Just as we have different things we do, places we go, or things we cling to to self-soothe when we are anxious, the same is true for our dogs. The behaviors may look different, but dogs exhibit plenty of self-soothing behavior, too. Here are some of the ways dogs self-soothe when anxious:

1. Dogs might lick their paws.
2. They may lick other areas on themselves or lick objects.
3. Dogs might chase their tails.
4. They might carry something everywhere they go.
5. Dogs may exhibit cobbing behavior.
6. They might dig more than usual.
7. Dogs might start pacing or circling.
8. They may vocalize more than normal.
9. Dogs might chew to self-soothe.
10. They might start to yawn repetitively.
11. Dogs may exhibit full-body shivers or shakes.
12. They might start sniffing intensely.

1. Dogs Might Lick Their Paws

One of the most common ways dogs self-soothe when anxious is licking their paws. Licking in general is a way for dogs to communicate and self-soothe, but licking their paws is usually the most common, likely because their paws are easy and comfortable to access.

Soothing and making themselves feel better are key reasons why dogs lick their paws. This behavior is normal for dogs and is usually not an issue unless it becomes excessive or you see symptoms of other things. If a dog doesn’t usually lick their paws a lot and is insistently and excessively licking one area, there could be an injury, a patch of dry skin, or something irritating them in that area.

Some dogs will lick their paws as a way to self-soothe to deal with dental pain when they start to develop gum disease or have issues with their teeth. So, if paw licking is a new behavior for your dog or changes in frequency or intensity, consider that something else might be going on with your dog and see what other symptoms you notice.

2. They May Lick Other Areas on Themselves or Lick Objects

Paws and forelegs are accessible areas, so they are easy and usually comfortable for your dog to lick. But they aren’t the only places dogs might lick when they are trying to self-soothe. When licking as a self-soothing behavior, dogs might lick anywhere else on themselves that they can reach relatively comfortably.

They may also lick carpet, furniture, pillows, bedding, toys, or other objects. Toys or favorite blankets are particularly common objects because of the additional comfort and familiarity they provide to dogs. Here, too, every once in a while this is normal dog behavior, but licking excessively can be a sign that your dog is in pain, especially if they are insistently licking or biting a specific area of their body.

3. Dogs Might Chase Their Tails

Another one of the ways dogs self-soothe when they are anxious is to chase their tails. Although it can be a self-soothing behavior, tail chasing in dogs does not always mean they are anxious. For some dogs, chasing their tails is entertaining and fun, and they’ll do it anytime they are feeling playful, excited, or bored.

These are common reasons why dogs chase their tails. Most of the time, it’s normal dog behavior. When it becomes excessive or starts to include frantic nipping or chewing, there could be underlying health issues, like fleas or other parasites, skin irritation, or something else.

4. They Might Carry Something Everywhere They Go

A lot of dogs may feel comforted and soothed by carrying something in their mouths. This tends to be particularly true for retriever breeds and dogs with hunting backgrounds. For many dogs, carrying something in their mouth can help them self-regulate, feel more comfortable, and self-soothe if they feel anxious. These are often reasons why dogs carry toys on walks.

For dogs who need a job to do, this can serve multiple functions, as it provides a job and gives them a sense of active accomplishment, while also allowing them to do something they already enjoy. If carrying something in their mouth doesn’t work for some reason or isn’t a good idea in a specific situation, you can consider equipping your dog with a little dog backpack or saddlebag-style dog backpacks for larger breeds.

If this is a good option for your dog, it can give them that job and comfort of carrying something when carrying something in their mouth isn’t an option. It’s not always a replacement that works, but it is an option you can try to see if it works for your dog. It’s also a great option for outdoor adventures if you go hiking with your dog.

5. Dogs May Exhibit Cobbing Behavior

Cobbing in dogs, or “corn cobbing,” is when dogs gently use their front teeth to nibble on something, similar to someone nibbling on a corn cob. It’s often a comforting and self-soothing behavior. As with other self-soothing behaviors, it’s usually not an issue unless it becomes excessive, frantic, or paired with other concerning symptoms.

6. They Might Dig More Than Usual

Some dogs are more prone to digging than others, but instinct is not the only reason why dogs dig. Digging can also be a way for a dog to self-soothe when they are anxious or give themselves something to do if they are bored or aren’t getting enough exercise.

Even if your dog is naturally a digger, they may dig more than usual, be more destructive than usual, or dig in areas they don’t normally dig if they are feeling anxious as a way to feel better. Digging can also be common in dogs with separation anxiety as a way to try and get out from wherever they are, even if that is a securely fenced backyard that they usually love to be in.

