I own an extremely nervous Chihuahua – here are SIX signs your dog has anxiety
A nervous dog owner has revealed some warning signs that your dog may be suffering from anxiety.
Yasmin El-Saie received her chihuahua, Chilli, as a wedding gift from her ex-husband in 2012. But it didn’t take long before she noticed the pup was showing signs of anxiety.
She described the 11-year-old dog as “very reactive” to outside stimuli and said she “recognized his anxious soul” because of her own mental health issues.
Years of holistic learning have inspired Yasmin to share her life journey with an anxious dog through the ‘I’m Anxious Too!’ campaign on Chilli’s Instagram page, where she posts tips to calm the anxious minds of both people and dogs.
And now, speaking to MailOnline, the content creator has shared some key signs of nervousness that fellow dog owners should look out for.
Yasmin El-Saie has described her 11-year-old chihuahua, Chilli (pictured), as a blessing and despite being very reactive, he has helped her face her own fears
The content creator, from Notting Hill, has now shared some key signs your dog has anxiety with MailOnline
Yasmin, from Notting Hill, London, documents her journey of living with an anxious dog on their shared Instagram page
According to Yasmin it is These are some telltale signs that your dog has anxiety:
- Licking lips
- Frequent yawning
- Attached rear ears
- Panting
- Hidden tail
- Increased hackles
Yasmin explained that Chilli was never the calmest dog, and because she had never had a puppy before, she didn’t see the early warning signs.
Veterinary consultant Dr Cheri Honnas explained that these signals are just some of the ‘body signals’ to look out for.
The Bone Voyage Dog Rescue consultant explained: ‘Some signs of stress include drooping of the whites of the eyes, pulled back ears, raised fur, excessive panting and frequent yawning.
“If your dog seems to be avoiding eye contact or seems ‘down’, it is often a response to your own body language and emotions, and not to any guilt on his part.”
Dr. Honnas explained that vocalizations, such as growling or frequent barking and whining, can be another signal.
She said: ‘Recognizing this sign and giving it space is crucial as it can prevent misunderstandings and protect both the dog and those around him from unintended reactions.’
Yasmin explained that Chilli was never the calmest dog, and was the complete opposite of her other dog Sukhi (pictured center)
To help Chilli and Yasmin, he wears a bright yellow belt and yellow bandana in public, which lets others know that he is a
The veterinary consultant also urged dog owners to keep an eye on their pet’s movements. If they stop abruptly or freeze, they may exhibit extreme stress. Likewise, if your dog is restless or constantly pacing, this could indicate excitement.
Although Chilli experiences a range of these symptoms, Yasmin explained that his temperament has actually helped calm her own anxiety.
She said: ‘At home he supports me and he is very loving. It’s that physical contact and even when we’re outside, as soon as I stroke his fur, it’s a very comforting feeling. It really brings me into the present moment while I’m doing whatever.”
She explained that wanting him to be less anxious while they are outside “forces” her to be calm and “work on herself.”
Yasmin has several techniques to help Chilli manage daily life. For example, when the two are outside, he wears a bright yellow leash and bandana that says “keep your distance” to let people know he is a very reactive dog.
Yasmin explained that if she wants Chilli to be less anxious while they are away, she ‘forces’ her to be calm
The dog owner said Chilli has a range of healing techniques to calm down, from enjoying nature and long walks to taking naps
Giving advice to fellow dog owners, Yasmin said she engages in many healing techniques to help Chilli and herself.
On Chilli’s Instagram page, @chilliwawa, the dog can be seen relaxing next to singing bowls, enjoying nature and taking a well-deserved nap.
If you notice your dog being anxious in public, she advised, “As soon as he experiences it, remove him and make sure he is in a non-stressed environment and give the dog a chance to calm down.”
While there are several ways to help your anxious pup, from healing techniques to behavioral therapy and medications, Dr. Honnas ‘always consult your vet first’.
She added: ‘It is of utmost importance to be in tune with your dog’s non-verbal cues. Address any signs of anxiety immediately and when in doubt, always seek professional help.”