01/17/2026
SIGNS OF STRESS - Tips to identify, manage and soothe your dog's anxiety
DR. JERRY KLEIN | American Kennel Club
Anxiety is a problem that not only affects some people, but also dogs. Dogs can feel anxious for a variety of reasons, and it can stem from past experiences, socialization levels and, in some cases, even their genetic makeup.
Stress is a natural response to certain triggers, but in some cases the response can be excessive, and it becomes debilitating or even dangerous to the dog or its surroundings. In some cases, professional counseling by either a veterinarian or trained behavioralist — or both — may be recommended.
Signs of anxiety
It is not always easy to separate anxiety symptoms from other causes of changes in behavior, but if the symptoms correlate strictly with an event, it is more likely related to anxiety.
The following behaviors are common signs of anxiety: panting, t rembling, pacing, excessive barking and whining, inappropriate soiling, destructive behavior — chewing or clawing at rugs, windows and doors — and tail tucking.
Common types
The three most-diagnosed kinds of anxiety in dogs include:
1 Separation anxiety: Dogs often develop this type of anxiety when they are puppies, during their senior years or after a big change. Dogs with separation anxiety often engage in destructive behavior, especially close to the exit area and toward their owner's belongings. Other behaviors include endless pacing, restlessness, inability to settle down, vocalization and excess salivation.
2 Fear-related anxiety: This type of anxiety often is brought on by triggers such as loud noises, unfamiliar people and animals, visual stimuli and strange or new environments, such as the vet's office or even a ride in the car.
3 Age-related anxiety: The aging process can be associated with anxiety, agitation and confusion, causing altered responses to stimuli. The term for this condition in dogs is canine cognitive dysfunction, and it can be a challenging condition for both dogs and their owners.
Managing anxiety
Training techniques such as desensitization and counterconditioning are two strategies that can treat anxiety and fear. These techniques take time and consistent eff ort to produce the desired eff ects.
■ Desensitization: Accomplished through repeated, controlled exposure to your dog's specific fear or anxiety stimulus, starting with small doses and at a low intensity at which the dog does not respond with fear or anxiety.
■ Counterconditioning: Uses positive behavioral reinforcement to train a dog to change their response to the anxiety or fear stimulus. It might be helpful to enlist a certified dog trainer or dog behavioralist.
Medications and alternative methods
Depending on the problem being treated, some anti-anxiety medications may need to be administered 1 to 2 hours before desired eff ects are needed, while other medications are given daily. Discuss the possible need for medications for your dog with your veterinarian far before the time they may be needed.
Anti-anxiety medications work best when used in conjunction with — not as a replacement for — the techniques below:
■ Making changes to your dog's environment: During moments of severe noise or excessive stimuli, giving pets a "safe space" they can go to — whether their crate covered with a towel or blanket, or a bed in a quiet interior space — may keep them feeling more secure away from noises and vibrations outside. Play quiet, classical music in the background, as this has been scientifically proven to have a calming eff ect on dogs.
■ Calming aids: Pheromone collars or anti-anxiety calming wraps may be of benefit to some dogs. CBD oil has been found to be a successful option for helping calm anxiety. But note that there is currently no scientific research on the eff ectiveness of CBD to treat anxiety, and CBD products are not yet regulated. If you want to try giving CBD products to your dog, always speak with your veterinarian first, and ensure you buy from a reputable brand.
Dr. Jerry Klein is chief veterinarian at American Kennel Club.
