28 Oct Detecting Fear in Dogs (Part 1)

Most dogs experience fear, and in most cases, it isn’t possible to pinpoint the exact reason for their anxiety. Fortunately, we can easily recognise their fear by paying close attention to their behaviours and body language. You can also help your dog overcome fear and avoid stimuli or teach him ways to deal with this feeling. here we will teach you reasons and treatments of fear in dogs.

Changes in the dog’s body language because of fear

Notice the white areas of the dog’s eyes

An anxious or scared dog may have wider eyes than usual and look rounder than ever. A relaxed dog usually has half-open eyes in the shape of an almond kernel, and the white area around the sides of his eyes isn’t clear. If you see a lot of white spots around your dog’s eyes, he may be anxious or scared.

When their pupils are more comprehensive than usual, they can also be a sign of fear or excitement. Large pupils cover almost the entire outer surface of the eye, and in these conditions, it’s challenging to recognize their eyes colour. The eyes also become cold and listless.

If you notice a pupil dilation in your dog, avoid staring straight at him because he may see your gaze aggressive. Instead, watch him from the corner of your eye.

Examine your dog willingness to make eye contact with humans

Dogs that are afraid or anxious usually avoid eye contact with humans. This behaviour is usually accompanied by other reactions, such as running away from the fear factor or gathering in a corner. If a dog refuses to make eye contact with you, consider the possibility that he’s afraid of you. Avoid approaching this dog.

Please pay attention to the position of his mouth.

A relaxed dog usually has a half-open mouth and is panting. The corners of the mouth may bend slightly upwards. If a dog is scared, he closes his mouth and pulls his lips inward.

Yawning and licking around the mouth continuously often appear with the above symptoms that are a sign of stress and fear.

Showing teeth along with roaring and loud noises is also a sign of attacks caused by fear. There are many differences between smiling and showing teeth nervously, but if your dog shows his teeth, look for other symbols to prove a smile or a defensive reaction. 

Pay close attention to your dog’s breathing.

Just as a dog’s regular and continuous breathing is a sign of calmness, short and fast breaths signify a defensive reaction to terrifying environmental changes. When a dog closes his mouth, it makes a moaning sound 1-2 times; then, he starts breathing again.

Notice the change in the shape of your dog’s ears

If your dog keeps his ears typically straight and up, Bending them backwards or downwards can be a sign of fear in him. It’s a little harder to diagnose this symptom in dogs with drooping ears, but changing their ears can also be a sign of fear. Pay attention to the end of the ear of this type of dog and notice their movement backwards or forward.

Observe the general changes in their body posture

Pay attention to tail wagging

Dogs typically have their tails along the spine or slightly above or below and sometimes shake it continuously and slowly. But an afraid and anxious dog has bent his tail between his two legs.

If a dog bent his tail inward, between 2 legs and toward his abdomen tightly, then shook it slightly and hardly, it shows that he’s scared.

Consider hair changes (such as spiky hair or excessive shedding)

A scared dog may have differences in different areas of his skin which leads to hair spikes in the shoulders, below the spine or near his tail. These areas in the dog’s body are called hackles, and these changes always don’t mean immediate fear and anxiety. But in most cases, they are a sign of excitement and fear.

If a dog experiences fear or anxiety for a long time, he will shed a lot. Because in the daily environment in which he lives, there’s a stimulus for fear.