10 Subtle Signs Your Dog Is Actually Anxious (Most Owners Miss #4)

Let’s be honest, our dogs can be absolute charmers, but they’re not always the best at telling us what’s going on inside their fuzzy little heads. Anxiety in dogs isn’t always the dramatic trembling or cowering we expect. Sometimes it’s quieter… sneakier… and easy to brush off.

So let’s stroll through the subtle signs, shall we? Make a cuppa, call your dog over (or don’t, because they’ll probably come anyway), and let’s decode the clues together.

1. Excessive Licking (Especially the Paws)

Licking is a self-soothing behaviour. If your dog keeps at it nonstop, it’s their way of saying, “I’m trying to calm myself down”.

2. Sudden Clinginess

Some dogs become Velcro pups when they’re anxious. Cute? Yes. A sign? Also yes.

3. Yawning When They’re Not Tired

Humans do this too during awkward situations. Dogs? Same vibes.

4. Slow Tail Wagging (The Misunderstood One)

Here’s the one most pet parents miss, a slow, cautious wag can actually mean uncertainty or anxiety, not happiness.

5. Following You From Room to Room

Not just loyalty, often small signs of insecurity.

6. Shaking Off Like They're Wet

It’s their way of releasing tension they can’t express verbally.

7. Sudden Sniffing or “Busy Work”

Displacement behaviour, pretending to be occupied so they can avoid stress.

8. Whisker Twitching

Sounds odd, but it’s a genuine early cue of discomfort.

9. Delayed Eating or Ignoring Treats

A stressed dog’s appetite is one of the first things to shift.

10. Sleeping Too Much or Too Little

Any sudden change in sleep patterns is a quiet flag.

If you’ve noticed a couple of these, don’t panic. Anxiety is common, and manageable. Many pet parents find gentle tools like calming vests, soft plush toys or anxiety collars (think of Bentella & Co.’s calming range) incredibly helpful for providing comfort.

Your dog’s not dramatic, they just need a bit of reassurance… and that’s why they have you.