Proven ways to calm your anxious dog

Symptoms of anxiety in dogs

As the movement towards improving mental health grows, we are becoming more aware of the various forms that anxiety can take on in humans. But what does anxiety look like in our canine companions?

These are some of the more common symptoms of anxiety in dogs:

• Panting
• Pacing
• Trembling
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Licking lips
• Withdrawing or hiding
• Whining
• Barking
• Growling
• Low or tucked tail
• Ears held back
• “Whale eye” (showing a lot of the white sclera of the eyes) or dilated eyes
• Low body carriage
• Destructive behavior (e.g. inappropriate chewing)

While many of us might expect an anxious dog to exhibit irritable or aggressive behavior like growling, we must be aware that anxiety in some dogs can look very different. For example, some anxious dogs appear overly friendly; these dogs often appear clingy and may jump on you or even lick your face. 

Although many anxious dogs may act hesitant or avoidant, some dogs display more subtle signs such as displacement behaviors. Displacement behaviors are normal behaviors that occur out of context such as yawning when not tired or sneezing out of the blue. A common sign of separation anxiety specifically is urination in the house. 

Dogs suffering from chronic anxiety (rather than occasional situational anxiety) may be depressed, irritable, and sleep more. These more severely affected dogs may also have a reduced interest in training, playtime, and socialization. 

Causes of anxiety in dogs

Before we discuss strategies to manage anxiety in dogs, it is helpful to consider the possible underlying causes of a dog’s anxiety. In general, the broad categories of causes for dog anxiety are age-related, fear-related, and separation anxiety. 

• As dogs age, their cognitive function decreases, which can result in activity and behavioral changes. In addition to agitation, disorientation, and soiling the house, dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) often experience anxiety.

   

• Another reason dogs may experience anxiety is due to fear or a phobia. Common examples include fear of other dogs, fear of unfamiliar people, fear of loud noises or sound sensitivity, and fear of specific situations like going to the vet. Unfortunately, some dogs may respond to scary situations with aggression as seen with resource guarding and territorial aggression.
• Another common type of anxiety in dogs is separation anxiety, which is estimated to affect about 14% of dogs. This is anxiety that occurs when a dog is separated from his family members or is left alone for an extended period. If you suspect your dog is suffering from anxiety, consult your veterinarian. Your vet can help rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your dog’s symptoms and can recommend a treatment plan if necessary. 

Management of anxiety in dogs is typically best accomplished through a multimodal approach using a combination of strategies. Next, we will review 9 proven ways to help tackle anxiety in dogs. 

How to calm your anxious dog

1. Build your dog’s confidence through routine

Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Anxiety often comes from a feeling of not knowing what to expect. By implementing a predictable schedule, you provide structure for your pup. This helps him feel safe and secure. 

Avoid random things that could cause your dog stress. For example, rather than giving rewards spontaneously, ask your dog to complete a basic command correctly before administering a treat or toy. This empowers your furry friend with a sense of control and helps strengthen his confidence. 

2. Provide proper socialization and training

Proper socialization and training should be started as early as possible. Exposing your dog to a variety of people, places, and things teaches him to cope healthily in different situations. 

However, we must take care not to force our dogs to deal with any existing fears too quickly, a phenomenon known as flooding. This strategy is often counterproductive and possibly even traumatic for your dog. Instead, a better approach is desensitization and counterconditioning. This strategy focuses on identifying the trigger, and slowly getting your dog acclimated to the trigger in a stepwise manner. 

Effective training should employ positive reinforcement. Negative punishment is never appropriate and it only strengthens unwanted behavior like anxiety. As owners, we must also avoid unintentionally rewarding or encouraging anxious behavior. For example, yelling at your dog every time he jumps up on you may reinforce this unwanted behavior because your dog perceives this as positive attention. 

Training an anxious dog can be challenging but there are helpful resources available. If your dog is anxious, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behavior specialist who can help make the training process more enjoyable and effective for you and your dog. 

3. Consistent mental stimulation and physical exercise

Like people, dogs need regular mental stimulation and physical exercise for their overall health and well-being. In addition to an increased risk for physical ailments, like obesity, insufficient mental stimulation and exercise can lead to anxiety and subsequent behavioral problems. 

Providing your dog with enrichment opportunities is especially important when they left alone. For example, dogs with separation anxiety often benefit from puzzle toys to keep them occupied while their owners are out of the house. 

4. Read your dog’s body language

Although our dogs cannot verbally tell us when they are anxious, they communicate with us through their body language. By familiarizing yourself with canine body language, you can learn to recognize the early signs of anxiety and intervene before it escalates further. As we discussed, anxiety can look different in different dogs. Take time to identify the specific symptoms of anxiety that are unique to your dog. 

5. Play calm games with your dog

While games like fetch and tug of war can be a good way to provide your pup with physical exercise, these high-intensity games inherently ramp up your dog’s energy levels, which increases the risk of anxiety. Therefore, anxious dogs may benefit from calmer games focusing on mental stimulation rather than strenuous physical activity. Useful tools include lick mats or snuffle mats, which engage your dog’s nose and foraging skills. 

Another type of training is nose targeting, which trains your dog to touch a target with his nose. This is an effective strategy to redirect anxious or reactive behavior in dogs. 

6. Play classical music or white noise

Many of us are aware of the benefits music therapy can have in people. But music may also have a powerful calming effect in dogs with anxiety. Classical music in particular seems to encourage more calm and relaxed behavior in dogs. Alternatively, some anxious dogs may benefit from listening to white noise such as a fan or background noise from a TV. 

7. Use aromatherapy or pheromones

People have long utilized aromatherapy to soothe our souls but some dogs may also benefit from aromatherapy. One study reported that dogs who experienced excessive excitement during car rides appeared less restless when exposed to the smell of lavender. 

Similarly, the use of pheromones may help calm anxious dogs. This study suggests that the use of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) may decrease separation-induced anxiety in dogs during hospitalization. 

8. Create a safe space for your dog

Dogs should have at least one space that they consider a safe space or sanctuary. For example, your dog likely associates his dog bed in a quiet area of the house with relaxation. It is a good idea to provide multiple beds or rest areas for your pup in different areas of the house.

It is especially helpful to associate the concept of security with something portable, such as a mat or a crate. This allows you to transport your dog to different places while minimizing anxiety. To help your dog associate a space with the feeling of safety, use positive rewards like treats, verbal praise, and physical affection when he is in that space. 

9. Consult your vet about possible medications or supplements

Depending on the type and cause of your dog’s anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend certain medications or supplements. Examples of medications your vet may prescribe include antidepressants and anxiolytics. While supplements like melatonin do not require a prescription, always consult your veterinarian before administering any medications or supplements to your dog. 

With regards to supplements, CBD (cannabidiol) has been gaining interest from dog owners. While research about CBD efficacy in dogs is increasing, CBD is not currently regulated which raises safety concerns. CBD may also cause side effects like increased appetite and sedation and may interact with other medications your dog is on. For these reasons, please exercise caution when considering CBD supplementation and always consult your vet first.