By Christine D. Calder,
DVM, DACVB, Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com
Introduction
Anxiety in dogs is common but often misunderstood. Many dogs bark, whine, pace, or try to hide. Some cannot be left alone without panicking. Others overreact to things like noises, visitors, or car rides. These dogs are not being “bad”. They are scared, unsure, or overwhelmed, and they do not know how to feel safe. Helping your dog feel better often begins at the veterinarian’s office.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is not just fear or disobedience. It is your dog’s way of trying to decide:
“Am I safe, or not safe?”
If the answer is unclear, your dog stays on high alert. This is anxiety. If they believe something is dangerous, anxiety can turn into fear. If they want to escape but cannot, they may become frustrated. When they feel both curious and fearful, this creates conflict.
These emotions often lead to behaviors like barking, freezing, whining, growling, or snapping. These are signs your dog is having trouble coping with stress.
Why Start with a Veterinarian?
When your dog shows signs of anxiety, it is natural to think about training. However, many behavior problems are not caused by a lack of training, but by emotional distress, medical conditions, or chronic stress.
A trainer may be helpful later, but your first step should be a visit to your veterinarian.
Here’s why:
• Medical issues like pain or illness can look like behavior problems.
• Veterinarians are trained to assess both physical and emotional health.
• Some behaviors require medical treatment. Chronic fear or panic may need medication.
• Only veterinarians can prescribe medications if needed.
Your veterinarian will perform an exam, take a full history, and may run lab tests. This helps rule out physical problems and build a complete treatment plan.
Why Training Alone Is Not Enough
Basic obedience cues like “look” “sit” and “stay” are helpful, but they do not address how your dog feels. Anxious dogs do not need more obedience. They need help learning how to feel safe.
Behavior modification focuses on emotional change, comfort with triggers, and relaxed behavior. For example, teaching your dog to feel safe alone for a few minutes before gradually increasing time.
Medication Can Help
Some dogs are so anxious they cannot rest or learn. Medication may help reduce overall stress. These medications:
• Do not sedate your dog
• Do not change their personality
• Make learning easier
Your veterinarian may recommend daily medications, situational medications for specific events, or supplements and pheromone products as support.
Safety and Choice Are Key
When your dog is scared, giving it options can prevent panic. A dog who feels trapped may growl, bark, or bite. A dog who feels safe is more likely to relax and learn.
Ways to give your dog choice:
• Allow it to leave the room
• Avoid forced interactions
• Create a calm, predictable routine
Offer a safe space like a mat, crate, or quiet room with familiar items, food dispensing, and puzzle toys.
What a Behavior Plan Might Include
After ruling out medical issues, your veterinarian may suggest the following:
• Identifying and avoiding triggers
• Teaching new, desirable behaviors
• Behavior modification techniques
• Medication or referral to a behaviorist if needed
Plans are built step-by-step. Progress takes time.
You Are Not Alone
Anxiety in dogs affects the whole family. It can feel overwhelming, but support is available.
Remember:
• You did not cause your dog’s anxiety
• Progress is possible
• The first step is asking for help
Start by talking with your veterinarian.