7 Key Signs of Anxiety in Senior Dogs

As our beloved canine companions grow older, they may begin to experience new challenges, with anxiety being one of the most common. Even dogs who have been calm and confident their entire lives can become more anxious as they age. Understanding the reasons behind this anxiety and knowing how to manage it is essential to improving your senior dog’s quality of life.

In this first video of our four-part series “Helping Senior Dogs Overcome Anxiety – 7 Signs to Watch For”, I share practical insights to help you recognize anxiety in your aging dog.?

1. Hesitation on the walk Your dog may pause frequently, refuse to move forward, or seem uncertain about continuing. This hesitation could stem from confusion, sensory decline, or discomfort.
2. Pacing or pulling for no reason An anxious dog may pace back and forth or pull on the leash without any clear trigger, signaling that something is making them uneasy.
3. Panting and excessive drooling not associated with heat Panting and drooling, especially when it’s not warm outside, are common physical signs of anxiety.
4. Tail talk and body language signs Pay attention to your dog’s tail position and overall body language. Signs of anxiety include a tucked tail, ears pinned back, dilated pupils, and tense muscles.
5. Shaking and trembling Shaking or trembling without a clear cause, like cold weather, is often a result of stress or fear.
6. Hyper-vigilance An overly on-guard dog may seem constantly alert, scanning the environment for potential threats that aren’t really there. This hyper-awareness is another common sign of anxiety.
7. Avoidance behavior If your dog tries to avoid certain routes, people, or objects, they may be experiencing anxiety related to those stimuli.

What’s Coming Next?

In Part 2, I’ll dive into common triggers of anxiety in senior dogs and explain what might be causing these behaviors. You’ll also learn how to identify specific triggers in your own dog and begin applying calming strategies to reduce stress.

?? Watch Part 1 here: 7 Key Signs of Anxiety in Senior Dogs ?? Read my previous article: Helping Senior Dogs Cope with Anxiety in Their Golden Years

Looking for Personalized Support?

If your senior dog is showing signs of anxiety and you’re unsure how to help, I’d be happy to guide you. ?? Book a call with me for personalized support and actionable advice.