Vet-Approved Guidance for Anxious Dogs (+ Calming Tips)

Just like humans, dogs can struggle with anxiety. In fact, 72.5% of dogs exhibit some form of anxious behavior. These anxiety symptoms can be triggered by anything from thunderstorms to other dogs to car rides — and that’s just to name a few!

It can be difficult to watch your pet struggle in stressful situations. However, there are things you can do to help them calm down and limit behavioral problems. Here’s how to spot signs of anxiety in your dog, plus eight useful tips to help them relax.

Just like humans, every dog experiences anxiety differently. Some dogs struggle with situational anxiety in certain situations. For example, they might feel stressed out by loud noises or be tense when meeting new people.

Separation anxiety is also very common in dogs, so you might notice that your pet acts nervous or aggressive when you leave the house. This problem has been widespread since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many dog owners went back to the office after spending several years working at home.

Other dogs experience more generalized anxiety without an obvious cause. It’s also possible for dogs to struggle with other behavioral health conditions like depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder, but have symptoms that present as anxiety.

Note that anxiety and other behavioral health conditions in dogs can only be officially diagnosed by a veterinary behaviorist or other certified professional, who can help you create a treatment plan based on your dog’s symptoms.

If you think your dog might be struggling with anxiety, here are some common symptoms to watch for:

• Trembling: Like humans, some dogs start to shiver when they feel nervous.

• Panting or drooling: If your dog starts panting without any recent exercise sessions or temperature increases, it could be a sign of anxiety.

• Pacing: One way to spot anxiety is to watch your dog’s body language. If they start pacing quickly or shaking out their fur, it could mean they feel agitated.

• Withdrawal: A nervous dog will often hide behind their owners or under a piece of furniture in an attempt to calm down.

• Barking or whining: Some dogs will make unusual noises when they encounter stressors to get their owner’s attention.

• Excessive licking: Dogs might lick their lips or paws repeatedly to soothe themselves when they feel stressed.

• Rapid tail wagging: It’s a myth that a wagging tail always means a dog is happy. If your dog is flicking their tail rapidly while keeping it low to the ground, they might feel scared. Many dogs will also tuck their tail between their legs when they feel overwhelmed.

• Using the bathroom inside: When a dog that’s normally house-trained urinates or defecates inside, it could be a sign of stress. Some dogs will also experience an upset stomach when they’re feeling upset.

• Shedding: Dogs often shed more in stressful situations, such as visiting the vet or moving to a new home.

Anxiety looks different for every dog depending on factors like their breed, personality, and history. For example, a dog who’s normally introverted might be anti-social when they’re feeling nervous, while a high-energy dog might display abnormally aggressive or destructive behavior.

When your pup feels overwhelmed, try some of these tricks to help them relax. Over time, distractions and counter-conditioning may help mitigate your dog’s anxiety symptoms.

Adding some extra enrichment to your dog’s day can help them get their energy out and feel more relaxed. Before you leave the house, try taking them for a short walk or playing outside. This is the perfect way to help them calm down and strengthen your relationship.

The novelty of going outside and experiencing new scents provides valuable mental stimulation for dogs. Try to vary your walking routes or play different games to prevent your dog from getting bored.

Make this physical exercise part of your daily routine with your dog. Even if you only have five minutes in the morning for a walk, this can make a big difference when it comes to managing separation anxiety. Consistency is key!

Soft, lickable treats can help your dog relax during stressful situations. Hard dog treats aren’t always effective for managing anxiety, as the crunchy texture can amp your dog up, rather than calming them down. Treats are also an effective way to encourage and reward positive behaviors.

If your dog struggles with separation anxiety, try giving them puzzle toys when you leave the house. These toys give your dog helpful mental stimulation to keep them occupied when they’re alone and reward them with a tasty treat once they’ve solved the puzzle.

Deep breaths help your dog regulate their nervous system and relax during stressful situations, especially if they are panting. To encourage your dog to breathe deeply, sit or stand in front of them with treats hidden behind your back. Take a deep breath yourself, blink slowly and avoid making sudden movements.

