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Dog Social Anxiety

How to Identify and Address Social Anxiety in Dogs

Does your dog become anxious around new people or pets? You may think they're just unsociable and prefer the company of their own social circle. While this could certainly be the case — it may be a sign that they struggle with social anxiety.

Compounding this issue is the fact that for over a year, many dogs have had limited contact with other people, environments and/or pets. This can cause a dog who was once well socialized to now be anxious and withdrawn, and this can take a toll on their wellbeing. Helping your dog overcome social anxiety can reduce their discomfort and stress when they meet new people and pets, which, in turn, can translate to a more confident, happier pup.

What is social anxiety in dogs?

If your dog suffers from social anxiety, you will likely notice they will experience one or more of the following:

Acting nervous when meeting a new person ˇ

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For example, if you have a new roommate or friend visiting your home, your dog might shy away from them, try to escape the situation, cower, hide, put their tail between their legs or even bark at them.

Displaying signs of discomfort when meeting other dogs ˇ

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If you take your dog to the dog park and they avoid other dogs, bark at other dogs, raise their hackles or act aggressively toward other dogs, they might be anxious or uncomfortable.

Exhibiting distress or aggression when meeting a cat ˇ

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If your dog is not used to the presence of a cat in the home, introducing a cat into their space could trigger social anxiety causing them to bark, lunge or avoid the cat altogether.

What are some signs of social anxiety in dogs?

Social anxiety can manifest in many ways for dogs. The key is to note how often your dog displays anxious behaviors around people or pets in specific environments. For example, if your dog acts nervously around one new person but usually enjoys the company of strangers, observe their behavior and always give them space and time to adapt. Always advocate for your dog is feeling. Conversely, if almost every time they meet any person they act nervous, your dog might very well be socially anxious.

While the following are all common signs of social anxiety in dogs, it's important to note that this list is not exhaustive. While some dogs may display a single sign, others will exhibit several of the actions on this list, and for some it could manifest in different ways.

  • Sudden dandruff
  • Tucked tail
  • Whale eye (whites of eyes become more prominent)
  • Excessive licking
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Barking, howling or whining
  • Cowering in a corner
  • Trying to escape the situation
  • Panting or drooling
  • Urinating or defecating indoors when normally house-trained
  • Acting aggressively, such as lunging at people or animals

What are some of the triggers of social anxiety in dogs?

You don’t ever want your dog to feel unsafe or uncertain, but it can be hard to know how to help your dog if you don’t know what is triggering them.

If you find yourself asking, "What's causing this stress?" it could be:

  • A major change in their social circle, such as the loss of a companion or family member
  • A lack of socialization as a puppy
  • A bad experience from their past, such as being mistreated by a human or attacked by another animal
  • Sickness, illness or injury — all of which require vet attention

And while a poor experience can trigger social anxiety, some dogs may also be naturally predisposed to social anxiety. This could be due to their breed or it could be a unique personality trait.

How to address social anxiety in dogs

As a pet parent, once you determine that your dog may have social anxiety, you want to work to resolve the issue. While there is no one-size-fits-all method for combatting social anxiety, there are a few techniques you can test out.

Consult a vet ˇ

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It's important to consult a vet to rule out physical health issues if your pet experiences severe anxiety and or things don’t improve. In many cases, what might appear to be anxiety is actually your dog trying to indicate that they are in pain or unwell. For example, while your dog might shy away from playing with another dog because of social anxiety, it could also be avoiding play because of an injury or internal pain. If you're ever unsure, talk to your vet right away.

Evaluate your home space ˇ

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If the situation is not too severe, addressing your dog’s social anxiety should begin at home with guidance from a veterinarian and trainer and, in some cases, working with an animal behaviorist and/or behavioral consultant. Try a few of the following techniques: Create a safe environment. Make sure that your dog has a comfortable place to relax and feel secure. Dog beds, blankets, kennels, calming aids and even a room to themselves can all help when your dog feels overwhelmed by a social situation in the home. Make introductions slowly. If your dog is displaying signs of social anxiety, don’t force them into social situations too quickly. The key is to take slow, small steps, allowing them to spend time around another human or animal for short periods. Do your research. Brush up on the best practices for making your pup feel safe and secure. Boost your knowledge to help you prepare when you know your dog will soon be exposed to more socialization.

Consider professional training ˇ

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If you're looking to get ahead of social anxiety, another option is to sign up for professional dog training. Petco certified trainers are not only educated and experienced in dog body language, environmental management and positive reinforcement training, but they can also give you tips and tools to help set you and your dog up to be successful in your next social experience. Petco’s online dog training program can be a great way to move forward with an expert by your side.

Invest in a few key supplies ˇ

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For both at-home techniques and professional training courses, you need to invest in a few key supplies to help you continue practicing and building up your dog’s confidence. Keep in mind that these products should never be used as a replacement for training, but rather, as a complementary aid. Calming solutions that use natural ingredients, such as melatonin or valerian root, are known for helping to ease anxiety Beds and dwellings can create a comfortable and safe environment for your dog to escape to when they are stressed Toys can be used to create a bonding experience between your dog and another person or animal, building trust between all parties Treats can be used to reinforce positive behavior in social situations

Learn more about your dog’s mental health

As a loving dog parent, you care a lot about your dog’s mental wellbeing. The good news is that even if your dog has social anxiety, there are helpful tools to help you both cope.

Additionally, to aid in your dog’s mental wellbeing, learn more about other issues they may face and how you can help create a healthy life for your dog.

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