What to do if your dog has anxiety: ultimate guide
We’ve added expert tips, real-life stories, and helpful advice to support you and your anxious pup.
What to do if your dog has anxiety?
Don't panic—help is on the way!
Let's turn those worried whines into happy tail wags.
Ever catch your dog looking scared when you leave or giving you that cheeky look after nicking your shoe?
Yeah, dogs feel all the feels—including anxiety.
If your pup gets nervous, you're definitely not alone.
But good news: there's loads you can do to help!
We'll show you how to spot anxiety, what causes it, and, best of all, how to help your Fluffy Friend chill out and feel calm again.
Whether it’s loud noises, strangers, or changes in your day, we're here to help.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Meet the dogs: Real stories of anxiety and healing
- What is dog anxiety, really?
- What causes anxiety in dogs?
- Myths about dog anxiety – busted!
- How to help a dog with anxiety
- Final thoughts: Behavioral issues or anxiety?
- Let’s recap: The best way to help an anxious dog
- FAQ: Dog anxiety (based on real questions people ask)
Meet the dogs: real stories of anxiety and healing
Lenni's story: from chaos to calm
Let's start with a story.
Lenni was adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That means he spent all day, every day with his pet parent.
He got used to car rides, snuggling on the sofa, and being together 24/7.
But when lockdowns ended and his mum had to go back to work, things changed.
One day, she came home to find… chaos.
The bin was torn apart, cushions shredded, and the neighbours were complaining about nonstop howling.
So she set up a pet camera.
What she saw broke her heart: Lenni was crying, pacing, barking, and howling for hours.
That's when she realised: Lenni wasn't just misbehaving—he was scared.
He had a form of anxiety called separation anxiety.
This is common in rescue dogs or pups with traumatic experiences.
The good news?
With patience, love, and training, Lenni's anxious behaviours got better.
And your dog can too.
Every dog's story is different.
Here's another pup who found his courage with the right support.
Rockstar's story: from scared to brave
Rockstar was saved from a possible dogfighting situation.
He went to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center in Ohio.
When Rockstar first got there, he was very scared, especially in new places and when wearing a lead.
But even though he was scared, he was still nice and calm with people and other dogs.
How they helped Rockstar:
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Rewards for good behaviour:
The helpers gave Rockstar treats and love when he did good things.
This made him feel happy about new things.
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Lead practice:
They helped him get used to walking on a lead little by little so he wouldn't be scared.
-
Making friends:
Rockstar played with other dogs to learn that new places and friends can be fun.
What happened:
With lots of care and kindness, Rockstar stopped being so scared.
He learned to feel safe and happy in new places.
This shows that with patience and help, even very scared dogs can become brave.
Related: 6 Tips to Help Your Dog With Separation Anxiety
What is dog anxiety, really?
Anxiety is a natural emotional response.
Dogs feel anxious when something makes them unsure, scared, or nervous.
Different types of dog anxiety:
1. Separation anxiety
What it looks like:
Your dog gets upset when you leave the house.
They might bark, whine, or chew on things like shoes or cushions.
Helpful tip:
Try leaving for short times and coming back before they get too upset.
Give them a favourite toy or treat to keep them busy.
2. Noise Anxiety
What it looks like:
Loud sounds like thunder or fireworks make your dog shake or hide under furniture.
Helpful tip:
Play soft classical music to calm them.
Create a safe, quiet space where they can relax during loud noises.
3. Social Anxiety
What it looks like:
Meeting new people or dogs makes your dog freeze, hide, or even growl.
They might want to avoid new friends.
Helpful tip:
Take it slow.
Let your dog meet new people or dogs one at a time, with treats and praise to make it a happy moment.
4. Age-Related Anxiety
What it looks like:
Older dogs might pace, seem confused, or get restless at night.
They might forget where they are.
Helpful tip:
Keep a calm routine, speak softly, and give them comfy places to rest.
Gentle games can help keep their mind sharp.
5. Situational Anxiety
What it looks like:
Your dog feels nervous only in certain places—like the vet’s surgery, car rides, or a new home.
Helpful tip:
Help your dog get used to these places slowly.
Bring their favourite toys or treats and stay calm to help them feel comfy.
