Dogs are incredibly intuitive animals. They seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to detecting danger or changes in their owner’s health. If your dog has suddenly started acting differently, it may be trying to tell you something important. Here are some common signs your dog may be trying to warn you and what they could mean.
Whining, barking or howling excessively
Dogs tend to vocalize when something is wrong. If your normally quiet dog has started whining, barking or howling constantly, it may be their way of telling you they feel danger is near or that something is amiss. Some potential reasons for this behavior include:
- Sensing a natural disaster like an earthquake or storm brewing
- Hearing or smelling something concerning like an intruder
- Detecting your health condition worsening
Dogs have very sensitive hearing and smell and can often pick up on things we can’t. If your dog seems to be barking or making noise for no reason, don’t ignore it. They may be picking up on a very real threat.
Acting anxious or restless
Dogs tend to pace, seem restless or act anxious when they feel something is wrong. Some signs of an anxious dog trying to warn you include:
- Pacing or acting restless
- Shaking or shivering
- Whining
- Acting clingy and following you everywhere
- Having dilated pupils
- Heavy panting
An anxious dog may be picking up on something going on in the environment that you can’t sense. Or, they may be detecting a change in your body such as elevated heart rate, blood pressure or the release of certain hormones and chemicals. Research suggests dogs can literally “smell” fear and anxiety, which can make them anxious in response.
Withdrawing or hiding
In some cases, a dog may withdraw rather than vocalize or act anxious. Signs of a fearful dog trying to warn you include:
- Hiding under furniture or in a corner
- Not wanting to eat treats or play
- Shaking, whining or whimpering when approached
- Cowering with their tail between their legs
- Avoiding their favorite spots
A normally social, friendly dog suddenly withdrawing to hide is very concerning behavior. It likely means they feel immediate danger and are trying to protect themselves. Pay attention if your dog suddenly stops wanting to play or engage, as this is their way of telling you something is wrong.
Being protective
Some dogs become more protective when they sense a threat. Signs include:
- Barking at or standing guard by windows and doors
- Not allowing you to leave their sight
- Sleeping in the doorway of your bedroom or blocking you from going into certain rooms
- Growling at strangers
- Acting aggressive to other animals
A protective dog may be signaling that an intruder is near, they feel you are in danger or your health is compromised. They are trying to keep you safe from harm.
Refusing food or treats
Dogs almost never refuse their favorite foods unless they feel too anxious or unwell to eat. Signs include:
- Ignoring treats and human food, even when offered by a family member
- Not eating meals
- Seeming interested in food but not actually eating it
- Eating less over the course of a few days
If a previously hungry dog starts refusing food for no clear reason, they are likely trying to tell you something is very wrong. It’s one of the most obvious signs of distress in dogs.
Dilated pupils
Dilated or enlarged pupils in dogs can signal high stress or fear. Potential reasons include:
- Seeing a threat like another animal or stranger approaching
- Being startled by a loud noise
- Smelling something concerning
- Having high anxiety
Dilated pupils along with other odd behavior are a clear sign your dog is frightened. Pay attention if their eyes stay dilated after a potential threat has passed – it means they still feel danger is present.
Startling easily
Dogs are easily startled when they feel on high alert about potential dangers. Signs of an on-edge dog include:
- Jumping at the slightest noise
- Acting panicked by routine actions like you dropping a book or opening an umbrella
- Becoming startled awake from sleep
- Having wide eyes and a darting glance
An easily panicking dog is usually trying to tell you they feel very unsafe about something – though it may not be clear to you what that danger is. Don’t ignore their warnings.
Licking or chewing paws excessively
Stressed and anxious dogs may excessively lick or chew their paws. Potential causes include:
- Allergies or skin irritation
- An injury causing pain or discomfort
- High anxiety about perceived threats
Paw chewing and licking is a self-soothing habit, similar to nail biting in humans. If your dog suddenly develops this habit combined with other odd behaviors, they likely feel highly unsafe and stressed.
