A Florida resident brought home a miniature dachshund to help manage her anxiety, but the plan took an unexpected turn when she realized her new companion was just as nervous as she was. In a viral video shared on Instagram, the dachshund named Beans lies tensely on the couch, her eyes wide with concern as she watches her surroundings, creating a situation where instead of calming her owner, she only makes her more anxious. The caption of the video perfectly captures the irony of the situation, with the owner writing that she got Beans for emotional support, and now they are both anxious together.
The owner, Megan, shared more details about her experience, explaining that people advised her to get a dog to help with her anxiety, but nobody warned her that a dachshund might not be the ideal choice for this purpose. “This is what she looks like after I looked at her wrong for two seconds,” the caption reads, highlighting the breed’s famously dramatic personality. Megan told Newsweek that the video perfectly captures her pet’s theatrical nature, saying “She is known for her expressive reactions, intense feelings, and piercing gaze, all in a tiny body.” She added that Beans takes her role as the main character very seriously, displaying the kind of overdramatic behavior that has made dachshunds both beloved and notorious among dog owners.
The footage authentically represents Beans’ everyday behavior according to Megan, who emphasized that what viewers see in the video is exactly how her dog acts on a regular basis. “She is exactly as you see her, equally sweet, dramatic and a bit quirky in the best possible way, and I think that’s why many people recognized themselves in the video,” Megan explained. The relatability of the situation struck a chord with countless viewers who have experienced similar outcomes when seeking comfort from their pets, only to find themselves caring for an animal with its own set of anxieties.
The clip quickly exploded across social media platforms, accumulating more than 5.2 million views and 523,000 likes as people around the world connected with the humorous yet truthful portrayal of pet ownership. Thousands of users flooded the comments section to share their own experiences with anxious animals. One commenter sympathetically wrote that poor Beans is simply trying her best despite all the expectations placed upon her, while another perfectly summarized the situation by noting that our emotional support dogs need emotional support dogs of their own.
While Beans may not actually suffer from clinical anxiety, many dogs do struggle with this condition, making it important for pet owners to recognize the signs. Dogs Trust, an organization dedicated to canine welfare, explains that identifying stress signals in dogs can help owners avoid or resolve situations that cause distress and potentially prevent conflicts. The signs of stress in dogs are often subtle, which means owners need to observe their pet’s entire body language rather than focusing on isolated behaviors to get an accurate picture of their emotional state.
Early indicators of anxiety in dogs include slowing down, moving away from stressful situations, licking their lips, crouching or lowering their body, hesitating to lift their paw, and displaying a submissive smile. As a dog’s anxiety increases, additional signals may appear such as trembling, panting that is not related to heat or exercise, pacing back and forth, and conflicted behavior when approaching something that makes them uncomfortable. If a dog becomes even more worried, stronger indicators that they need space include submissively rolling onto their back, lunging forward, stiffness throughout their body, or defensive behaviors like growling and biting. Experts note that aggression is frequently a sign of fear rather than dominance, making it crucial to address the underlying anxiety rather than simply punishing the behavior.
Understanding canine anxiety is essential for all dog owners, as stressed dogs may develop behavioral problems or health issues if their emotional needs are not met. Dogs can experience anxiety for various reasons including separation from their owners, loud noises, unfamiliar environments, past trauma, or genetic predisposition. Certain breeds, including dachshunds, are known for being more prone to anxiety due to their breeding history and temperament. These small dogs were originally bred to hunt badgers in underground burrows, requiring independence and alertness that can translate into nervousness in modern domestic settings where they face different challenges and stimuli.
Creating a calm environment for anxious dogs involves establishing consistent routines, providing safe spaces where they can retreat when overwhelmed, using positive reinforcement training methods, and sometimes consulting with veterinarians about anxiety management strategies. Some dogs benefit from behavior modification programs, while others may need medication or supplements to help manage severe anxiety. The key is recognizing that just like humans, dogs have individual personalities and emotional needs that deserve attention and care, even when they were originally adopted to provide emotional support themselves.
What are your experiences with anxious pets, and do you have any tips for managing their stress in the comments?
