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What counts as anxiety vs normal worry

Short bursts of alertness or infrequent or occasional anxious/nervous episodes are very common in dogs, just like us. Anxiety is when the fear response sticks around for longer than we might expect, and continues to pop up in everyday life. Anxiety types frequently co-occur (Sherman and Mills, 2008), with clusters of behaviours: pacing, panting, hiding, drooling, yawning, scanning, clinginess, toileting changes, all indicating more than just ‘worry’.

Common triggers owners report

Separation related problems and noise fears are among the most discussed presentations (Sherman and Mills, 2008) in dogs with anxiety-related traits, with one in three showing noise sensitivity as the most common trigger (Salonen et al. 2020). Other triggers that owners report include storms, fireworks, traffic, unfamiliarity with people or dogs, trips to the vet, travel and new homes or environments. These presentations shouldn’t be surprising - they’re situations we often find ourselves struggling with, too. Anxiety or nervousness triggers often overlap, so a dog scared of loud noises might also be uneasy in new places.

First check: health and pain

Check with your vet first to rule out any pain or illness, as these can cause sudden behavioural changes in dogs of any age. Pain specifically can amplify sound sensitivity, and start a cycle of worry (WSAVA Animal Welfare Guidelines, 2018).

Environmental tweaks that lower the temperature

Reducing exposure to the trigger is recognised as a key element in behaviour-modification plans for fear-related issues (Sherman and Mills, 2008), and simple precautions such as closing curtains before planned fireworks, or using background sounds, can help to manage the trigger load. Other options are to implement a tighter daily structure and/or routine for your dog, such as taking them on predictable walking routes that are more mentally ‘comfortable’, and keeping to set meal and rest times.

Training blocks that build confidence

Relaxation training is a helpful strategy for helping to combat fears such as sensitivity to fireworks (Riemer, 2023). Desensitisation plus counterconditioning are invaluable: pair a mild and easily controllable version of the ‘trigger’, well below the dog’s threshold, with a calm activity and provide high-value rewards. 

Sessions should be short, predictable and end on an easy win. It’s not about brainwashing your dog, it’s about helping them understand that these uncomfortable situations are just a normal part of everyday life.

Separation worries: rebuild independence kindly

Separation anxiety is another common issue in dogs, presenting as distress tied to the owner’s absence (Sherman and Mills, 2008). In particular, structured behaviour modification can be beneficial, especially what are called ‘pre-departure cues’. Owners can try practicing tiny absences to build up a tolerance for being alone, making sure to return before any worry arises. Managed absences alongside enrichment activities, such as long-lasting chews and scent games, work well together.

When to involve your vet

If your dog continues struggling to settle, stops eating or barks or whines for long periods of time, it might be necessary to escalate the concern. Vets can combine behaviour plans with medication when appropriate (Riemer 2023), and there are also natural support options for dogs on the market for those that stress, worry or wobble.

For pups and new rescues

Techniques for coping with stress or worry can be introduced to dogs at an early age. Simple measures like steady routines for sleep, walks and meals go a long way in creating a calm and positive outlook to daily life. Whilst it can be difficult to undo damage done to challenging rescue dogs, providing a balanced, calm and positive daily structure can help to reinforce the understanding that life is good. Your vet can provide specific behavioural guidance if your pooch is really struggling.