Stress is a commonly used word that describes feelings of strain or pressure. The causes of stress are exceedingly varied. Perhaps you are stressed out by your job, you become nervous when meeting new people, or you get anxious when your daily routine is disrupted.
To reduce stress levels, you may seek comfort in several ways. Maybe you find solace in the company of a trusted friend. Perhaps you relieve stress when occupied by routine chores like cleaning the house. Or maybe you blow off some steam with physical exercise.
“Our dogs can become stressed too.”
Our dogs can become stressed too. Since we know how stress makes us feel, we certainly want to help alleviate our pet’s stress as well. However, our dogs do not voice their feelings, slam down the phone, or have a tantrum, so how can we tell they are stressed? The signs of anxiety in dogs are often subtle. In fact, some stress-related behaviors mimic normal behaviors.
What are some of the indicators of stress in dogs?
Pacing or shaking. You have seen your dog shake after a bath or a roll in the grass. That whole body shake can be amusing and is quite normal…unless it is occurring as the result of a stressful situation. For example, dogs are commonly stressed when visiting the veterinarian. Many dogs “shake it off” when they descend from the exam table and touch down on the ground. Dogs, like people, also pace when agitated. Some dogs walk a repeated path around the exam room while waiting for the veterinarian to come in.
Whining or barking. Vocalization is normal self-expression in dogs but may be intensified when they are under stress. Dogs that are afraid or tense may whine or bark to get your attention, or to self soothe.
Yawning, drooling, and licking. Dogs yawn when they are tired or bored, they also yawn when stressed. A stressful yawn is more prolonged and intense than a sleepy yawn. Dogs may also drool and lick excessively when nervous.
Changes in eyes and ears. Stressed dogs, like stressed people, may have dilated pupils and blink rapidly. They may open their eyes really wide and show more sclera (white) than usual, giving them a startled appearance. Ears that are usually relaxed or alert are pinned back against the head.
Changes in body posture. Dogs normally bear even weight on all four legs. If a healthy dog with no orthopedic problems shifts his weight to his rear legs or cowers, he may be exhibiting stress. When scared, dogs may also tuck their tails or become quite rigid.
Shedding. Show dogs that become nervous in the show ring often “blow their coat”. Dogs also shed a lot when in the veterinary clinic. Although less noticeable in outside settings, such as visiting a new dog park, shedding increases when a dog is anxious.
Panting. Dogs pant when hot, excited, or stressed. If your dog is panting even though he has not exercised, he may be experiencing stress.
Changes in bodily functions. Like people, nervous dogs can feel a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. When your dog urinates shortly after meeting a new canine friend, he may be marking territory and reacting to the strain simultaneously. Refusal of food and loss of bowel function are also stress indicators.
Avoidance or displacement behavior. When faced with an unwelcome situation, dogs may “escape” by focusing on something else. They may sniff the ground, lick their genitals, or simply turn away. Ignoring someone may not be polite, but it is surely better than being aggressive. If your dog avoids interaction with other dogs or people, do not force the issue. Respect his choice.
Hiding or escape behavior. An extension of avoidance, some tense dogs literally move behind their owners to hide. They may even nudge their owners to prompt them to move along. As a means of escape, they may engage in diversion activities such as digging or circling or may slink behind a tree or parked car.
How can I help my dog handle stressful situations?
In order to differentiate stress signs from normal behavior, you must be familiar with your dog’s regular demeanor. Then you can tell if he is licking his lips because he is anxious or because he wants a treat.
When relaxed, he will have semi-erect or forward-facing ears, a soft mouth, and round eyes. He will distribute his weight evenly on all four paws. Distinguishing normal behavior from stress signs will help you quickly and effectively diffuse an uncomfortable situation.
“If your dog is stressed, first remove him from the stressor.”
If your dog is stressed, first remove him from the stressor. Find a quiet place for him to regroup. Resist the urge to overly comfort him. If you want to pamper him with petting or treats, make him earn them first by performing an activity (e.g., sitting). Responding to routine commands distracts the dog and provides a sense of normalcy. It is amazing how comforting sit, down, and heel can be to a worried dog.
If your dog becomes consistently stressed, see your veterinarian. After ensuring that your dog’s behavior does not have a medical basis, your veterinarian may refer you to a trainer or veterinary behaviorist to evaluate stress-related issues. They may also prescribe anxiety-reducing medications if appropriate.
