Thrive Pet Healthcare veterinarian explains why anxiety and physical illness in dogs are often closely connected
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (June 1, 2026) – A San Diego-area veterinarian with Thrive Pet Healthcare says dogs with anxiety-related symptoms may also be dealing with underlying medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disease, chronic pain and hormonal disorders.
Chronic anxiety also may contribute to physical symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss and destructive behavior, making it difficult for some pet owners to recognize whether their dog is anxious, sick or both.
San Diego pet owners often take dogs between busy households, car rides, outdoor patios, beaches, trails, dog parks, boarding and day care. Those routines can make it harder to tell whether a dog is reacting to a busy environment or showing signs of anxiety, illness or pain.
Why anxiety symptoms are often misunderstood
Dogs instinctively hide pain and illness, and anxiety symptoms can overlap with medical conditions. A dog that suddenly becomes clingy, withdrawn, restless or less interested in food may not be misbehaving or “just getting older.” Those changes can be the first sign that something physical is going on.
“One often overlooked sign of anxiety is withdrawal from normal activity and interaction with family members,” said
Ann Eliopulos, medical director at San Diego Pet Hospital in Lemon Grove. “We tend to focus on more obvious behaviors like pacing, vocalizing or destructiveness, but some dogs respond by shutting down. They will hide, lose interest in their environment or become less responsive to things they previously enjoyed.”
Signs of withdrawal-related anxiety may include:
Hiding or seeking isolation
Reduced appetite
Decreased interest in normal activities
Less interaction with people or pets
“The challenge is that these same signs can also point to illness,” said Dr. Eliopulos. “When a dog’s behavior changes, we look closely at the timing, any recent changes in the home or routine, and then perform a thorough medical evaluation to rule out underlying health issues.”
When to call your veterinarian
Schedule an examination if your dog develops:
Sudden anxiety, clingy behavior or withdrawal
Repeated gastrointestinal symptoms
Loss of appetite or reduced interest in normal activities
New destructive behavior
Excessive vocalization or pacing
A veterinary exam may include a physical exam, lab work and additional diagnostics to determine whether symptoms are related to anxiety, illness or both.
Common Questions About Anxiety in Dogs
Why is my dog suddenly anxious or clingy?
Sudden anxiety or behavior changes in dogs may sometimes be linked to pain, illness, digestive problems, hormonal disorders or cognitive decline. Veterinarians recommend an examination when symptoms appear unexpectedly.
How do I know if my dog is anxious, sick or in pain?
Veterinarians say anxiety and illness in dogs can sometimes look very similar. Changes in appetite, sleep, energy level, pacing, clinginess, destructive behavior or gastrointestinal symptoms may warrant a veterinary examination.
Thrive Pet Healthcare’s veterinary healthcare network includes eight primary, specialty and emergency hospitals in the greater San Diego area. Pet owners can search for their nearest location at
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
