How To Recognise And Treat Dog Anxiety With Confidence

Your dog isn’t just being stubborn, quirky or dramatic — anxiety in dogs is real, and it’s more common than you think. With so many causes (noisy neighbours, big changes, even a missing toy), it can sneak up on any dog, no matter their breed or temperament.

Here, you’ll find out how to spot those subtle signs, like loss of appetite and hiding, and what you can do to help your worried pup relax. Let’s make anxiety less scary for both of you.

Understanding Dog Anxiety: Signs and Common Triggers

Anxiety in dogs can feel like an invisible gremlin — sometimes it’s right behind the sofa, other times it’s just below the surface, making everything feel a bit “off.”

The signs can sneak up or shout at you, either way, knowing what to look for will help you step in early, before worry turns into full-blown panic.

As the Merck Veterinary Manual explains, anxiety in dogs can have several different causes, with the most common ones being fear, separation, and aging.

Let’s take a close (but friendly) look at the clues your dog might be anxious, and what could be causing it.

A stress level gauge graphic showing green to red. The arrow is pointing to red, indicating a high stress level.

Recognising Anxiety: Symptoms to Watch for

Dogs don’t have words, but their bodies do a lot of talking. If you catch your dog acting strangely, you might be seeing anxiety in action.

Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:

Trembling or shaking: it doesn’t have to be cold for a dog to shiver.
Panting, even when it’s not hot: fast breathing after exercise is normal — constant panting when resting isn’t.
Restlessness or pacing: some anxious dogs just can’t settle. The living room turns into a racetrack.
Destructive behaviour: chewed shoes, shredded pillows, or scratched doors? This kind of accidental “home renovation” often means your pup is stressed.
Unusual vocalisations: whining, whimpering, howling, or barking more than usual can hint at nerves.
Hiding or trying to escape: a normally social dog may suddenly skulk away or wedge itself under the bed.
Licking lips, yawning, or drooling: subtle actions, but common stress signals (think of it as your dog’s version of nail-biting).
Pinned-back ears, tucked tail, or dilated pupils: body language tells the real story — ears down and tail between the legs? That’s classic “I’m not okay” dog talk.
Loss of appetite or refusing treats: even the best snacks can lose their appeal when stress levels spike.
Accidents in the house: a dog out of sorts might forget its toilet training, especially if feeling alone or scared.

a light brown-coloured dog showing signs of anxiety by having a tucked tail. — A tucked tail is one of the most easy-to-recognise signs of anxiety (and also fear or submissiveness). This dog also shows other signs of potential anxiety, such as a pinned back ear.

Early recognition can make a world of difference, especially for first-time owners. If you spot one or two of these occasionally (say, after a big scare), no need to panic. But frequent or escalating signs? That’s your cue to step in and help your furry friend feel safer.

Did You Know? Some breeds and personalities are just more sensitive than others. Border Collies, German Shepherds, and even some little lapdogs may feel things more deeply. But any dog, no matter the breed, can become anxious in the right (or wrong) circumstances.

Major Causes and Triggers of Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs are creatures of habit with the emotional honesty of a young child: big changes, loud noises, or awkward introductions can really throw them off.

These are the usual culprits when anxiety makes itself at home:

Separation from you: for many dogs, being left alone is the number one “monster under the bed.” Separation anxiety can cause howling, destruction, and bathroom mishaps.
Previous trauma or rough starts: rescue pups, or those with a bumpy past, may hold on to old fears. Loud voices, raised hands, or even certain smells can set them off.
Lack of socialisation: pups not exposed to different people, places, or sounds during puppyhood often grow up cautious or fearful. It’s like missing the “how to be brave” lessons.
Loud noises: thunderstorms, fireworks, building work, these can suddenly turn a dog’s safe world upside down.
Age-related changes: older dogs can get anxious as their senses fade or if they develop cognitive issues (sort of like doggie dementia).
Health problems: hidden pain, from arthritis to tummy troubles, can make even the chillest pup act worried. Always rule out medical reasons when behaviour changes.
Changes in routine or environment: moves, new family members, or even a new piece of furniture can make some dogs feel off balance.

