Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Causes and What Helps

Anxiety in dogs is common and often misread. A dog that chews the door frame while you're out, barks at every passer-by or trembles at the vet isn't being naughty or spiteful. It's frightened, and fear responds to a different approach than bad manners.

Signs to watch for

Pacing, panting or drooling when it isn't hot or after exercise
Destructive chewing or digging, especially near doors and windows
Toilet accidents in a dog that is otherwise house-trained
Excessive barking, howling or whining, particularly when left alone
Hiding, trembling, a tucked tail or ears pinned back
Lip licking, yawning and turning away in situations that make them uneasy

Common causes

Separation anxiety appears when a dog is left alone and is one of the most common behavior problems vets see. It often follows a change such as a move, a new work schedule or the period after the pandemic, when many dogs suddenly had company all day and then didn't. Fear of specific things, such as strangers, other dogs, cars or loud noises, often comes from limited exposure during puppyhood, roughly 3 to 14 weeks of age, or from a bad experience. Pain is an underrated cause. A dog that suddenly becomes jumpy or snappy may be hurting, so a vet check should come first.

What helps

Find the threshold. Behaviorists work below the point at which the dog panics. For separation problems, set up a camera, leave, and note how long it takes before the dog becomes distressed. That number, even if it's 30 seconds, is the starting point.
Build up gradually. Practice short departures that end before the dog gets upset, and lengthen them slowly over days and weeks. Keep comings and goings low-key.
Pair the trigger with something good. Called counter-conditioning, this means linking the scary thing with something the dog loves. A long-lasting food puzzle that only appears when you leave, or treats given when a stranger is at a comfortable distance, can gradually change how the dog feels.
Meet daily needs. Exercise, sniffing walks and mental work such as food puzzles lower general stress. They won't cure an anxiety problem, but a tired, fulfilled dog copes better.
Don't punish. Scolding a dog for chewing or soiling while anxious makes the fear worse and teaches nothing about being alone.

Common mistakes

Getting another dog to keep the first one company. True separation anxiety is usually about being apart from a particular person, so a second dog often doesn't help, and you may end up with two anxious dogs.
Using the crate as a cure. Some dogs find a crate comforting, but a dog with separation anxiety may panic in one, and can be injured trying to escape. Film the dog before relying on a crate.
Long goodbyes and excited returns. Emotional departures and big reunions make the moment you leave more significant. Calm and boring is better.
Forcing exposure. Making a fearful dog face what scares it, such as a crowded park or a stranger reaching to pet it, usually deepens the fear. Distance and choice help a dog feel safe enough to learn.

Vet visits

Many dogs are anxious at the vet, and that's worth working on because it affects their care. Some clinics follow "Fear Free" or low-stress handling practices, such as letting dogs wait in the car instead of a busy waiting room, using lots of treats and avoiding forceful restraint. Short "happy visits," where the dog just goes in for treats and leaves, can help. For very fearful dogs, vets can prescribe a sedative to give at home before appointments.

When to get professional help

If anxiety is severe, getting worse, or causing injury, talk to your vet. Some dogs benefit from medication alongside training. Fluoxetine (sold for dogs as Reconcile) and clomipramine (Clomicalm) are both approved in the U.S. for separation anxiety in dogs. For complex cases, a veterinary behaviorist, a vet with specialist training in behavior, or a certified behavior consultant can build a plan. Be cautious with trainers who promise a quick fix, especially using shock or prong collars, which tend to increase fear.