When your dog stops panting, give them a treat and reinforce them with some praise. Repeat the process, encouraging your dog to mimic your deep breaths.

If your dog is alone for several hours at a time, this can make their anxiety more intense. If you know you’ll be out of the house for most of the day, have someone stop by and check in on them. This could be a friend or neighbor, or you could hire a professional dog walker.

By having someone stop by to give your pet a quick walk and some interaction, you’ll keep your dog engaged and prevent them from feeling isolated. This strategy also gives your dog new opportunities for socialization so they can get comfortable with different types of people.

Having your dog rest their chin on your hand helps them relax when they’re feeling wound up. A little bit of physical contact shows that they’re loved and supported.

To do this, hold out one palm face-up and hold a treat in the other. Slowly move the treat across your palm to catch your dog’s attention and align their head with your palm. Then, slowly move the treat down, encouraging them to rest their chin in your hand. Give them the treat and praise them in a soothing voice.

If your dog struggles with generalized anxiety, try rewarding them when they’re in a relaxed state. Pay close attention to your dog when you’re together. Wait until they’re completely calm and then place a treat directly under their nose.

When you use this strategy, don’t praise or acknowledge your dog. Instead, give them the treat as calmly as possible and then walk away. Don’t make noises or do anything that could agitate your dog. Your dog is smart, so they will try to replicate the behavior to earn more treats.

Having a dedicated safe space can help your dog stay calm when things get overwhelming. To encourage this, try purchasing a new mat or towel in a comfy material that’s easy to clean.

You can train your dog to use the mat by placing a few treats on it to catch their interest. After your dog finishes the treats, have them step off the mat, then repeat the process a few times.

At first, hide the mat when you’re not training so it’s a special treat. After a few weeks, you can start leaving the mat out. When you catch the dog using it on their own, reward them with a treat or cuddles. Over time, your dog will start to associate the mat with relaxation and can use it to calm down.

In particularly stressful situations, like holiday fireworks, over-the-counter anxiety supplements can help your pet relax. Always check in with your veterinarian before starting a supplement to make sure it’s appropriate for your dog.

When selecting supplements for your pup, opt for products certified by the National Animal Supplement Council, or NASC. Products with this certification have a yellow oval stamp on the packaging, which indicates that they meet quality standards for ingredients and manufacturing. (Avoid CBD-based supplements, as they are not regulated.)

Popular anti-anxiety supplements for pets include zylkene, L-theanine, chamomile and lavender. These supplements use naturally soothing ingredients to help your dog calm down. Melatonin can also be helpful if your dog struggles to sleep because of their anxiety.

While not exclusively a pet supplement, Benadryl can be helpful for managing situational anxiety in dogs. Standard Benadryl dosing for dogs is one milligram per pound of body weight. However, make sure to confirm with your veterinarian before using this strategy.

Severe anxiety can harm your dog’s emotional well-being and overall quality of life. In some scenarios, your dog will need more than just extra playtime or over-the-counter supplements to relieve their anxiety symptoms.

Here are some signs that your dog should see a vet for their anxiety:

• Destructive behavior, such as breaking or chewing through furniture

• Refusing meals

• Urinating or defecating due to stress

You should also see the vet if any other anxiety behaviors are interfering with your safety or ability to carry out your daily routine.

In these situations, your vet can help you identify the underlying problem and recommend appropriate anxiety treatments. Common prescription anxiety medications for dogs include Trazodone or Fluoxetine. These medications can cause side effects like sleepiness or hyperactivity. Be sure to discuss side effects, dosing timelines, and possible interactions with over-the-counter supplements with your vet before you get started so you can be prepared.

Dogs often get anxious when they hear loud noises, are spending time alone, or are in unfamiliar situations. Extra playtime, strategic treats, and over-the-counter supplements can all be helpful for helping your dog relax. However, if the anxiety is severe or happening on an ongoing basis, it’s best to seek help from your vet.

Check out The Honest Kitchen’s healthy, human grade dog treats to support anti-anxiety training.

 *Health Disclaimer: This post is educational in nature and doesn’t constitute health advice. Please consult your pet's veterinarian or other healthcare professional for specific guidance on this topic.