4-picture collage: top left showing fireworks, top right lightning, bottom right a dog alone staring out the window, and bottom left a dog feeling uncomfortable at the vet's office — 4 Potential anxiety triggers in dogs (clockwise starting from top left): fireworks, thunderstorm, separation (anxiety), and the vet’s office.

Spotting what triggers your dog’s nerves gives you the power to help. Think of it like playing detective: watch, listen, and take notes.

Over time, you’ll become your dog’s best advocate, helping them feel safe and calm, no matter what life (or the neighbour’s fireworks) brings.

Practical Strategies to Soothe Your Dog’s Anxiety

When your dog is anxious, you want something that works and is fast, gentle, and practical. Good news: simple changes in your home, your routine, and your training style can make a huge difference.

You don’t need a master’s degree in animal behaviour. Just a bit of patience, a sprinkle of creativity, and the right tools. Here are the best ways to help your dog find their calm.

How Can I Prepare and Help My Anxious Dog?

There are several things you can try, and while it depends what your dog is anxious about, here are some ways you can help him:

New things need to be positive: whenever there is a new experience for your dog, be it new people, new situations, etc., make sure they see this experience as something positive. Reinforce positivity, e.g. by giving a treat or praise, to build confidence.
Avoid or reduce triggers: now, this can be a difficult one if you don’t (yet) know the trigger(s), but once you figured it out, try and reduce or avoid said trigger where possible.
Introduce new things slowly: something that your dog doesn’t know can scare him, so whenever you encounter something new, introduce it as slowly as possible. Obviously this is not necessarily applicable to thunder or fireworks although using sound or video with sound can help with such introductions.
Stay calm: dogs are experts at reading you, so if you are nervous, they think “oh this is something I should be nervous about too!” and so he will — did anyone else just think about the ‘Keep Calm’ meme too?!😅
Reward relaxation and calmness: when your dog chooses to rest in their safe spot, offer treats or gentle praise. It teaches them this space is for happy, stress-free moments.
Use sound CDs: if you want to (re)condition your dog to certain sounds, there are CDs available (and more than likely YouTube videos too). Just start at a low volume and gradually increase. All the while, you practice the calm behaviour and reward calmness (as mentioned in the 2 points above).

Stick to a schedule: feed, walk, and play with your dog at roughly the same times each day. Unexpected changes might make your dog feel like their world has turned upside down.
Exercise — yes, even if you’re tired: regular walks, gentle play, or a sniffy adventure in the garden burn off nervous energy and help your dog relax. A bored or restless dog often gets more anxious, not less.
Create a safe haven: pick a quiet corner or a spare room and set up a comfy crate, bed, or mat. Add favourite blankets, toys, or anything that smells like you.
Noise control: close the curtains, play soft music, or use a white-noise machine during fireworks or storms. Soundproofing works wonders for noise-sensitive dogs.

It's night time, there is fireworks going on outside. Inside, a woman is looking at the fireworks from her living room. Next to her is a crate with a dog. The crate is covered on all sides except the front and the crate door is open. The dog is lying on a comfortable bed and there are toys as well. He is learning to be relaxed in his safe space. — A safe space for a dog, in this case a covered crate with a comfortable bed and toys, can be just what your dog needs when he’s learning to deal with anxiety. Just make sure the dog is not alone.

A good safe space shouldn’t feel like exile. Instead, it’s a place where your dog chooses to unwind.

If you want to know more about specific tools, keep reading, there is a ‘Calming Tools and Products’ chapter just further down.

Behavioural Techniques: Desensitisation and Counterconditioning

Some triggers, such as vacuums, visitors, thunder, just can’t be avoided forever. That’s where gentle training comes in. Done right, you can help your dog see scary things as “no big deal.”

