5 Silent Signs Your Pet Is Anxious (And What You Can Do About It)
Anxiety in pets can show itself in more ways than barking, whining or hiding. As a pet parent, it’s important to recognise silent signs of stress or anxiousness in dogs and cats — then take action early. In this post, we’ll explore five less-obvious signs your pet might be anxious, why those signs appear, and how you can help them feel more at ease (especially indoors, where you spend so much time together).
1. Increased licking or grooming
Your pet might be licking their paws or grooming more than usual. This can be a self-soothing behaviour. Over-grooming or paw-licking may mean your dog or cat is trying to calm themselves because they feel uneasy.
What to do: Redirect their focus with a chew toy (for dogs) or interactive puzzle feeder (for cats), and create calm moments together (see activity ideas later).
2. Changes in sleep or resting patterns
An anxious pet might sleep more, or conversely have trouble settling down. They might stay alert longer, twitch in their sleep, or wake often.
What to do: Ensure they have a quiet, cosy spot just for them — away from loud noises and foot traffic. Use soft background noise or gentle music to mask sudden sounds.
3. Subtle body postures
Look for signs like ears held back, tail tucked (in dogs), or a crouched posture (in cats). Even when your pet seems “fine”, these body‐language cues may indicate internal stress.
What to do: Approach calmly, speak in a gentle tone, and offer a favorite treat or toy. Gradually build positive associations when they display relaxed posture.
4. Avoidance or lowered interest in play
If your pet seems less enthusiastic about games or walks they used to enjoy, it might be because anxiety is reducing their energy or motivation.
What to do: Introduce short, low-pressure play sessions indoors. For example, hide a treat under a blanket for your dog, or scatter catnip for your cat. Keep sessions short and fun so your pet rebuilds confidence.
5. Increased startle response or hyper-vigilance
An anxious pet may overreact to small noises, tremble when guests arrive, or freeze in place when something unexpected happens.
What to do: Create predictable routines and gentle conditioning. For example, play a recording of mild household sounds at low volume, paired with treats, to desensitise them gradually. Reward calm behaviour.
Why these behaviours matter
Anxiety isn’t just uncomfortable for your pet — it can increase the risk of longer-term behavioural issues or health problems (like skin irritation from over-grooming). Early recognition and action help your pet feel safe and strengthen your bond.
Indoor Bonding Activities to Help Calm Anxiety
Short but frequent interactive games (5-10 minutes)
Gentle massage or brushing sessions while talking softly
Creating a “safe zone” with a blanket or crate and calm lighting
Puzzle feeders or scent games (hide treats around the room)
Use calming playlists or white noise to reduce sudden stimuli
Final Thoughts
If you notice these silent signs, don’t ignore them — your pet is communicating quietly that something’s off. Using the strategies above can make a big difference. If the behaviour persists or worsens, consider consulting a veterinarian or a certified behaviour specialist.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional veterinary advice.