7. Dogs Might Start Pacing

Dogs pace for a variety of reasons. They could be excited, trying to get your attention, and more. They could also be pacing or circling because it makes them feel better, whether that’s getting out some extra energy or self-soothing when they are stressed or anxious. The rhythmic pattern is a key way for a dog to process and release nervous energy.

Dogs might also start pacing if they feel uncomfortable, which can be a sign that something is going on with your dog’s health. If your dog is pacing due to a medical issue, there will often be other symptoms that your dog is unwell. As with anything, if your dog’s behavior changes suddenly, you want to pay attention, see if you can determine what might be going on, and contact your vet if you are concerned or see any concerning symptoms.

8. They May Vocalize More Than Normal

Dogs communicate with a variety of vocalizations and body language. Dogs can howl for many reasons as a way to communicate something. Although it can be a sign that something is wrong, it isn’t always. Your dog might be vocalizing for fun, in reaction to something they hear or see outside, as a response to something you’ve trained them into on purpose or by accident, or for other reasons.

In some cases, vocalizing more than normal is one of the ways dogs self-soothe when anxious. Depending on the dog, how they react, and what feels the most comforting to them, this could be howling or barking or softer whimpers and whines. If your dog is noisier than usual, you want to pay attention, in case they are in pain or something is going on that you need to address.

If you are trying to train your dog to stop barking or respond to redirection to stop alert barking, you may not necessarily want to respond immediately to their barking or respond in certain ways, but you do want to notice and take note. Keep up with whatever training you’re doing, and also pay attention to make sure there isn’t something else going on.

9. Dogs Might Chew to Self-Soothe

Chewing can be fun for dogs, but anxiety or stress can also be a reason why dogs chew. Whether it’s a puppy who is teething or an adult dog trying to relieve stress and tension, chewing can be one of the ways dogs self-soothe when anxious. It’s also a common way dogs try to relieve dental pain or release frustration from dealing with dental pain.

If you’ve had your dog for a while, they likely have an established chewing pattern, and you have an idea of what their normal baseline of behavior is. If your dog is chewing more than normal, chewing on things they don’t normally chew on, or their chewing becomes destructive, those are signs to pay attention because something is going on, or your dog is trying to tell you something. If you see other symptoms of an underlying health issue, then you know you need to contact your vet.

10. They Might Start to Yawn Repetitively

Yawning doesn’t just happen when your dog is tired. Another reason why dogs yawn is to release tension and relieve anxiety. An anxious dog may start to yawn more often and yawn repetitively when they are feeling anxious or tense. If it’s due to stress, tension, or anxiety, yawning often occurs with other dog body language, like lip licking and a tight mouth.

11. Dogs May Exhibit Full-Body Shivers or Shakes

Similar to how movement can help us release tension and relieve stress, the same is true for our dogs. A dog that is feeling anxious or suddenly stressed might exhibit a full-body shiver or do a full-out shake to literally shake off the stress. Particularly in cases where the dog experiences a sudden spike of stress, a full-body shiver or shake is a way to discharge that energy and let it out so they feel better.

12. They Might Start Sniffing Intensely

Dogs experience the world through their noses, and scents are important for them. Sniffing intensely doesn’t always mean that your dog is feeling anxious and is trying to self-soothe; it’s such a normal behavior for dogs that it’s more likely they’re exploring or have found something interesting. This can also be a reason why dogs roll in smelly stuff.

At the same time, sniffing does often trigger a dopamine release in your dog’s brain, especially intense sniffing. So, if your dog starts sniffing the ground or the air intensely and exhibits other signs of anxiety, stress, tension, or discomfort, then they are probably doing it to self-soothe. It’s usually not a big cause for concern, unless you see other concerning symptoms or symptoms to never ignore in your dog, like vomiting, excessive drooling, gastrointestinal distress, and more.

Make Sure Self-Soothing Behaviors Aren’t a Sign of Something Else Going on With Your Dog

These are just some of the ways dogs self-soothe when anxious. When it’s simple self-soothing, there isn’t usually anything to worry about. But sometimes, self-soothing behaviors can also show up when dogs are in pain, not feeling well, or something more serious is happening.

If behaviors become excessive or problematic, or you see other concerning symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit your vet. They’ll take into account what is going on, look over your dog, and rule out anything concerning. If your dog is dealing with anxiety, your vet can help create a strategy to manage it. And, if anything else is going on that needs to be addressed, they can put together a plan to help you handle it and get your dog back to feeling normal again.