Adopting a dog from a shelter is one of those things that sounds beautiful in theory.
And it is.
You save a life. You get a furry best friend. You post adorable photos online. Everyone claps.
But what they don’t tell you is this:
Your new dog might come with a suitcase full of emotional baggage.
Not literal—although some shelters are fancy enough to send them home with toys and blankets.
We’re talking fear, trauma, and anxiety that can show up in really weird ways.
And unless you’ve lived through it before, it’s easy to misinterpret what’s going on.
So instead of chalking it up to “quirks,” let’s break down 9 common signs your adopted shelter dog might be anxious—and what to do about it.
And yeah, we’re going deep. Real talk, real fixes.
1. Excessive Panting (a.k.a. The Sweatpants of Anxiety)
Yes, dogs pant when it’s hot.
They also pant when they’re excited.
But if your new pup is panting inside the air-conditioned house, lying still, and clearly not excited?
That’s a different story.
Excessive panting can be a classic anxiety tell. It’s like their internal thermostat is stuck in overdrive.
You might also see:
- Wide eyes
- Tongue hanging unusually far out
- Tight facial muscles
Why it matters: Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Panting is their way of dumping stress and regulating cortisol—the stress hormone. If they’re panting 24/7? Something is stressing them out hard.
What to do: Provide quiet, low-stimulation environments. Cut back on guests, TV noise, or chaotic walks. Let them decompress in peace. Think spa day…every day…for a while.
2. Pacing Like They’re on Lap 6 of a Track Meet
A stressed-out dog doesn’t just lie down and chill.
They pace.
They walk from the kitchen to the hallway, back to the living room, then back to the kitchen like they’re checking if the fridge has magically restocked itself.
It’s not boredom. It’s restlessness caused by anxiety.
It could be:
- A new environment
- Loud street noises outside
- Feeling unsafe in their new home
Red flag: If the pacing gets worse after you leave the room or before you leave the house—buckle up. That’s a sign of separation anxiety.
RELATED TO SEPARATION ANXIETY:
- 7 Reasons Dogs develop Separation Anxiety
- 10 Natural Home Remedies for Dog Separation Anxiety That Actually Work
3. Destructive Chewing (No, They’re Not Just “Teething”)
You go to work. You come back.
And it looks like a bomb went off in your living room.
Pillows? Destroyed.
Door frame? Scratched.
Shoes? Ripped apart like they owed your dog money.
Sound familiar? That’s textbook separation anxiety behavior.
Dogs left alone with anxiety will:
- Chew to self-soothe
- Try to escape (which causes damage)
- Focus destruction near exit points (doors, windows)
Let’s be real: this isn’t a training issue. Dog chewing problems are an emotional issue.
What helps:
- Gradual desensitization to being alone
- Interactive toys (like KONGs filled with frozen peanut butter)
- Dog cameras with 2-way audio so they can hear your voice
Or better yet…work from home. Like you weren’t already looking for an excuse.
4. Velcro Dog Syndrome (a.k.a. The Shadow That Won’t Quit)
You move. They follow.
You stand. They stand.
You go to the bathroom…and they stare at you like you just walked into the Bermuda Triangle.
This “clingy” behavior might seem adorable at first.
But it’s a coping mechanism.
Dogs with abandonment trauma often become hyper-attached to their new person. They finally feel safe…and they’re terrified to lose it.
Red flag: If they cry when you shut a door between you, or start panicking when you grab your keys, that’s not devotion—it’s anxiety.
5. Vocal Anxiety: Barking, Whining, Howling… All of It
Let’s talk about noise.
More specifically—your dog’s version of a panic attack.
When a dog feels stressed, they try to communicate. And if you’re not around to listen, they might broadcast it to the entire block.
Signs include:
- Barking as soon as you leave
- Whining for hours
- Howling like a werewolf at 3 p.m.
Fun fact: Dogs can suffer panic attacks just like humans.
Except instead of hyperventilating, they howl and dig a hole through your drywall.
What helps:
- Gradual departure training
- “Safe word” routines (so they know when you’re coming back)
- White noise machines to block external stressors
Also, maybe leave your dog a podcast or audiobook. Dogs love voices.
(Just don’t leave them with true crime. That’s how you end up with a nervous wreck and no couch.)
6. Loss of Appetite (The Ultimate Warning Sign)
Food is life.
So when a dog turns it down? That’s a sign of serious stress.
Anxious dogs often stop eating, even if they loved that same food at the shelter.
Why?
- Fight-or-flight mode overrides hunger
- New environments disrupt appetite
- Fear triggers nausea in sensitive dogs
What you can try:
- Warm up their food to enhance smell
- Add bone broth or soft toppers
- Hand-feed for bonding
If they’re still not eating after 48 hours? Call the vet. Something deeper might be going on—either medical or emotional.
7. Trembling or Shaking (Even When It’s 75°F)
This one’s heartbreaking.
You sit next to your new dog. They’re trembling so hard you can hear their collar rattle.
They’re not cold.
They’re terrified.