As with humans, exercise can be a great stress reducer. Physical activities like walking or playing fetch help both you and your dog release tension. It is also good to provide your dog with a safe place in the home where he can escape anxious situations. Everybody enjoys a calm place to retreat.
And, finally, remember that stress is not always bad. Fear is a stress-related emotion that prompts us to avoid potentially dangerous situations. So, stress may actually be a protector. Regardless, stress is part of everyday life for us and our dogs, so we should learn how best to deal with it.
Here are the signs you should watch for in your pup
Do your dogs get upset when you leave them alone? Maybe they howl or bark or even destroy furniture while you’re away. Do loud noises, such as fireworks, cause your pup to run away in fear? These are all signs your beloved pet could be experiencing a form of anxiety. Dogs experience anxiety the same way that humans can.
“Dogs typically experience one of three main types of anxiety: general fear such as noise sensitivity or a fear of strangers, separation anxiety, and stress due to aging and health concerns,” says Danielle Bernal, BVSc, MRCVS, a Massachusetts-based veterinary professional with WHIMZEES Daily Dental Treats.
When it comes to treating dog anxiety, there is a lot to consider including implementing changes to your pet’s environment, providing plenty of opportunity for play and exercise, removal of triggering stimuli—and even medication in more extreme cases.
Causes of anxiety in dogs
Common causes of anxiety in dogs are loud noises (like storms, fireworks, or vacuums/roombas), being left alone (separation anxiety), being in strange places, or meeting new people and animals, says Gary Richter, DVM, a veterinarian and veterinary health expert with Rover. For some dogs, being in a car can trigger anxiety, too. Different types of anxiety are also affected by an individual dog’s training and personality, Dr. Richter says.
What breeds are prone to anxiety?
Dog anxiety is not unique to any particular breed, but there may be some breeds that are more prone to it. “Any dog can develop anxiety,” says Dr. Burch, who adds that dogs who are highly active, and/or “working dogs that do not have a job” may be particularly prone to developing anxiety. Examples of breeds that could fit into these categories include:
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German shepherd
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Australian shepherd
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Labrador retriever
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Vizsla
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Border collie
Dogs of any breed can experience anxiety. As Bernal points out, “A study conducted in Finland analyzing 264 breeds found that pet parents thought more than 70% displayed some form of anxiety.” With anxiety being such a common issue for dogs, a multifaceted approach to treat it may be best.
Symptoms of anxiety in dogs
Dogs can’t tell their owners in words if they are feeling stressed and anxious, but there are some signs to watch for in the form of troubling or even aggressive behaviors. According to Michelle Burch, DVM, from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, some of these behaviors may include:
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Excessive barking, howling, or whining
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Pacing
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Shaking
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Yawning
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Drooling
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Licking
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Changes in pupil dilation
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Changes in ear position
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Changes in body posture
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Shedding suddenly
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Panting
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Sudden urination or defecation
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Avoidance
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Trying to hide or escape
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Destructive behavior
These behaviors are normal under some circumstances, but can be clues as to how a dog is feeling. “Signs of anxiety can range depending on the severity from mild to severe,” Dr. Burch says. “Anxiety and fear can also change depending on the situation.”
Preventing anxiety in dogs
You may be wondering, “What can I give my dog for anxiety?” First, it’s a good idea to consider what changes can be made to help your dog at home, says Dr. Burch.
Pheromones
“The first thing I recommend is using pheromone diffusers and collars,” Dr. Burch says. “The pheromones used are synthetic hormones that mimic the ones produced by mother dogs to calm their young. Having this pheromone available for your dog to smell and stimulate the olfactory system can reduce anxiety.” You can buy D.A.P. (dog appeasing pheromone) over-the-counter at your local pet store. It’s frequently sold under the brand name Comfort Zone, Adaptil, or Thunder Ease. Most diffusers are plugged into the wall for a set amount of time and collars should be worn by the dog continuously. Sprays are also available for short term or more specific situations like traveling. Follow the instructions on the package, and consult with your vet for more details.
Compression products
Another natural remedy to consider for dog anxiety involves compression products such as a compression shirt or jacket, sometimes called a thunder vest. It’s a technique that is used for people who feel anxious, too. “Similar to swaddling a baby or using a weighted blanket, a compression shirt will apply gentle and constant pressure to your dog’s torso,” Dr. Burch says. “The gentle pressure releases the calming hormone oxytocin and endorphins.”
