Understanding Pet Anxiety and How to Help Your Pet Cope

Pets can feel anxiety just like we do. Even though we often think of their lives as carefree, they pick up on changes around them and in their daily routines, which can make them anxious or scared. By learning about pet anxiety—what causes it, how to recognize the signs, and ways to help your furry buddy deal with stress—you can really improve their overall well-being. So, let’s take a closer look at what pet anxiety is and check out some tips to help your pet feel more at ease.


Pet anxiety is a state of stress or worry that affects pets, often triggered by specific events, environments, or conditions. Dogs, cats, and other animals may experience varying levels of anxiety depending on their breed, age, history, and personality. While temporary anxiety, such as fear of a loud noise, is common and often resolves on its own, chronic or severe anxiety can impact an animal’s health and behavior.

The causes of pet anxiety can be varied, but some of the most common include:

Separation Anxiety: Pets, particularly dogs, thrive on social interaction and can feel anxious if they are away from their owners for long stretches. This anxiety may show up as whining, barking, or even destructive actions when they are left by themselves.

Loud Noises: Loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks can be quite scary for pets. Some animals might even develop strong fears or phobias related to certain sounds, resulting in intense reactions.

New Environments: Moving to a new home or even rearranging furniture can unsettle pets, especially cats. They might feel anxious as they navigate their unfamiliar surroundings.

Changes in Routine: Pets thrive on consistency, so changes in their daily schedule—such as a new feeding time or different walking schedule—can create stress.

Previous Traumas or Adverse Experiences: Animals in need of rescue frequently bear anxiety stemming from their past traumas, neglect, or mistreatment. These memories can linger, making it difficult for them to feel secure.

Health Issues: Sometimes, health problems or physical discomfort can lead to anxiety as well. Pain from medical issues might cause unusual behaviors that could be mistaken for anxiety.

It can be tricky to identify anxiety in pets since they can't tell us what's wrong. Still, they usually show certain behaviors that can give you a hint about how they're feeling:

Behavior Changes: A once-social pet might start to isolate themselves, or a normally independent pet could become overly needy.

Destructive Actions: Chewing furniture, scratching walls, and destroying belongings are common signs, especially in dogs.

Frequent Licking or Grooming: Pets under stress may groom themselves excessively, sometimes leading to bald spots.

Pacing or Panting: Dogs, in particular, might pace or pant excessively, even when they haven’t been exercising.

House Soiling: Even a well-trained pet can unexpectedly start going to the bathroom inside the house.
Trembling or Shaking: Pets may tremble or shake when they're feeling scared or anxious.
Vocalization: Pets often show their discomfort by barking, whining, howling, or meowing a lot.

Creating a specific safe area for your pet to escape to during times of anxiety can be highly reassuring. This might be a tranquil room or a snug corner equipped with known bedding, toys, and possibly a crate for dogs that prefer a den-like atmosphere. Ensure that this space is devoid of loud sounds or anything that could add to their stress.

Routine is vital for pets. Set consistent feeding, play, and walk times, and try to stick to them. Pets, especially dogs and cats, feel more at ease when they know what to expect, so predictability in their day-to-day activities can help reduce anxiety.

Rewarding calm and positive behavior rather than focusing on the anxious behavior is key. For instance, if your dog remains calm during a thunderstorm, reward them with treats or affection. This can help build their confidence over time.

Numerous calming products that are safe for pets exist, such as anxiety wraps (like Thundershirts), pheromone diffusers, and calming sprays. These products assist by mimicking inherent soothing cues that animals recognize, leading to increased relaxation. Consult your veterinarian regarding which choices might suit your pet best.

Keeping your pet active both physically and mentally is important for their health and can help lessen anxiety. Activities like walking or playing fetch allow dogs to use up energy and relieve stress. Engaging them with puzzle toys or interactive games can also distract them from things that cause anxiety.

If your pet becomes nervous during events such as fireworks or when left alone, you can assist them by gradually exposing them to these triggers in a secure setting. For example, begin with a soft recording of fireworks and praise them for remaining calm, slowly increasing the volume as they get more at ease.

Natural options like CBD oil, chamomile, and valerian root might help soothe your pet's anxiety, but it's best to consult with your vet before trying them out. Also, some supplements like L-theanine and tryptophan could have a calming effect on your pet.

If your pet's anxiety is really intense, it might be time to reach out to a professional, like a vet or a certified animal behaviorist. In serious cases, they might suggest prescription meds or specific behavior modification plans. A pro can create a customized strategy to address your pet's unique needs.