Anxiety in dogs

What is dog anxiety?

Dog anxiety is actually a natural thing. It's how your dog reacts when they feel threatened. Basically, it's their body's way of saying, "Hey, something's not right here." This happens when something 'triggers' their nervous system. Anxiety in dogs can be put into three main types:

Signs of anxiety in dogs

Anxiety in dogs can look different from one dog to another. It really depends on your dog and how anxious they're feeling. But there are some common signs you can look out for:

Physical symptoms

• Panting
• Drooling
• Trembling
• Increased heart rate
• Restlessness
• Diarrhoea or constipation

Behavioural symptoms

• Excessive barking
• Whining
• Howling
• Destructive behaviour (such as chewing or digging)
• Hiding or trying to escape
• Aggression or irritability
• Clinginess, altered interactions with owners or other pets
• Changes to appetite, sleep or toileting habits
• Lip licking
• Fearful body language (cowering, tail between the legs)
• Lethargy or excessive sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Fear or discomfort around people and other animals
• Fear of you leaving the house
• Behaviour problems

Common causes of dog anxiety

Understanding what triggers your dog's anxiety is really important. It helps you figure out what might be making them feel all stressed out and therefore how to help. Here are some common triggers you should know about:

• Loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks and smashing glass can be highly upsetting for lots of dogs.
• Separation from their owner is another common anxiety trigger in dogs that usually needs training to help fix.
• New or unfamiliar environments, such as moving to a new home or visiting the vet, can be unsettling.
• Sudden changes in routine, such as a change in feeding or walking times, can cause anxiety in dogs. This can be due to household alterations such as a new person (perhaps a baby) or a new pet in the home, or other changes to their environment like building work or even the moving of furniture.
• Social situations like meeting new people or animals, especially in crowded or noisy settings, can be overwhelming for some dogs.
• Dogs can also become very reactive and fearful around other dogs, especially if they've had a previous bad experience.
• Birds or wildlife outside

How serious is anxiety in dogs?

If your dog shows any of the signs mentioned above, it's useful to have a chat with your vet for three reasons:

1. Most of these signs also occur with other conditions. Your vet will check your dog thoroughly and accurately diagnose their condition — whether it's anxiety or not. After the diagnosis, they'll recommend a suitable treatment plan.
2. If left untreated, anxiety can weaken your dog's immune system. Anxious dogs may develop further health conditions as a result of their anxiety.
3. Anxiety is unpleasant for dogs as well as humans. If left untreated, it could get worse and your dog's quality of life may start to deteriorate.

How to help a nervous dog

The solution will depend on what's causing your dog's stress. For example, if you've welcomed a new pet or newborn baby to your home, you can't just get rid of them! Here are some strategies to help:

Prevent stress with a slow and steady introduction

Try to introduce your dog to new arrivals in stages. Gradually introducing them to the sight, sound and smell of your new pet/baby can really help. If you're redecorating or getting your house ready for Christmas, reduce stress by making changes gradually, over a few days if you can.

Provide your dog with a safe hideout

Always make sure your dog has somewhere safe and comfortable they can visit when they're overwhelmed. This is especially useful during firework and Halloween season. If your dog does hide away in their crate/hideout, take care not to disturb.

Don't underestimate the value of exercise

Dogs need lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation (such as walks and playtime). This will help your dog channel their nervous energy. Alongside this, it is important for dogs to have healthy diets. If your dog is going for regular walks, getting plenty of play, and eating well, their immune system will be operating at its best.

Steer clear of punishment

If your dog's stress or anxiety causes them to behave in a destructive manner, avoid punishing them. In your dog's mind, punishment just makes stressful situations even more stressful — their anxiety will get worse, leading to more destructive behaviour in the long run.

Don't be scared to ask for help

If you've done all you can to ease your dog's stress and anxiety and their symptoms persist, have a chat with your vet. There are lots of treatments available for stress and anxiety in dogs and they'll happily advise you on how to help your pet.