Avoiding triggers
Dog owners should work to identify any anxiety triggers, or sources of stress for your pet. “If you notice any triggers that you can easily avoid or limit, like a loud television or vacuum cleaner, take that step,” Bernal says. “Your dog is relying on you to create a safe environment with as few stressors as possible!”
In addition to removing stressful triggers, Bernal also recommends softly petting your pup when they are stressed, or distracting them with a treat or dental chew. Redirecting their attention to a simple task they can succeed in can help keep them from panicking. Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement, so be sure to reward good behavior!
Creating a safe environment
Another tip from Bernal involves creating a safe space for your pet such as a small room located far from the main entrance of a space and filling it with comforting items like a familiar toy and of course, plenty of food, water, and treats. “This space will serve as a place to retreat when anxiety starts to take over,” she explains. Offer your pet treats in this area or store his favorite toys here when there’s no stressful activity happening to help build a positive association with the space.
You may also want to play some calming music for your pet. “I have dogs respond well to classical music being played, especially when left at home alone,” Dr. Burch says. “Certain songs are scientifically proven to decrease anxiety in your dog and create a calming environment.”
Providing exercise and entertainment
Lastly, it’s important to consider the role that boredom can play in leading a pet to feel anxious. “Ensure your dog is getting adequate exercise needs or has a job to complete,” recommends Dr. Burch. “Dogs should be exercised daily for at least an hour of cardio.Without regular exercise, stress can manifest as tension—which leads to health problems like chronic pain and digestive issues,” explains Dr Burch. She also recommends adding enrichment into your environment with puzzle toys, Snufflemats, lures, and other novel toys to help keep your dog engaged even while you are away.
If you’ve tried all you can at home to help your anxious dogs but are concerned that they may need more help, it’s important to contact a veterinarian. “Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination to rule out any painful area that can lead to anxiety. Additionally, they may recommend baseline blood work to rule out any metabolic or organ disease leading to the symptoms,” Dr. Burch says. Based on these results, a veterinarian may then recommend some natural supplements or medication.
Supplements for dog anxiety
Before turning to dog anxiety medication, there are some natural supplements your veterinarian may recommend. “Multiple products are available on the market to help reduce our pets’ anxiety for both situational events and long-term needs,” says Dr. Burch. She recommends looking for products containing:
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L-theanine
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Magnolia extracts
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Phellodendron extracts
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Whey protein concentrate
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Thiamine
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Alpha-casozepine
Dr. Burch says it may take up to six weeks to see the full effects of these supplements.
12 medications for dogs with anxiety
When traditional methods have failed for more extreme cases, a veterinarian may recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs to treat your dog’s anxiety.
“Your veterinarian should examine dogs that are not improving within four to six weeks of changes to your environment,” Dr. Burch says. “Dogs that show almost all of the signs of anxiety typically need prescription medication in addition to environmental changes and should be evaluated,” she adds.
When it comes to the best medication for dogs with anxiety, Dr. Richter says it’s a decision for your dog’s personal veterinarian—they know your dog’s history, so you should consult with them before giving your pet any medication. “Also, it’s important to understand that anxiety cannot simply be medicated away,” Dr. Richter says. “Specific [behavior] training needs to happen along with medication.”
Some medications that are commonly used to treat dog anxiety include the following, but be sure to talk to your vet before giving your pet any medication. It can be dangerous in the wrong dosage:
The best
dog anxiety medication
Dog anxiety medication dosage will vary and should be determined on a case-by-case basis under the direction of a veterinarian.
If your dog suddenly becomes anxious, do your best to get them away from the place or thing that is causing their discomfort, advises Dr. Richter. In a time of crisis and anxiety, always be calm and reassuring towards your dog.
If you decide to try over-the-counter options for treating anxiety in dogs (like Benadryl, hemp or CBD), be sure that you only use products that are specifically formulated for animals, Dr. Richter says.
Side effects of dog anxiety meds
“I recommend speaking with your veterinarian about specific dosages and management with prescription medication,” Dr. Burch says. “Each patient is going to require different dosages and needs.” A veterinarian can also discuss any potential side effects your dog may experience from anti-anxiety medications, which may include:
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Changes in appetite
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Sedation
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Confusion
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Hyperactivity
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Difficulty walking
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Increased body temperature, or hyperthermia
Dog anxiety may be a common issue, but there are many ways to combat it and help our beloved companions. It’s the least we can do for our pets who give us so much in return.
