Is Your Dog Anxious? Signs, Causes and Vet-Approved Ways to Help

Life with a dog naturally creates a rhythm. You get used to their moods, their routines, and the subtle ways they let you know what’s going on. But when it comes to anxiety, dogs aren’t always so obvious, and the signs can easily be mistaken for stubbornness or boredom.

Dog anxiety often shows up quietly, shaped by everyday triggers that build over time. The challenge is knowing what to look for, and when something isn’t quite right. Understanding what causes anxiety, and how it presents in your dog is the first step to stepping in early and getting them the support they need.

This guide explores the common causes of anxiety, signs your dog is feeling anxious, and the best treatments to help your dog feel calm and secure.

Dog anxiety rarely comes out of nowhere. It’s usually triggered by a specific experience, change, or ongoing stressor, and understanding which one applies to your dog makes managing it far more effective. 

If something feels off, look out for common causes like:

• Time alone or changes in routine (can lead to separation anxiety): Some dogs find being left alone genuinely distressing. This often shows up as vocalising, destructive behaviour, or restlessness when you’re away.
• Fear-based triggers (can lead to fear-based anxiety): Loud noises (like fireworks or storms), unfamiliar people, or new environments can overwhelm dogs who are sensitive to sudden or unpredictable changes.
• Past experiences and trauma: Dogs with a history of neglect, rehoming, or unstable environments may carry anxiety forward, even once they’re safe.
• Underlying health issues: Pain, illness, or age-related conditions — including cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs — can increase anxiety or cause new behavioural changes.
• Limited early social exposure: Dogs that missed out on positive experiences with people, animals, and environments as puppies may feel unsure or anxious as adults.
  
  

Understanding which of these factors is affecting your dog helps you spot patterns, identify triggers, and choose the most appropriate support, like behavioural training, environmental changes, or veterinary advice.

Anxiety doesn’t always look the same in every dog. Some signs are obvious, while others are easy to miss or mistake for normal behaviour. Noticing changes early can help you step in before stress starts to affect their wellbeing. Some common signs include:

• Increased vocalising: Barking, whining, or howling more than usual, particularly when left alone or in unfamiliar situations.
• Restlessness or physical tension: Pacing, panting, or an inability to settle when your dog isn’t hot, exercised, or unwell.
• Destructive behaviour: Chewing furniture, digging, or scratching at doors (often linked to stress rather than boredom alone).
• Withdrawal or fear responses: Trembling, hiding, or seeking constant reassurance when something makes them uncomfortable.
• Fear-based reactivity: Growling, snapping, or defensive behaviour when your dog feels overwhelmed or threatened.

Some other initial reactions and body language signals are:

• Lip licking
• Tucked tail
• Sneezing
• Yawning
• Pinned-back ears

If you’re noticing one or more of these signs, especially if they’re new or worsening, it’s worth taking a closer look at what might be triggering them and seeking advice early.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for dog anxiety. The most effective approach depends on what’s triggering the stress, how severe it is, and how your dog responds over time. In many cases, a combination of training, environmental support, and veterinary guidance works best.

Behaviour training and desensitisation

For many dogs, anxiety can be reduced through gradual behaviour modification. These techniques aim to change how your dog responds to stress, rather than simply avoiding triggers.

Counterconditioning
Pairing previously stressful situations with positive experiences — such as treats or praise — can help your dog form calmer associations over time.

Desensitisation
Slowly and safely exposing your dog to anxiety triggers at a manageable level can help build tolerance without overwhelming them.

Foundational training
Teaching reliable cues like stay, settle, or go to bed can give your dog structure and help redirect nervous energy when they’re feeling unsure.

Veterinary-prescribed anxiety medications

In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe medications as part of an anxiety management plan. Medication is prescribed by a veterinarian based on your dog’s individual needs and history.

Common options may include:

• Long-term dog anxiety medications to help regulate mood

• Situational medications for short-term stress, such as vet visits or travel

• Hormone-based supplements, like melatonin, for mild, short-term anxiety

Medication isn’t a quick fix, but it can be an effective support tool, particularly when combined with training and environmental changes. Whether a medication suitable for anxiety depends on the individual dog and should be determined by a veterinarian.

Calming aids and daily support

For mild anxiety, or alongside other treatments, calming aids can help create a more settled environment.