Pacing and unable to settle
An inability to calmly settle in one place can signal a dog is on high alert about a threat. Signs include:
- Pacing from room to room
- Seeming unable to get comfortable
- Frequently getting up from naps or bed
- Sleeping less during the night
- Seeming restless and agitated
- Not staying in one spot for very long
Pacing and restlessness can sometimes also indicate pain or illness. But if the behavior arises suddenly and your dog seems perfectly healthy otherwise, it more likely means they feel on guard about something only they can detect.
Putting themselves between you and potential danger
Some dogs will physically try to place themselves between you and something they see as a threat. Examples include:
- Moving in front of you when a stranger approaches
- Standing in the doorway to block you from exiting
- Barking at something they find concerning outside
- Placing themselves close to you if you are arguing with someone or seem upset
- Trying to pull you away by your sleeve or pant-leg from a situation
This protective behavior shows your dog is picking up on a threat to your safety, whether that be a dangerous person, aggressive animal, hazardous weather or something else.
Touching you with nose or paw excessively
Some dogs will repeatedly touch you with their nose or paw to get your attention when worried. Reasons include:
- Trying to alert you to an intruder or other threat
- Sensing a change in your health condition
- Needing to go outside urgently
- Wanting you to investigate a noise or situation they find concerning
- Seeking protection and reassurance if afraid
Repeated pawing, nudging, prodding and even nipping when a dog is not otherwise demanding food or attention can mean they feel the need to alert you to something urgently.
A change in routine behavior
In general, any major deviation from your dog’s normal routine could be cause for concern. Changes that could signal your dog is distressed include:
- Waking up or going to bed at unusual hours
- Hiding in rooms they do not normally spend time in
- Refusing to go on walks or play
- Not greeting family members enthusiastically
- Loss of bladder control or other potty issues
- Avoiding stairs or jumping up on furniture
- Not wagging their tail joyfully
For senior dogs, a change in routine can also be a sign of underlying illness, so it’s always important to rule that out with an exam. But any major behavioral shifts in a short time span should be looked at in younger dogs as well.
Trying to escape or run off
Dogs typically only try to escape or run away when they are extremely frightened by something. Reasons include:
- Being scared by loud noises like fireworks or thunder
- Being approached by an aggressive or threatening animal
- Seeing someone who harmed them in the past (abusive owner, etc)
- Sensing a coming natural disaster or weather event
- Feeling harmed or threatened at the home for some reason
Running off or trying to chew through leashes or gates is a sign your dog feels so unsafe that they need to flee. It’s their ultimate attempt to protect themselves.
Staying right by your side
On the other hand, a dog refusing to leave your side at all can also signal a problem. Reasons include:
- Fearing strangers and unfamiliar places when away from home
- Sensing another animal they view as a threat
- Picking up on your own stress or anxiety
- Feeling safe and reassured in your presence
If your normally independent dog is suddenly staying glued to you, pay attention. They likely feel safer with you and may be trying to avoid perceived threats. They could also be reacting to your own anxiety.
Conclusion
If you notice multiple examples of the behaviors above, don’t ignore your dog’s warnings! The best thing to do is:
- Make sure your dog has food, water, potty breaks, exercise and affection. This covers any basic needs not being met.
- Take your dog to the vet to rule out illness or injury, especially in senior dogs.
- Look around your home and neighborhood for anything unusual your dog may be reacting to.
- Talk to your vet about anxiety medications if there are no other obvious causes.
- Consider training techniques to reduce stress like more exercise, mental stimulation and crate training.
- Shower your dog with attention and affirmation when they seem afraid.
- Remain calm yourself, as dogs pick up on human anxiety.
While caution is wise when dogs give warnings, try not to overreact or coddle them excessively as this can reinforce the fearful behavior. With patience and training, an anxious dog can learn to feel safe again. Pay attention to their subtle signals and act promptly by identifying triggers, meeting needs, reducing stress and creating a secure environment.