong. Dogs who are nervous, anxious, or afraid may bark at their trigger. They may also whine to show that they are uncomfortable.

Is My Dog Scared or Just Excited?

For some dogs, stress can lead to heightened energy and hyperactivity. They start jumping or lunging at their trigger and lack self-control. In the moment, it may appear like your dog is just excited. The best way to see if your dog is simply over-excited is to step back from the situation and try calming them down. Talk to them in a soft but firm voice, ask them to sit, and see if they can still control their energy and response to the trigger(s) around them.

At the same time, watch for any of the other signs listed above. When you take a step back and lower the threshold slightly, you may be able to pick up on more subtle cues to help you understand how your dog is feeling.

To help you better understand this, picture your dog jumping and lunging at another dog you encounter at the park. When you create distance between you and the other dog, allowing your dog to settle down slightly, you can then look for other indications of fear or anxiety. Are their pupils dilated? Where are their ears positioned? Do you notice that they are trembling slightly or licking their lips? These signs are easier to pick up when you aren’t in the heat of the moment.

Photo credit: Bogdan Sonjachnyj / Shutterstock.com

How Do You Make a Scared Dog Less Scared?

Now that we have given you several warning signs to look out for, helping you identify that your dog is afraid or uncomfortable, let’s discuss how to address the situation appropriately. This includes how to react immediately and tips and tricks to prevent your dog from being scared or fearful in the future. After all, no one wants to go through life living in fear!

Take Steps to Reduce Triggers

First and foremost, if your dog is actively displaying fear and anxiety, get them out of the situation. This will be relatively easy if the source of their fear is a physical object or person. Create space and move away from the trigger. However, if the trigger is something less concrete, you may need to do some creative thinking. Here are some examples:

Situation 1: Your dog shows they are afraid of another dog you passed at the park. The dog itself is the trigger. This means you can reduce the difficult feelings your dog is experiencing by putting distance between them and the strange dog.

If they are visually triggered, you may only have to walk around the corner of a building to block their view. If the sound of another dog is also triggering, you may need to move further away until they can no longer hear the barking or whining.

Situation 2: Your dog is afraid of thunderstorms. Obviously, you aren’t going to pack up and leave town every time that a thunderstorm moves into the area. Instead, focus on distracting your dog and minimizing the trigger as much as possible.

Move into an inner room of your home or apartment, away from windows where the storm can be seen. This will also help to muffle the sound. Turn on some calming music. You can also offer a distraction like a lickmat, which has been shown to have a calming effect.

Create a Safe Space (Where Possible)

As we just touched on in the thunderstorm example, there are ways you can create a safe, calm environment for your dog with fewer triggers. In that situation, you moved your dog to a safe place to reduce the trigger. However, you can often prevent your dog from feeling scared or anxious by taking this step proactively.

If you have a dog afraid of strangers and loud noises, keep this in mind. When hosting people at your home, set up a room for your dog that is separate from your guests. Include your dog’s favorite and most comforting items like their bed, crate (if crate trained), or a preferred toy. You can check on your dog periodically through the evening, but ask your guests not to enter the room, allowing it to remain a safe, secure space for your dog to relax.

Avoid Unnecessary Triggers

Another way to prevent your dog from becoming scared is to avoid triggers where possible. If you have a dog who is afraid of larger dogs or dogs they don’t know, bringing them to a dog park on a Sunday afternoon is not their idea of a great weekend. While there is some merit to slowly introducing them to their triggers to help them overcome their fear (more on that below), you don’t want to just jump into the situation causing your dog to be overwhelmed.

Consider Calming Products

Sometimes, your dog’s fear is minimal, or a trigger isn’t completely avoidable. In these situations, you may wish to use a calming product to help them relax and avoid letting the anxiety build up and worsen the situation.

There are many options, ranging from calming treats to pheromone diffusers. To find the products that work best for your dog, you may have to try a few. Monitor how your dog responds and if it has the desired effect. Ensure that you give it time to work. Your dog will not calm down instantly the moment you spray a calming spray if they are fearful and anxious.

Here are some products to consider:

Training and Counterconditioning

Many fears can be addressed with training and counterconditioning. This will involve behavior modification in which your dog is slowly exposed to their trigger (very slowly) while pairing it with something positive, like their favorite treats or playing with their favorite toy. You can increase the intensity slightly when they are no longer bothered by the trigger at that level. For sounds, this means starting very quietly and slowly raising the volume. For a physical trigger, like a dog or a person, you would begin at a far distance and gradually move closer over time.

Counterconditioning cannot be done overnight or in a single training session. If you are committed to helping your dog overcome their fear, you must be prepared for a lot of work with a long-term goal.

The key is to focus on positive reinforcement. You aren’t punishing your dog for being afraid. If they know that every time they see a large, scary dog, they will be punished, that will only make the experience more stressful. Instead, you are helping them see that the large dog isn’t as frightening by pairing it with a positive emotion.

The counterconditioning process can be complicated and requires a confident understanding of your dog’s thresholds and how to tell if you are pushing them too far. While some experienced dog parents can tackle this solo, it is highly recommended that you consult a dog behaviorist to ensure that you are on the right path.