Calming supplements and diffusers
Products such as pheromone diffusers, calming treats, and supplements, such as Adaptil, SereniCare, and Zylkene, are effective supplements that can help reduce anxiety in dogs.are designed to support relaxation and may help take the edge off everyday stress.

Mental enrichment
Activities like scent games, food scattering, or puzzle feeders encourage natural behaviours and can help redirect anxious energy in a positive way.

If your dog’s anxiety is worsening, affecting their quality of life, or changing suddenly, it’s important to seek veterinary advice early to rule out underlying health issues and get tailored support.

Reducing anxiety in dogs starts with proactive care and training. By understanding their needs and providing a stable, enriching environment, you can help reduce the risk of stress and fear-related behaviours.

Read Your Dog's Body Language

Dogs communicate through body language, and recognising early signs of stress can prevent anxiety from escalating. Watch for these cues:

• Yawning, lip licking, or excessive blinking: These can be early signs of nervousness.
• Tucked tail or ears pinned back: Indicates fear or discomfort.
• Panting or pacing: May suggest stress, even if the dog isn’t hot or active.

Understanding these signals allows you to intervene before anxiety worsens and helps create a sense of security for your pet.

Socialise Your Dog Early

Early socialisation is one of the best ways to prevent dog anxiety. Exposing puppies to different people, animals, environments, and experiences helps them develop confidence and adaptability. As well-socialised dogs are less likely to develop fear-based anxiety later in life, here are my top 3 tips for socialisation: 

1. Start socialisation as early as 8 to 16 weeks old.
2. Introduce new experiences gradually to avoid overwhelming them.
3. Use positive reinforcement to create a sense of safety in new situations.

Practice Obedience Training

Consistent training builds trust and structure, making dogs feel more secure. Basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come help them navigate stressful situations with confidence. 

Regular training sessions keep their minds engaged and reduce nervous energy, while positive reinforcement encourages calm behaviour in challenging situations. Crate training can also provide a safe space for your dog when they need comfort. A well-trained canine is more likely to remain calm and relaxed in new or stressful environments, so make sure to prioritise training as part of your dog's daily routine.

Keep Your Dog Active and Well-Fed

A healthy lifestyle also plays a big role in preventing anxiety. Regular exercise and a balanced diet contribute to a dog’s mental and physical well-being.

• Daily walks and playtime help burn off excess energy and reduce stress.
• Interactive toys and puzzles provide mental stimulation.
• High-quality nutrition supports brain function and overall health.

If a dog's needs for exercise and nutrition aren’t met, they may develop anxiety-related behaviours like restlessness and destructive chewing.

Avoid Stressful Situations

While some stress is unavoidable, minimising exposure to known anxiety triggers can help prevent issues.

• Create a predictable routine to help dogs feel secure.
• Avoid forcing interactions with unfamiliar people or pets if your dog seems uncomfortable.
• Provide a safe space during loud events like thunderstorms or fireworks.

By managing their environment and reducing unnecessary stressors, you can help prevent anxiety and keep your dog feeling calm and confident.

Creating a stable, stress-free environment is key to helping your dog feel safe and relaxed. While training, socialisation, and exercise play a big role, maintaining consistency and recognising early signs of anxiety can make all the difference.

Stick to a Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. A consistent daily routine helps them feel secure and reduces anxiety.

• Feed, walk, and train your dog at the same times each day.
• Maintain a calm environment to avoid sudden changes that could cause stress.
• If you need to adjust your schedule, do it gradually to help your pet adapt.

A structured routine reassures your dog and prevents uncertainty, which can lead to stress.

Watch for Stress Signs

Even with the best care, some dogs may still experience anxiety. Being aware of stress signals allows you to intervene early and prevent the anxiety from escalating.

• Look for early warning signs like excessive yawning, lip licking, or pacing.
• Monitor behaviour changes such as sudden aggression, withdrawal, or destructive tendencies.
• Cuddle them if they're crying or showing distress, but avoid reinforcing fearful behaviour.

If your dog’s anxiety persists despite training and treatments, consult your veterinarian. They may recommend additional support, such as behaviour modification therapy or medications for anxious dogs. By staying attentive to your dog’s needs and providing a stable, supportive environment, you can help them lead a happy, stress-free life.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe