Dog Anxiety Signs & Symptoms:

Do you recognize the signs when your dog is stressed?

While the Coton is in general very easy going and calm, just like any dog, they can experience canine anxiety and various fear phobias. Just like with people, stress not only causes behavioral and emotional issues, it can also cause all kinds of health problems. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs as soon as possible.

How can you tell if your dog is exhibiting signs of stress? Some of the symptoms may include:

• Tense posture with a partially lowered tail (or tail between legs)

• Eyes narrowed slightly with ears partially back

• Staring

• Slightly open mouth (appears to be grinning)

• Trembling

• Head held low

• Hair raised on the back

• Licking their lips and nose

• Exposes belly by laying on back

• Involuntary urinating

• Panting

• Nervous yawning

• Howling or growling

• Chasing tail

• Whining

• Short high pitched yelping

• Uninterested in eating or sleeping

• Hides behind you or behind objects

One of the things I learned from dog trainer, Doggy Dan, is that the key is to learn these clues early so you can prevent your dog from entering what he calls the Red Zone.

Once dogs gets to that point it is extremely difficult to control their behavior. You can gauge from this chart where your dog falls on the anxiety scale and take action at the appropriate time BEFORE it becomes an issue.

What is the cause of dog stress?

• Some breeds are just naturally more prone to be anxious such as Dalmatians or Boston Terriers

• Loneliness

• Boredom

• Not getting enough sleep

• Separation from mother or litter mates too early

• Sudden change in environment (new home, death of family member, another dog in home, new baby)

• Pet Store (puppy mill) dogs often come from atmospheres ripe for creating stress and anxiety

• Rescue dogs are usually not socialized at an early age which can also cause stress

• Dogs that are not trained properly. They need us to be in charge; to lead and guide them so they can feel safe and secure.

So, now that you can recognize the symptoms of dog anxiety and understand the causes, you need to learn how to have a calm dog.

Other dog anxiety links you may find helpful

How to treat puppy separation anxiety

Dealing with dog storm phobias and other fear issues

Why you MUST socialize your dog

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