Follow these steps to help your dog grow braver:

Find the trigger: pinpoint what sets your dog off. Is it the front doorbell? Rain on the windows? Identify it so you can work on it.
Start small and safe: expose your dog to a mild version of the trigger. For example, play thunder sounds quietly or have a friend knock softly.
Pair with good stuff: as soon as your dog notices the trigger but before panic sets in, feed tasty treats, play with a favourite toy, or offer gentle strokes. The goal is for them to think, “Oh, this isn’t so bad…actually, good things happen!”
Stay under their threshold: if your dog looks scared or bolts away, the trigger was too much. Go back to an even milder version.
Repeat and build up slowly: little by little, make the trigger slightly bigger (increase sound or get a bit closer). Always reward calm behaviour.

Patience is key. Dogs learn at their own pace, so don’t rush or push too hard. Avoid punishment or “tough love” because this only makes things worse. If you feel lost, ask your vet or an accredited trainer for guidance.

Calming Tools and Products

Sometimes you need extra help. Luckily, there’s a range of products designed to create a chill vibe for anxious dogs. Here’s what’s worth trying:

Pheromone diffusers: plug-in devices like Adaptil release safe, synthetic pheromones. However, I did doubt whether or not to include this tool. You see, some people say it helps, some say it doesn’t.
Pressure vests: snug-fitting wraps give comforting, gentle pressure — think of it as a weighted blanket for your dog (as an autistic person, I LOVE my weighted blanket!). They can provide relief during storms, travel, or fireworks.
Calming music: special playlists or classical music can lower stress for both you and your dog. Try leaving gentle tunes on during stressful times or when you’re out.
Puzzle toys and food-dispensing games: chewing, licking, and problem-solving are natural stressbusters. Offer a stuffed Kong, snuffle mat, or treat ball to keep your dog busy and relaxed.
Safe chews and licky mats: these are not just fun. Licking releases calming hormones in the brain. These tools help turn stress into play.

A thunderstorm is going on outside. Inside, a woman is sitting on the sofa with a nice hot cup of coffee. She is looking relaxed as her previously anxious dog is now less anxious by being occupied with a Kong toy. The dog is lying on the floor in front of the sofa with a red Kong toy. — Keeping a dog busy, e.g. with a Kong toy, is an excellent way to keep your dog busy and entertained. If they are busy, engaged, and entertained with something, they are less likely to focus on the negative thing that causes/caused them anxiety.

Keep in mind, every dog is different. Some might love their new calming routine or vest, while others might ignore it. Mix and match tools, and notice what your dog responds to best. If something’s not working, try a different approach.

Bringing all these pieces together — routine, a cosy retreat, gentle training, and calming tools — gives you a personalised toolkit to tackle your dog’s anxiety. It’s all about small steps and big love.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, you just need some extra help and guidance, and there is nothing wrong with that. Especially first-time dog owners might feel overwhelmed, so seeking professional help will give you peace of mind that you are not alone.

I suggest going to a vet first, as they can help determine if there are no medical problems causing the anxiety. When consulting a vet or behaviourist, you can (and should!) expect the following:

A deep dive into health: first, the vet will do a full workup to rule out hidden health issues. Sometimes, what looks like anxiety is pain or a medical condition.
A behavioural detective game: behaviourists look at the big picture — your dog’s history, daily routines, habits, and every detail you can share. No quirk is too small.
Tailored plans, not guesswork: you’ll get a step-by-step plan just for your dog.
Clear Communication: Good pros make everything easy to follow. They check in, tweak the plan, and answer your questions.
Focus on safety: if there’s any aggressive behaviour (growling, snapping, biting), or your dog is hurting themselves, they’ll put precautions in place to keep everyone safe.
Teamwork: sometimes, your vet or behaviourist may work together—combining medical insight with behaviour know-how. It’s a dream team approach.

