I own an extremely nervous Chihuahua – here are SIX signs your dog is scared
A nervous dog owner has discovered 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 for her to notice that the puppy was showing signs of fear.
She described the 11-year-old dog as “very reactive” to outdoor stimuli and said she “recognized his fearful soul” due to her own mental health issues.
Years of holistic learning have inspired Yasmin to share her 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 people and dogs.
And now, speaking to MailOnline, the content creator has shared some key signs of nervousness that other dog owners should watch out for.
Yasmin El-Saie has described her 11-year-old Chihuahua Chilli (pictured) as a blessing and although he was very reactive, he helped her face her own fears
The Notting Hill-based content creator has now shared with MailOnline some key signs that your dog is scared
Yasmin, from Notting Hill, London, documents her life with a fearful dog on her shared Instagram page
According to Yasmin, These are some telltale signs that your dog is afraid:
- Lick lips
- Frequent yawning
- Ears pinned back
- Panting
- Tucked tail
- Raised hackles
Yasmin explained that Chilli has never been the calmest dog and that, having never had a puppy before, she didn’t recognize the early warning signs.
The veterinary consultant Dr. Cheri Honnas explained that these signals are just a few “body signals” to pay attention to.
The consultant at Bone Voyage Dog Rescue explained: “Signs of stress include showing the whites of the eyes, pulled back ears, bristling fur, excessive panting and frequent yawning.”
“If your dog seems to avoid eye contact or appears ‘down,’ it’s often a reaction to your own body language and emotions, rather than any guilt on your part.”
Dr. Honnas explained that vocalizations such as growling or frequent barking and whining could be another signal.
She said: “It is important to recognize and give space to this sign as it can prevent misunderstandings and protect both the dog and those around him from unintentional reactions.”
Yasmin explained that Chilli was never the calmest dog and was completely unlike her other dog Sukhi (pictured middle).
To help Chilli and Yasmin, he wears a bright yellow leash and yellow bandana in public to let others know that he is a
The veterinary advisor also urged dog owners to monitor their pet’s movements. If it stops abruptly or becomes rigid, it could be due to extreme stress. If your dog is restless or constantly pacing, this could also indicate restlessness.
Although Chilli experiences a number of these symptoms, Yasmin explained that his temperament actually helped ease her own anxiety.
She said: “At home he is supportive and very affectionate.” It’s that physical contact and even when we’re outside it’s a very calming feeling when I stroke his fur. It really brings me into the present moment by doing whatever.”
She explained that wanting him to be less anxious while they are both out “forces” her to be calm and “work on herself.”
Yasmin has various techniques to help Chilli cope with everyday life. For example, when the two are out and about, he wears a bright yellow leash and a bandana that says “keep your distance” to let people know that he is an extremely reactive dog.
Yasmin explained that wanting Chilli to be less anxious when they are outside forces her to be calm
The dog owner said Chilli has a range of healing methods for calming down, from enjoying nature to long walks to naps
Yasmin gave advice to other dog owners and said she uses 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 is anxious in public, she advises: “As soon as he notices this, remove him and make sure he is in a non-stressed environment and give the dog a chance to express himself.” calm.”
Although there are several ways to help your anxious pup, from healing methods to behavioral therapy to medication, Dr. Honnas to always consult your veterinarian first.
She added: “Being in tune with your dog’s non-verbal signals is of the utmost importance. Treat any signs of stress immediately and when in doubt, always seek professional help.”