6. Rescue Anxiety
What it looks like:
Dogs from shelters may flinch or hide when strangers come close because they’ve had scary times before.
Helpful tip:
Be patient.
Let them choose when they want to say hello.
Give lots of love, quiet time, and gentle care to build trust.
These forms of anxiety can affect all breeds and ages.
Each pup has their own quirks.
Some may shake, others bark, and some hide or destroy furniture.
That's why it's so important to understand your dog's behaviour.
Clear signs of anxiety in dogs
Here are some signs of anxiety you can look out for:
- Barking or howling when left alone
- Weeing or pooing in the house (even if house-trained)
- Pacing or restlessness
- Destructive behaviour (like chewing furniture or doors)
- Aggressive behaviour
- Shivering or hiding
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Displacement behaviours like yawning or licking lips when not tired or hungry
These are not just “bad habits.”
They’re signs your dog is trying to tell you, “Look, I’m not okay.”
Related: How to Stop Your Dog's Excessive Barking
What causes anxiety in dogs?
Let’s look at what might be scaring your pup:
- Traumatic experiences (like being abandoned or hurt)
- Big changes (moving to a new home or adding new pets or family members)
- Scary noises (thunderstorms, fireworks, hoovers)
- New people or unfamiliar dogs
- Lack of socialisation
- Trips to the vet’s surgery
- New environments (hotels, dog park, new house)
- Medical problems or pain
Your furry friend might also feel stressed when routines change.
Like Lenni, your pup may feel anxious when left alone for long periods.
Myths about dog anxiety – busted!
Myth 1: My dog is just being naughty.
Nope!
Many dogs that chew, bark, or dig aren't misbehaving on purpose—they're stressed or scared.
Anxiety causes these behaviours, not bad manners.
Understanding this helps you respond with kindness and patience.
Myth 2: Anxiety will go away on its own.
Usually not.
Without support, anxiety can get worse and even cause new problems.
Dogs need help learning to feel okay again, which can take time and the right tools.
Myth 3: Only rescue dogs get anxiety.
False.
Even dogs from loving homes can feel anxious.
Some of the reasons for this are genetics, changes in their environment, or stressful experiences like moving or loud noises.
Myth 4: Medication is the easy way out.
Medication isn't a magic fix.
It can help calm your dog's brain, but it works best alongside training, behaviour changes, and creating a safe environment.
Myth 5: Punishing an anxious dog will fix their behaviour.
Actually, punishment often makes anxiety worse.
It can damage trust and make your dog more scared.
Positive reinforcement and gentle guidance are much better and more effective.
Myth 6: Anxiety means my dog isn't loyal or loves me less.
Anxiety is about fear and stress, not love.
Your dog still loves you very much—they just need extra support to feel their best.
How to help a dog with anxiety
Easy steps you can do at home
Step 1: Talk to your vet
Before anything else, start with a vet visit.
Sometimes, what looks like anxiety could be a medical issue.
For example, if your dog is weeing indoors, it might be a bladder infection—not bad behaviour.
Your vet can rule out health problems and help you figure out what to do next.
They might also suggest a veterinary behaviourist—a vet trained to help dogs with anxiety or serious behaviour problems.
Step 2: Understand your dog’s anxiety
Dogs experience the world in their own unique ways.
What scares one dog might not bother another.
Start keeping notes or a journal about your dog’s behaviour:
- What makes them anxious? (loud noises, car rides, strangers)
- When does it happen? (before you leave? during storms?)
- How long does it last?
This helps you understand what your dog is feeling—and how to help them.
Step 3: Train with love – positive reinforcement
Dogs don’t learn from yelling or punishment.
They learn best with kindness.
Positive reinforcement means giving treats, praise, or toys when your dog does something good.
You’re teaching them that the scary thing is not so scary after all.
For example, if your dog is scared when you leave the house:
-
Start by leaving for 30 seconds.
-
Come back and give a treat or cuddle if they stayed calm.
-
Slowly increase the time—1 minute, then 5, then 10…
This shows your dog that being alone is okay—and that you'll always come back.
If you feel stuck, reach out to a certified dog trainer who understands anxiety.
