Signs your dog may have anxiety:
Recognising anxiety in your dog can be tricky since they can’t talk. Instead, they use body language and behaviour to tell us how they’re feeling.
Vocalisation: Excessive barking, howling, or whining, especially when left alone, can indicate separation anxiety.
Pacing and restlessness: Dogs may pace, shake, or exhibit an inability to settle down, which can be signs of distress.
Physical symptoms: Panting, shivering, drooling, and increased heart rate, even when the dog is not hot or exercising.
Destructive behaviour: Chewing, digging, or destroying household items can be a way for anxious dogs to cope with their stress.
Hiding or withdrawal: When your dog is feeling anxious, they may try to hide or distance themselves from perceived threats, certain areas or people.
Subtle signs: More subtle indicators include lip licking, showing the whites of their eyes, or lifting a paw, which can be precursors to more severe anxiety responses.
Understanding these signs is important for early intervention and management of your dog’s anxiety.
Why is it important to manage my dog’s anxiety?
Untreated anxiety can lead to compulsive behaviours getting worse over time, making it more difficult to manage. This can cause more severe behavioural problems, including aggression.
Chronic anxiety can weaken the immune system, lead to gastrointestinal problems, and even cause high blood pressure. Dogs with anxiety are less willing to engage in activities they once enjoyed, such as walks or playtime. By managing their anxiety, you can help them regain their confidence and joy in everyday activities. You can help them become more adaptable and confident in various situations, allowing them to socialise with other dogs and people.
How can I make my anxious dog feel comfortable and secure?
Creating a safe and comforting environment for your dog can help to reduce their anxiety levels.
It is important to establish a routine. Dogs thrive on predictability. A consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime can help reduce anxiety by creating a sense of stability. Create a safe space for your dog. This is a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. This space should be free from loud noises and distractions, and where children can’t disturb your dog.
Gradually exposing your dog to stressful situations in a controlled manner can help them build confidence and reduce their fear response over time. Remember to reward them for calm behaviour. This will teach them to associate certain situations with positive experiences, helping to alleviate anxiety.
Getting advice from your vet or an animal behaviourist can give you tools to help your dog’s anxiety. This could include behaviour modification, medication, or environmental adjustments. It is especially important to consult your vet if there is an event coming up that may cause stress and anxiety, like a child’s birthday party or fireworks season. Your vet can also check if there isn’t a possible underlying medical condition adding to your dog’s anxiety.
Above all, it is important to be patient and consistent with your dog. Just like a human suffering from mental health disorders, an anxious dog will not get better overnight and will need lots of love and reassurance from you, their trusted human.
Can nutrition and supplements help my anxious dog?
Nutrition plays a vital role in your dog’s overall health, including their mental well-being. A high-quality, balanced diet supports overall health and helps with mood and behaviour. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, have been shown to help reduce anxiety in dogs by supporting better brain function. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, filtered, water as dehydration can make stress and anxiety levels worse.
Here are some supplements that could help:
 | Anima-Strath is a natural nutritional supplement that helps to support and maintain your dog’s good health. It is proven to help reduce anxiety and to support the body during stressful situations. |
 | Pegasus PET calming 30c: a general calmative remedy that helps reduce anxiety and cope with stressful situations. |
 | Pegasus PET t.r.s. 200c (trauma, rescue, shock): For shock, grief, traumatic experiences and separation anxiety. |
References and additional reading:
- Anxious behavior: How to help your dog cope with unsettling situations (no date) Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/anxious-behavior-how-help-your-dog-cope-unsettling-situations (Accessed: 31 July 2024).
- Extreme fear and anxiety in dogs (no date) PetMD. Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_fears_phobia_anxiety (Accessed: 31 July 2024).
- Managing anxiety in dogs: Tips, strategies and solutions (no date) Animal Behaviour Coach. Available at: https://animalbehaviourcoach.co.uk/anxiety (Accessed: 31 July 2024).
- Signs of anxiety in dogs and puppies (no date) PetMD. Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/signs-anxiety-dogs-and-puppies (Accessed: 31 July 2024).
- Trust, D. (2022) Signs your dog is feeling anxious: Dogs Trust, Signs of Stress In Dogs | Anxious Dogs | Dogs Trust. Available at: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/signs-your-dog-may-be-stressed (Accessed: 31 July 2024).
- Turner, Dr.B. (2024) Managing dog anxiety: Treatments, Medication & Supplements, Preventive Vet. Available at: https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/dog-anxiety-medication-and-treatment (Accessed: 31 July 2024).