It’s incredibly hard to see your dog so anxious that it starts affecting your daily life together. And yes — dogs can experience real anxiety, and some even develop anxiety disorders that require professional help.
If your pup seems unusually fearful, stressed or reactive on a regular basis, she may be dealing with chronic or severe anxiety that a veterinarian should evaluate.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what causes dog anxiety, how it shows up and what you can do to help your pup feel better.
What Causes Anxiety in Dogs?
A lot of things can trigger anxiety in dogs. Many cases come from a lack of training, structure or comfort in their environment. Other common causes include:
- A history of neglect, abuse or trauma
- Food or affection scarcity in their past
- Competition or conflict with other pets at home
- Not having a safe, predictable place of their own
- Stressful changes in their environment
For rescued or adopted dogs, past trauma is especially common. A dog who was mistreated or chronically stressed may become anxious even in a safe home simply because that’s what they learned to expect.
Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
No two dogs show anxiety the same way. Some bark or act out, while others withdraw and go quiet. Watch for these common symptoms and context clues and body language if their dog is exhibiting any of the following signs of stress or anxiety:
Behavioral Signs
- Excessive barking or whining
- Aggression or reactivity
- Hiding, avoidance or refusal to interact
- Loss of appetite
- Chewing, licking or scratching
- Destructive behavior (furniture, doors, bedding, etc.)
Physical Signs
- Panting or drooling
- Shaking or trembling
- Restlessness
- House soiling
- Depression
- Compulsive behaviors
- Tail tucked tightly
If you’re seeing several of these signs regularly, anxiety may be the cause.
How to Help an Anxious Dog: 8 Vet-Recommended Strategies
Dog anxiety can be stressful, but the good news is that it can be managed. Here’s how to start supporting your pup:
1. Remove or Reduce the Trigger
If something specific is stressing your dog out, try to lessen its impact.
Example: If she’s scared of the new cat, don’t force interactions. Give them space, let her adjust slowly and build comfort over time.
2. Provide a Safe Place to Retreat
Give your dog a quiet, cozy “safe zone” where she can relax without being bothered — often a covered crate works best.
This is where crate training can be helpful for pet parents. The dog will recognize the crate as their safe, comfort space and can willingly relocate themselves to it if they need to calm themselves down.
A crate becomes a predictable comfort spot she can choose when she feels overwhelmed.
Try the Revol Dog Crate from Diggs.
3. Increase Mental & Physical Enrichment
An under-stimulated dog easily becomes an anxious dog. Make sure she has:
- Daily exercise
- Training sessions
- Interactive toys
- Chew toys and lickable enrichment (licking is self-soothing!)
Try an interactive puzzle or a classic KONG for mental enrichment.
4. Consider Calming Aids
Pheromone products and calming chews can help some dogs relax, especially when used alongside training.
Popular options include:
5. Ask Your Vet About CBD
Some pet parents find CBD helpful, but research is still limited and products aren’t regulated yet. Always speak with your vet first and choose reputable brands.
Try ElleVet Sciences Calming & Comfort Chews from Amazon
6. Try Desensitization Training
This method gently exposes your dog to her fear in very small, controlled amounts.
Example: Play firework sounds at a barely audible volume while she’s relaxed. Slowly increase over time.
The goal: teach her the trigger isn’t dangerous.
7. Try Counterconditioning
Counterconditioning changes your dog’s emotional response by pairing the scary thing with something positive.
Example: If your dog gets anxious when other dogs pass by, ask for a sit and give her a favorite treat. Over time, “dog passing by” = “good things happen.”
Always work below your dog’s fear threshold. If she begins showing stress signals, take a break.
A trainer or behaviorist can guide you if you’re unsure where to start.
8. Consider Prescription Medication for Severe Anxiety
Medications aren’t a first step, but for dogs with significant anxiety, they can be life-changing. If months of training and supplements haven’t helped, talk to your vet about whether medication might be appropriate.
How to Prevent Anxiety in Dogs
Early socialization is one of the best ways to prevent anxiety — especially between 3–16 weeks, the ideal learning window. But older dogs can still improve with gentle, ongoing exposure.
Try introducing your dog to:
- Many types of people (kids, strangers, people in hats, men with beards)
- Friendly, vaccinated dogs (and cats!)
- Visitors coming and going
- Car rides, buses, elevators, subways
- Household noises (clapping, vacuum, TV, alarms)
- Outdoor city noise (traffic, scooters, trucks)
- Water, baths and wet paws
- Short periods of alone time
The more positive experiences your dog has early on, the more confident she’ll be as an adult.
When to Get Help
If you notice early signs of anxiety, address them sooner rather than later. Anxiety rarely goes away on its own. Your veterinarian or a certified behavior specialist can help you create a personalized plan.
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