Shaking is a full-body fear response—like a human getting goosebumps during a panic attack.
What causes it?
- Loud sounds (triggers from shelter life)
- Human movements that remind them of past trauma
- Being overwhelmed by the new environment
Pro tip: Avoid rushing physical affection. Many traumatized dogs don’t like being touched right away.
Let them come to you. And maybe drop a few treats nearby while you “ignore” them.
Dogs love a mystery.
8. Growling, Snapping, or Biting (Fear-Based Aggression)
Here’s the one most adopters don’t want to talk about.
You adopt a sweet-looking dog.
They’re shy. Nervous. But seem calm.
Then one day, they growl at your roommate.
Or snap when you try to touch their paw.
Cue the panic.
But here’s the deal: aggression in shelter dogs is often rooted in anxiety—not malice.
It’s called fear-based reactivity.
And it’s incredibly common in dogs who’ve been abused or undersocialized.
What NOT to do: Punish them. Yell. Or try to “dominate” them. (That outdated alpha nonsense? Total garbage.)
What to do instead:
- Get a fear-free certified trainer
- Learn to read calming signals (lip licking, whale eyes, yawning)
- Avoid trigger stacking (ex: don’t bring guests over, bathe them, and leave them alone—all in one day)
Patience isn’t optional. It’s survival.
9. Potty Accidents (a.k.a. Pee Happens)
You did all the training.
You take them out regularly.
You even bought that overpriced grass pad on Instagram.
But your dog still pees in the hallway. Or poops in your closet.
Fun.
Truth bomb: Anxiety causes elimination issues.
It’s called submissive urination or stress-induced regression.
What’s happening:
- Your dog is too scared to ask to go outside
- Loud noises spooked them mid-bladder control
- They’re overwhelmed and reverting to “puppy” mode
Whatever you do—don’t punish them. That will only increase their anxiety and make accidents more likely.
Instead, tighten the routine. Use belly bands or potty pads temporarily. Reward outdoor potties like they just won the lottery.
Bonus Section: 5 Less Obvious Signs of Anxiety
Because 9 signs weren’t enough and your dog is weird in even more ways.
Here are 5 more to look out for:
- Licking the air or their paws constantly (self-soothing)
- Yawning excessively (a calming signal)
- Dilated pupils or wide “whale eyes”
- Hypervigilance (they watch everything like they’re on guard duty)
- Hiding in closets, bathrooms, or under furniture
Each of these is a subtle way your dog says: “I’m not okay right now.”
Visual: Quick Reference Table
Symptom | Anxiety Trigger? | What To Do |
Panting indoors | Yes | Quiet space, reduce stimulation |
Destructive chewing | Yes | Enrichment, crate training, puzzle toys |
Clinginess (Velcro dog) | Yes | Gradual independence building |
Loss of appetite | Yes | Warm food, hand-feeding, vet check if 48+ hrs |
Trembling | Yes | Safe space, avoid overstimulation |
Barking/whining alone | Yes | Gradual alone-time training, sound machines |
Sudden aggression | Yes | Hire a fear-free trainer, avoid punishments |
Potty accidents | Yes | Reinforce potty routine, never punish |
Long-Term Fixes: How to Help Your Dog Heal
Okay, now what?
You’ve identified the signs.
Now here’s what actually helps them recover.
1. Decompression Period
The 3-3-3 rule is real:
- 3 days to adjust to your home
- 3 weeks to settle in
- 3 months to feel like it’s their home
Don’t rush. Let them slowly acclimate.
2. Positive Reinforcement Training
This means:
- Clickers
- Treats
- Celebrating tiny wins
Never, ever use punishment-based training with a traumatized dog.
That’s like yelling at someone for having PTSD.
3. Routine, Routine, Routine
Dogs with anxiety crave structure.
Set meal times. Predictable walks. Clear expectations.
Chaos equals stress.
4. Give Them a Safe Space
Crate training (when done correctly) is magic.
It gives your dog a cozy “den” where they can relax without feeling overwhelmed.
Just don’t shove them in there for 8 hours and call it a day.
Make it positive. Treats, toys, blankets—the whole spa package.
5. Vet Consult + Medication (If Needed)
If your dog’s anxiety is interfering with daily life—talk to your vet.
There are legit, safe meds (like fluoxetine or trazodone) that can reduce anxiety and make training more effective.
No shame in the Prozac game.
Final Thoughts: You Didn’t Rescue a Dog. You Became Their Safe Place.
Here’s the truth:
That shelter dog you adopted?
They might’ve been tossed aside, ignored, yelled at, or worse.
They didn’t just need a roof.
They needed someone to teach them that life doesn’t always hurt.
That people can be kind.
That safety is real.
You’re not just their owner. You’re their first experience of peace.
So yeah…there will be setbacks.
You’ll lose a shoe. Maybe a couch.
You’ll cry. You’ll wonder if you’re doing it right.
But one day, your scared little rescue dog will look at you…
…and you’ll know you earned their trust.
And that?
That’s what love actually looks like.