When dogs that are docile most of the time become very agitated at sudden sounds, it is an indication of dogs anxiety symptoms. Anxiety manifests itself in many ways, but the majority of the symptoms appear when things change quickly or are building up to change.

Dogs anxiety symptoms are never disguised the way humans often hide theirs. When an animal shivers, it is usually a good indication that he feels insecure or frightened. Small dogs like Chihuahuas have a nervous condition from birth that makes them long for human contact. The shaking is not an act; it is a sign of a strong insecurity.

Aggression is an outward reaction to an inward anxiety trait. Some dogs are bred or trained to be aggressive, but the dogs that display this naturally without being conditioned to do it are anxious. They feel threatened by other dogs and unfamiliar people.

Dogs that are house trained and taken out regularly may defecate or urinate unexpectedly in the house because of anxiety. This tends to happen if they are alone and something frightens them, or a stranger is introduced into the home. The introduction of other dogs or pets often spurs this, too.

Even dogs with very minor anxiety may run and howl or hide under furniture when a thunderstorm makes loud noises. The ones who have severe anxieties may stay in shock for an hour or longer after a storm has passed.

Barking, pacing, and licking incessantly are all outward signs of inner turmoil for dogs.

The most often seen of dogs anxiety symptoms is separation anxiety when they are going to be left behind. Because dogs cannot judge time, a person leaving them is seen as forever each time it happens.

Dogs never improve on their anxieties if people do not take steps to condition them to deal with their affliction.