It’s hard to watch. The whining when you pick up your keys. The frantic panting and pacing during a thunderstorm. The “Velcro dog” who can’t handle being in a different room.
As pet owners, we want our dogs to feel safe and confident. But for many families, anxiety in dogs is a daily challenge that affects quality of life—for pets and people.
The good news: dog anxiety is common, and it’s also treatable. The key is understanding what you’re seeing, why it’s happening, and what steps actually help.
Below, we’ll cover the signs of anxiety, practical tips for how to calm an anxious dog, and when it may be time to seek professional support.
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What Does Anxiety in Dogs Look Like?
Anxiety isn’t always obvious. Many signs can be subtle—and sometimes mistaken for “bad behavior.”
Anxiety is a stress response. Your dog’s brain is in “fight or flight” mode, and their behavior and body language will reflect that.
Common signs of anxiety in dogs include:
- Vocalization: whining, whimpering, repetitive barking
- Panting and pacing: panting when it’s not hot and difficulty settling
- Shaking or trembling: from mild tremors to full-body shaking
- Hiding or escaping: trying to bolt, tuck away, or retreat under furniture
- Destructive behavior: chewing, scratching, digging (especially with separation anxiety)
- Inappropriate elimination: accidents during scary events or when left alone
Subtle signs that are often missed:
- Whale eye: whites of the eyes showing with a worried expression
- Lip licking and yawning: frequent stress signals that don’t match the situation
- Tense body posture: stiff stance, tucked tail, lowered head
- Avoidance behaviors: turning away, refusing eye contact, sudden “sniffing” to disengage
An anxious dog isn’t being “bad.” They’re overwhelmed and need support.
Common Triggers for Dog Anxiety
Identifying your dog’s trigger is one of the most important steps in building a plan.
1. Separation Anxiety
A true panic response when a dog is left alone or separated from their person.
2. Noise Phobia
Fear of loud, unpredictable sounds (thunderstorms, fireworks, construction, vacuums).
3. Situational Anxiety
Anxiety tied to specific places or experiences—often car rides, vet visits, unfamiliar people, or other dogs.
4. Age-Related Anxiety and Cognitive Decline
Senior dogs can become more anxious as vision and hearing decline. Cognitive changes can also cause confusion and restlessness.
How to Calm an Anxious Dog: A 3-Part Approach
Most dogs do best with a combination of:
- Short-term environment support,
- Long-term behavior change, and
- Veterinary support when needed.
1. Manage the Environment (Short-Term Relief)
These steps help reduce stress right now:
- Create a safe space: a quiet room, covered crate (if crate-trained), or cozy “den” with familiar bedding
- Reduce sights and sounds: close curtains, use white noise, a fan, or calming music
- Try calming pheromones: diffusers, collars, or sprays can help with mild anxiety
- Use pressure wraps: some dogs respond well to gentle pressure garments
If your dog’s anxiety spikes during storms or fireworks, it helps to prepare before the event begins.
2. Change the Behavior (Long-Term Improvement)
This is where real progress happens over time:
- Prioritize enrichment: puzzle toys, snuffle mats, scatter feeding, and “find it” games encourage sniffing and licking—naturally calming behaviors
- Reward calm behavior: notice and reinforce quiet moments (resting on a mat, relaxing on the couch)
- Desensitization and counterconditioning: gradual exposure to triggers at low levels paired with high-value rewards (this often works best with professional guidance)
3. Get Veterinary Support (When Needed)
For moderate to severe anxiety, behavior work alone may not be enough.
Start with a medical check. Pain, illness, and discomfort can worsen anxiety and reactivity. A physical exam helps rule out underlying issues.
Talk to your veterinarian about next steps. For dogs in a high state of panic, medication can be a helpful tool—not as a “quick fix,” but as support so your dog can actually learn and respond to training.
When to Seek Professional Help
It may be time for additional support if your dog:
- cannot be left alone without panic behaviors
- is harming themselves trying to escape
- is becoming reactive or aggressive due to fear
- isn’t improving despite consistent effort
In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend working with a qualified trainer experienced in fear/anxiety cases and/or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
If your dog is struggling with anxiety, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team at Portland Vet is here to help you build a plan that supports a calmer, more confident life with your dog.