Step 4: Make home a safe, calm place
- Create a cosy “safe space” with a soft bed, blanket, and puzzle toys
- Try crate training—some dogs feel safe in their own special space
- Play calming music (like classical or nature sounds)
- Use puzzle toys or long-lasting treats before leaving the house
- Take a long walk before you go
- Keep a regular routine—dogs feel better when they know what to expect
- Ask a dog walker or sitter to visit if you’ll be gone a long time
These little steps can turn stress into calm.
Step 5: Medication and supplements—if needed
Sometimes, training isn’t enough.
Medication can help too—but only with your vet’s okay.
Talk to your vet about options like:
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Calming supplements
These tools can lower your dog’s stress, so they’re calm enough to learn and feel 100%.
⚠️ Warning:
Never give human medication to dogs.
It can be dangerous—even deadly.
Always ask your vet first.
How to help rescue dogs, seniors & more
Some dogs need extra care based on their situation:
-
🐾 Rescue dogs – might have fear from past experiences
-
🐶 Senior dogs – could have age-related anxiety or confusion
-
🏡 New pets – need time to adjust to a new home
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🐕 Fearful dogs – need gentle exposure to new things
-
🍗 Dogs that guard food or toys – need training to feel unthreatened
Be patient.
Every dog learns at their own pace.
🚫 What NOT to do
Avoid things that can make your dog feel worse:
-
❌ Yelling or punishing them
-
❌ Forcing them into scary situations
-
❌ Ignoring the signs of anxiety
-
❌ Saying “they’re just being naughty”
Behind every bark or chewed shoe is a pup trying their best to cope.
Related: 5 Reasons Your Pet Needs An Anti-Anxiety Bed
Final thoughts: behavioral issues or anxiety?
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between normal dog behaviour and anxiety.
Here’s a quick tip: If your dog’s behaviour seems extreme, happens during specific situations, or lasts for a long period of time, it might be anxiety.
That’s why understanding your dog’s body language is key.
Look for tail position, ears, eyes, and tension.
A wagging tail doesn’t always mean happiness!
You’re NOT alone
Helping your dog cope with anxiety isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most loving things you can do.
You’re not alone, and your dog is lucky to have you.
With patience, training, positive routines, and maybe a little professional help, even fearful dogs can learn to feel safe again.
Related: How I Became a Better Dog Owner
Let’s recap: the best way to help an anxious dog
- Check for medical problems first
- Watch for clear signs of anxiety
- Know your dog’s triggers
- Try behaviour modification with positive reinforcement
- Create a safe place at home
- Use tools like puzzle toys, long walks, and calming music
- Ask for help from dog trainers or your vet
- Consider treatment programs or medication if needed
Every dog deserves a calm, happy life.
And every pet parent deserves support.
So next time your furry friend seems scared, remember: there's always hope—and help.
Have a story to share about your dog's anxiety?
Tell us in the comments!
Your experience might help another pet owner feel less alone.
Stay fluffy, Your MrFluffyFriend Team
🐶 FAQ: Dog anxiety (based on real questions people ask)
How do you help a dog with anxiety?
Start with love and patience. Make a calm space with cosy blankets and toys. Use treats and kind words when your dog stays calm. Go for regular walks, keep routines, and talk to your vet for extra help.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for dogs with anxiety?
It's a simple way to understand rescue dogs:
- 3 days to feel scared or confused
- 3 weeks to learn your routine
- 3 months to feel safe and loved
Go slow and give your dog time to adjust.
What are signs of anxiety in a dog?
Some common signs are:
- Shaking or hiding
- Whining, barking, or pacing
- Weeing inside
- Drooling a lot
- Chewing things when alone
If you see these signs often, your dog might be anxious.
Can you fix separation anxiety in dogs?
Yes! You can help your dog feel their best when you leave. Start with short times away and slowly make them longer. Give treats or toys before you go. A vet or dog trainer can also help if it's really hard.
How can I calm my dog's anxiety naturally?
Try soft music, a quiet space, puzzle toys, or calming scents made for dogs. Regular exercise and a good routine help too. Some people use calming treats or supplements—but always ask your vet first.
Can you train anxiety out of a dog?
You can't "train it out," but you can teach your dog to feel better. Use kind training and rewards. Never shout or punish. A trainer who understands fear and anxiety can be a big help.
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