When to Seek Professional Help

While there are several ways you can help your dog build confidence and overcome their fear and anxiety, there are times when professional intervention may be needed. This can come in the form of a veterinarian prescribing behavioral medications (like anti-anxiety medications) or connecting with a trainer or dog behaviorist.

This is especially important if your dog’s fear manifests in a way that could cause harm to themselves or others in your life. Some dogs respond to extreme anxiety and stress by redirecting these feelings, even snapping at “their person.”

Remember, asking for help doesn’t mean you have failed your dog. It’s quite the opposite. Recognizing that your dog needs more help than you can provide and making an effort to find the proper professional are signs of a responsible and loving dog parent. You are dedicated to your dog’s long-term safety and well-being, which is commendable.

Final Thoughts: Fear and Anxiety in Dogs

One of the most important things you can do for your dog is learn to recognize early signs of fear and anxiety. This empowers you to address the situation appropriately before it escalates into something potentially dangerous or harmful. A thorough understanding of non-verbal communication, like body language and behavioral changes, will make this easier.

If you notice your dog is displaying signs of being scared or fearful, you should immediately take steps to remove them from the situation. This could mean redirecting their attention temporarily as a trigger passes or moving them out of the uncomfortable situation entirely.

The best approach is to learn what triggers fear in your dog and take steps to prevent an uncomfortable situation. This could involve avoiding major triggers and using counterconditioning to teach your dog a healthier approach to the things that scare them. The more you help them build confidence, the happier they will be.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Study Reveals Older Dogs Who Sleep Badly May Have Dementia

It’s hard to watch a beloved dog get old, as it seems like only yesterday your senior pooch was a teething puppy with a penchant for chewing your slippers. The American Kennel Club, the expert on all doggy things, says that most small breeds become seniors between the ages of seven and 10. Larger breeds age faster than their small counterparts and are considered old when they are six years old. Like old people, senior dogs can get dementia.As they age, dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a condition that is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Scientists have long known that people with dementia can find it harder to get to sleep. Now, researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered that senior dogs with dementia experience the same sleep problems as people with dementia. “Just like humans with Alzheimer's disease, dogs with CCDS, experience sleep disruptions, such as insomnia, and sleep fragmentation,” said senior study author Dr. Natasha Olby, a professor of veterinary neurology, neurosurgery, and gerontology at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. To discover whether sleep problems are a sign of early dementia in dogs, as they are in people, Dr. Olby and her team used a group of senior dogs who were part of an ongoing trial testing antiaging supplements. Scientists selected 28 dogs between the ages of 10 and 16 to participate in the new sleep study. To be included in the antiaging study, the dog must have lived more than 75% of the expected lifespan for their breed. The dogs also couldn’t suffer from arthritis or be blind, as they needed to complete tasks designed to test their cognitive abilities. Scientists evaluated each dog’s cognitive abilities by having them perform a series of tests and asking their owners to fill out a list of questions, known as the Canine Dementia Scale Questionnaire.In the new study, researchers used polysomnography, a form of electroencephalogram (EEG) used to diagnose sleep problems in people. The researchers affixed electrodes on the dogs’ skulls using a water-soluble gel and recorded brain activity during a two-hour nap. “Past sleep studies in dogs often involved surgically implanted electrodes,” said Alejandra Mondino, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University. “Non-invasive studies are relatively new. We are one of a handful of groups doing this work.”When results from cognitive testing were compared to sleeping brain waves, researchers discovered that dogs with more advanced dementia took longer to fall asleep and spent less time sleeping. “These dogs have dementia and sleep disruption is a part of that,” said Mondino. “In addition to the shorter time spent sleeping, when we look at the EEG, we saw their brain activity during sleep was more akin to wakefulness. In other words, when they do manage to sleep, their brains aren’t really sleeping.”These results don’t explain the link between sleep and dementia, but studies like this one may help scientists to better understand the process and find ways to treat it. “There’s a possibility we might be able to identify an early signature of change on the EEG that can tell us ‘Hey, things are starting to slide’. Because with a chronic neurodegenerative process, of course, we’d love to be able to intervene sooner rather than later,” said Olby according to CNN Health.Until that happens, veterinarians can prescribe medications for anxiety and melatonin for sleep to senior dogs with cognitive decline. Diet and exercise also appear to be a factor. Studies have shown that diets rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and medium-chain fatty acids could potentially slow the development of dementia in dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is AI Making it Easier to Have a Conversation with Your Pet?

We ask the question: Is there really an app in the works that will help us talk to animals?

UK Firefighters Get No Thanks from Rescued Cat

Trapped between brick walls, rescued feline's epic scowl captures readers attention.