A yellow labrador dog sitting in the front, blurred, in the background is a woman who has her hand resting on the dog's face and a vet with a clipboard — Sometimes, a vet or behaviourist is needed to help you decode your dog. Don’t ever be ashamed of that or let anyone else shame you for it — after all, you are taking proactive steps to help your dog overcome his anxiety.

Medical and Natural Therapies: What’s Safe and Effective?

For stubborn anxiety, lifestyle changes and training might need a boost from scientifically-backed therapies. With your vet’s guidance, you can safely explore options such as medication or supplements.

Vet-Prescribed Medication

Some dogs, just like humans, need extra help from modern medicine. Here’s what’s available and what you need to know:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): fluoxetine and paroxetine balance brain chemicals and can help with general anxiety or phobias.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): clomipramine is commonly used for long-term anxiety management, especially in separation anxiety.
Short-acting Medications: for stressful days (like fireworks night), vets might prescribe something fast-acting such as trazodone, alprazolam, or gabapentin.

Medication isn’t a “chill pill” that works instantly. It’s most powerful when paired with gentle training and positive changes at home.

Supplements & Natural Aids

Owners often want to try natural remedies first, before using vet-prescribed medication. While some work (well), remember — safe doesn’t mean “one-size-fits-all.”

L-theanine and Alpha-casozepine: these natural amino acids can gently reduce nerves, often used for mild anxiety.
Melatonin: this hormone helps some dogs settle, sleep better, and cope with stressful events.
CBD Oil: early research and anecdotal reports are somewhat promising but always ask your vet before using, as dosing and quality control matter.
Pheromone products: I was initially unsure to add this as a potential aid. Some people swear by it, some see no difference. The truth is, while it is not necessarily a scam, it doesn’t have any proper scientific backing either (yet).

It is quite overhyped by marketing. That said, in most cases is it safe to try, but they are not a guaranteed fix. These products should not replace proper medical treatment and/or training.

Why Over-the-Counter Calming Products Aren’t Always Safe: lots of calming chews (see info box above for an example), sprays, and herbal blends crowd the shelves. It’s tempting to try them all, but here’s the catch:

Many products aren’t tested or regulated like prescription meds.
Incorrect doses or hidden ingredients could upset your dog’s stomach, or worse.
Only use products with your vet’s sign-off — some human medications are toxic to dogs.

The Golden Rule: Always Get Professional Advice:

Never medicate your dog on your own, even if the product says “natural” or “safe.”
Trust your vet’s guidance — they’ll weigh the risks and benefits for your individual pup.
Expect regular check-ins to monitor for side effects, track progress, and adjust the plan as needed.

Most importantly: if your dog’s anxiety disrupts their everyday life, or puts them (or others) at risk, don’t wait. Pros have seen it all before, and with expert guidance, your dog can start to feel braver and more settled with each day.

Bringing It All Together

Helping your dog feel secure starts with spotting the small changes, after all, those early signs are your secret weapon. Blending daily routines, cosy safe spots, toys, and gentle training gives you a real chance to turn anxiety into calm.

If things get tricky, there’s no shame in calling in the pros — lots of owners need expert advice to get it right. Your efforts to understand and support your dog matter more than you know.

Every anxious dog can improve with kindness, routine, and the right guidance. Stick with it, stay patient, and trust that you’re doing a great job.

Just brought a dog home — or thinking about it? If anxiety is one of the things you’re unsure about, I’d love to hear what you’re wondering or working through. Let’s talk about it in the comments.

*Please note: some of the images in this blog post are AI-generated with prompts created by me. These images do not serve an educational purpose.

Remember to pin an image to your favourite pet board!

How to Recognise and Treat Dog Anxiety with Confidence

Table of Contents

Understanding Dog Anxiety: Signs and Common Triggers

Recognising Anxiety: Symptoms to Watch for

Major Causes and Triggers of Anxiety in Dogs

Practical Strategies to Soothe Your Dog’s Anxiety

How Can I Prepare and Help My Anxious Dog?