Dog separation anxiety training: easing your nerves when they're left alone

Dogs are sociable creatures. It's why we love them, and a great factor we take into consideration when choosing them as pets — they follow us around, greet us excitedly when we get home and generally adore us. The one downside of dogs and their sociability, however, is that they're sometimes prone to separation anxiety.

Why might dogs feel uncomfortable on their own?

It's important to understand that dogs are, like humans, naturally sociable creatures. In the wild, they'd be part of a pack — many dogs relish the company of other dogs and they certainly prefer to be alone with their owners than with their own devices. For dogs, it simply isn't natural to be alone.

Does my dog have separation anxiety?

It's not always easy to tell if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety because most of their symptoms will take place when you're apart. As you get ready to leave the house, take notice of your dog's behaviour. Dogs can pick up on the small details that indicate whether you plan to leave the house with or without them — you picking up your car keys, for example, or putting on your work shoes — so a change in their behaviour can become apparent a little while before they're left alone. They may follow you around, whine, or even lie in front of the door.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs are often more obvious when you get home. Anxious dogs are known to scratch doors and furniture, chew certain objects and go to the toilet indoors. They may also be overexcited to see you, and follow you wherever you go.

Video footage can be useful to determine how 'settled' your dog is when left alone – owners are often surprised at what they see.

Dog separation anxiety training: prevention

It's important to recognise that preventing separation anxiety in young puppies and treating a pre-existing condition are two entirely different processes — the latter may well require the help of a behaviourist.

As an owner, it's a great idea to get your young dog used to their own company fairly early. Do it in stages, gradually increasing the amount of time your puppy spends on their own:

1. Choose the location — the place your dog will spend their time while you're out (so somewhere they associate with comfort when you are around).
2. If you can, use a safety gate rather than closing the door, so your pet can still see you.
3. Use long-lasting treats to make sure your dog associates this location positively.
4. Once your dog has their treat, go about your usual business with the safety gate between you.
5. Gradually increase the length of time your dog spends on their own until they're comfortable for 30 minutes.
6. Once they're fine with this, you can start leaving the house for short periods. Consider videoing them to ensure they are settled.

It's important for your dog to associate their alone time positively, for them to be aware that you leaving the house is a normal occurrence, and that you always come back.

Make use of their crate

Your dog's crate can be a godsend if they can learn to associate it positively — as a place of comfort, where they're always given a treat. That said, be sure not to use their crate as a solution to separation-related behaviour, or without first training them to enjoy spending time in it – this can create further issues associated with confinement.

Treatment

Treating separation anxiety in dogs, where the dog's condition is pre-established, will likely require the help of a professional veterinary behaviourist. They will use a process known as 'desensitisation and counter conditioning', designed to teach dogs that being left alone is okay (in some cases even enjoyable and relaxing!)

Methods of treatment will vary according to your dog's symptoms and the severity of their condition. Behaviourists will usually use therapy-based methods, although pheromones and stress-relieving products may be advised in some cases.

When treating separation anxiety in dogs, you should always seek the advice of your vet. They'll advise on the best course of action to take and may even be able to recommend a behaviourist.

Punishment: why it only makes things worse

Coming home to discover that your dog has made a mess of your living room can be frustrating, and your first instinct may well be to shout at them. It is, however, important NOT TO DO THIS.

Your dog will not associate the mess they made (often as far back as eight hours ago) with you coming home and shouting at them. All punishment will do is confuse your dog, and likely add to their anxiety further. Shouting at them will not train negative behaviour out of them and in many cases, will make it worse. Behavioural training should always be reward-based.

For more advice on dog anxiety

Remember, if you're concerned about your dog's anxiety, always consult with your vet. They can provide guidance, recommend treatments, and if necessary, refer you to a professional animal behaviourist. Find your nearest vet using our find a vet page, or speak to a vet online today.