Cat in Heat: Signs and What to Do

If you have an unspayed female cat, it’s just a matter of time before she goes into heat and is ready to mate. But will you be able to recognize that she’s in heat, and will you know what to do? Here’s some basic information on the signs that a cat is in heat and what you can do to make sure your cat doesn’t get pregnant and produce an unwanted litter.When Do Cats Start Going into Heat?A cat can go into heat (known as estrus) at a surprisingly young age. On average, her first heat can occur at roughly 6 months old. But some cats will go into heat sooner, such as around 4 months old, or later, such as closer to 1 year old.Several factors, such as the cat’s breed, her weight and body condition, and the time of year and amount of daylight, influence when a female kitten that hasn’t been spayed will go into heat for the first time. So, it can be difficult to predict when it will happen.Note: A nursing mother cat with a litter of kittens could go into heat and get pregnant again.How Long Is a Cat in Heat?On average, a cat will be in heat for seven days, but it is possible for a cat to be in heat longer, such as for 14 days, or for a shorter period, such as two days. If she doesn’t mate, the heat will end but restart a short time later, such as a couple of weeks later. But if she mates, she’ll ovulate and move out of heat in a couple of days. Note: Cats can be in heat multiple times throughout the year. The environment they live in and the number of daylight hours can affect if they go into heat.Signs a Female Cat Is in HeatBehavioral changes are the main things to look for to determine if your cat is in heat. Here are some of the common signs:Vocalizations – your cat will yowl and meow more loudly and more often than usualAttempts to get outside – your cat will try her best to sneak or dart out the door in search of a mateChanges in posture – your cat will stick her rear end up in the hopes she’ll grab the attention of a male kittyIncreased urination or spraying – your cat may urinate more often, and she might mark spots around the house by spraying urine on themSeeking attention – your cat will be more demanding, seeking your attention and affection, and will rub her face and body on people and objects around the houseRolling – your cat will roll around on the floor more than usualGrooming more – your cat will groom herself more, and you may notice her grooming the genital area moreWhat to Do When Your Cat Is in HeatOnce your cat is in heat, there’s really nothing that you can do about it except wait for it to end. In the meantime, she can easily get pregnant, so it’s important to keep her indoors and away from intact males.In addition to that, you can try calming her down by giving her your attention. If she’s acting restless, you can encourage her to play with a wand toy, which is perfect for interacting with your pet and showing her you care.  A good example is the Our Pets Play-N-Squeak at Night Twinkle Mouse Cat Wand. It features a stuffed mouse that squeaks when hit, along with feathers and a long string so your kitty can chase down or jump up and grab her “prey.”

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

Study Reveals the Most Expensive Locations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

Are you considering taking a trip to a dream destination in the United States with your best friend by your side? If so, you’re not alone! A growing number of animal lovers are taking steps to include the whole family in their travel plans, with Airbnb reporting that close to 50% of nights booked include pets. But have you ever stopped to consider how much your furry family member is increasing the budget?The team at MarketWatch recently released a guide to pet-friendly Airbnb travel in the US with some startling stats.Data was compiled about the cost of renting 11, 676 Airbnbs and 11,753 pet-friendly Airbnbs located in 46 of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. By comparing the average nightly cost for pet-friendly and pet-free locations, they determined the price premium or the added cost pet parents must pay to include their furry friends.While we’re not suggesting that the cost of accommodations should be the sole deciding factor for your next vacation, this could impact your top choices.According to the guide, the most expensive city is Honolulu, Hawaii, with an average night stay costing $511. This is also the destination where pet parents will face the highest price premium for booking a pet-friendly location at $345.50.If you’re an avid traveler, this likely comes as no surprise. Hawaii is one of the country's more popular destinations for luxury travel. Not only is the cost of living in the state one of the highest, but the state also charges a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), further increasing costs.Of the 10 most expensive tourist destinations to book a pet-friendly Airbnb, 7 were in California. In addition to Honolulu, the list includes:Monterey, CA ($509)Sonoma, CA ($488)Napa Valley ($380)Santa Cruz, CA ($339)Palm Springs, CA ($329)Boston, MA ($238)Los Angeles, CA ($226)San Francisco, CA ($226)Yellowstone National Park, WY ($219)Don’t let these costs keep you from planning your next big pet-friendly getaway. Not only did they compile a list of the most expensive destinations, but they also identified the least expensive nightly rates in the US. This list is a great way to travel with your pet without worrying about your budget.They discovered that the least expensive city to book a pet-friendly Airbnb is Oklahoma City, OK, where the average nightly rate is only $110. Other locations that made this list include:St. Louis, MO ($111)Cleveland, OH ($114)Columbus, OH ($117)Houston, TX ($119)Salt Lake City, UT ($119)Detroit, MI ($124)Memphis, TN ($125)Indianapolis, IN ($129)San Antonio, TX ($130)Booking a lower-cost Airbnb is only one of many ways to keep the costs down when traveling with your pet. Pack all your pet’s travel essentials before your trip, including a leash, food/water dishes, grooming supplies, plastic waste bags, and a first aid kit. If you are driving to your destination, you can also pack your pet’s food to avoid shopping for it once you arrive. You can gather these items by shopping local sales rather than paying a premium to get what you need on short notice. Pet Insurance is another great budget-friendly travel tip. This may seem counterproductive, adding the monthly cost of your pet’s policy to your budget. But if disaster strikes, the insurance policy can help to significantly reduce emergency vet bills.Whatever your budget, we encourage all pet parents to get out and explore, making memories with their pets by their side. You won’t regret it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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