Dog Anxiety – Signs, Causes & How to Help
This guide is for general information. Always talk to a veterinarian or certified trainer about your dog’s specific needs.
What is anxiety in dogs?
Anxiety occurs when a dog feels fearful or uneasy in anticipation of an event. Many dogs show subtle body language before outwardly panicking. Recognising these signals early helps you intervene before anxiety escalates.
Signs of anxiety
Veterinary behaviourists describe anxiety along a spectrum. Mild signs include lip licking, yawning, avoiding eye contact and turning the head away. Moderate anxiety adds ears pulled back, a furrowed brow, fidgeting, panting or refusal of treats. Severe anxiety may look like tucking the tail, slinking away, wide eyes with dilated pupils, trembling or showing teeth.
Dogs with anxiety often display unwanted behaviours such as destructive chewing, barking or whining, shaking, pacing, house‑soiling, drooling or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Common causes
Anxiety can be triggered by medical issues, environmental changes or past experiences. Common causes include:
- Underlying pain: Conditions like dental disease, neurological pain, arthritis or digestive problems can cause anxiety.
- Separation anxiety: An estimated 14–20 percent of dogs are anxious when separated from their family.
- Changes in routine or environment: Moving house, changes in household members, boarding kennels or unfamiliar floors can unsettle a dog.
- Loud noises: Thunder, fireworks, construction and other loud sounds can trigger fear.
- Unfamiliar dogs or people: Lack of socialisation can make new encounters frightening.
Diagnosing dog anxiety
Your veterinarian will begin with a physical examination and may perform laboratory tests or X‑rays to rule out medical causes. They may ask you to record your dog’s behaviour to better understand triggers. In many cases, a certified professional trainer is also part of the treatment team.
How to help your anxious dog
Effective treatment depends on the cause and severity:
- Veterinary care: If anxiety stems from an underlying medical condition, your vet will address that first.
- Professional training: Work with a certified trainer to develop a behaviour modification plan and use positive reinforcement to change your dog’s emotional response.
- Medication: Anti‑anxiety medication may be prescribed alongside training.
- Supplements and pheromones: Calming supplements containing milk proteins and pheromone sprays or diffusers can help some dogs feel more secure.
- Anti‑stress diets and enrichment: Certain veterinary diets support calm behaviour. Daily exercise and interactive play help dogs expend mental energy and stay balanced.
- Calm comings and goings: Avoid making a fuss when you leave or return; quiet, neutral departures reduce anticipation.
Prevention
Socialise puppies between 3 and 12 weeks of age, introducing new experiences with treats and praise. Gradually expose your dog to different surfaces, people, noises and situations to build confidence. Maintain a consistent routine and provide safe spaces for rest.
Last updated: February 2026.