Pet Anxiety and Stress: Causes, Signs, and Solutions

As a veterinarian and a pet owner, I’ve seen firsthand how much our pets can struggle with anxiety and stress—and how deeply it affects the people who love them. Watching a beloved dog or cat experience fear, agitation, or confusion is heartbreaking. As pet parents, it's natural to want to help them as quickly as possible. Dealing with a pet's anxiety can be frustrating, stressful, and even overwhelming, but there’s good news: With patience, knowledge, and the right strategies, it’s possible to significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.

Let’s explore what causes pet anxiety, how to recognize it, and, most importantly, what steps you can take to alleviate it.

Common Causes of Pet Anxiety

Similar to humans, the tendency toward anxiety in an individual pet arises from a combination of genetic factors, past experiences, and present environment. Anxiety in pets can be triggered by many events.  Identifying the stimuli that cause or worsen anxiety in your pet is the first step toward helping them feel more secure. Common causes of anxiety in dogs and cats include:

Separation: Many dogs and cats experience distress when left alone. This can manifest as destructive behaviour, excessive vocalization, panting, pacing, or inappropriate elimination when separated from their owners.

Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuum cleaners, and other loud noises can trigger mild to extreme fear in many pets.  A dog or cat’s hearing is much more sensitive than ours.  Loud noises, especially if they are sudden or unexpected, can be startling and overwhelming.  In some dogs, lack of early socialization with a variety of environmental noises, or past trauma associated with loud noises, such as time spent in a crowded shelter, can contributed to noise anxiety.  Other dogs may develop this fear even with a placid and well-rounded background.

Changes in Environment: Pets thrive on routine. A sudden move, new household members, or a change in schedule can trigger stress in both dogs and cats.

Socialization Issues: Socialization involves allowing young pets to experience a variety of environments and social interactions in a positive manner and a safe setting. Pets that were not completely socialized as puppies or kittens may develop anxiety in the presence of other animals, unfamiliar people, or in new environments.

Past Trauma or Abuse: Rescued or rehomed animals may suffer from anxiety related to previous negative experiences. This could include abuse, neglect, unstable routines, or prolonged periods in a shelter.

Age- or Illness-Related Anxiety: Illness, pain, mobility loss, vision loss, hearing loss and cognitive decline can lead to confusion and anxiety. Sick or senior pets may become more easily stressed, especially in unfamiliar situations.

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in Dogs and Cats

Recognizing anxiety in pets isn’t always straightforward, as symptoms can vary widely. However, some common signs in both dogs and cats include:

• Restlessness: Pacing, inability to settle down, or hyperactivity may indicate anxiety.
• Excessive Panting or Drooling: Dogs, in particular, may pant or drool more than usual when stressed.
• Hiding or Withdrawal: Cats often respond to stress by hiding or becoming unusually quiet. Dogs may also seek out secluded spaces.
• Aggression: Anxious pets may act out aggressively, either toward people or other animals.
• Destructive Behaviour: Chewing furniture, scratching excessively, or damaging household items are common behaviours in stressed animals.
• Excessive Grooming or Licking: Both dogs and cats may over-groom as a coping mechanism for stress, leading to hair loss or skin irritation.
• Vocalization: Excessive barking, whining, or yowling can indicate anxiety, particularly in response to triggers like being left alone or loud noises.

If you notice any of these behaviours in your pet, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. What may seem a minor change could be early signs of a deeper issue, and addressing it early can make a significant difference.  This will allow you to evaluate the behaviour from both a medical and a psychological perspective.

Solutions for Managing Pet Anxiety

Effectively managing pet anxiety requires a long-term partnership between you, your veterinarian, and often a qualified trainer or behaviourist. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but with a thoughtful and individualized approach, you can help your pet lead a calmer, happier life. Here are some conventional and holistic treatment options to consider:

Conventional Treatments:

Behavioural Training:
For anxious pets, behavioural training is essential. A qualified trainer can guide you through the process of desensitizing your pet to anxiety triggers, using positive reinforcement techniques to create new, healthier associations. For separation and noise anxiety, gradual desensitization can be extremely effective. This involves progressive exposure to safe stressors paired with positive rewards.  For example, a pet with storm anxiety may benefit from exposure to quiet recordings of thunder, paired with a comforting bed and a distracting treat.  Over time, the recording can be played louder and louder as the pet demonstrates increased comfort.

Prescription Medications:
In severe or escalating cases of anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend prescription medications. Anti-anxiety medications such as alprazolam, fluoxetine or clomipramine can help reduce symptoms, especially when combined with behavioural training. These medications may take a few weeks to show full effects and should always be used under veterinary supervision.

Pheromone Products:
Pheromone diffusers, sprays, and collars mimic the natural calming pheromones produced by dogs and cats. Products like Adaptil (for dogs) and Feliway (for cats) are non-invasive and can be effective in alleviating mild anxiety, especially in combination with other treatments.

Thundershirts and Calming Wraps:
For pets who suffer from noise-related anxiety or general nervousness, snug-fitting garments like Thundershirts can provide a sense of security by applying gentle, constant pressure, much like swaddling a baby.

Holistic and Natural Approaches:

Herbal Supplements: Herbal remedies such as valerian root, chamomile, and passionflower are known for their calming properties. Products like Rescue Remedy Pet are designed specifically for anxiety relief in animals. These remedies can be used as standalone treatments for mild anxiety or as part of a broader treatment plan.

Acupuncture and acupressure: Acupuncture and acupressure can be an effective tool in managing anxiety, particularly for pets with chronic stress or anxiety related to pain or medical conditions. This treatment involves placing tiny needles or gentle pressure onto specific points on the body to promote relaxation and balance.

Dietary Adjustments: Some pets benefit from diets enriched with calming nutrients like L-theanine, tryptophan, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are known to support brain health and reduce anxiety. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet, or supplements tailored to your pet’s needs.

CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD has gained popularity as a natural remedy for pet anxiety. While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that CBD can help reduce anxiety in both dogs and cats. If you’re considering CBD, consult your veterinarian to discuss proper dosing and determine compatibility with other treatments.

Building a Long-Term Plan

While there are many treatments available for pet anxiety, it’s important to remember that improvement is usually gradual. Consistency and patience are key. Working closely with your veterinarian and a qualified trainer or behaviourist will ensure you’re taking the right steps to address your pet’s specific needs.

If your pet’s anxiety is mild, non-pharmaceutical therapies like acupressure, diet/supplements, and behavioural training may be sufficient. For more severe cases, a combination of medications, training, and holistic options could provide the most effective relief. No treatment will be successful without consistent behavioural modification and environmental management. Keep in mind that your pet’s anxiety may not disappear entirely, but it can be managed successfully over time.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a pet with anxiety can be an emotional journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Your veterinarian is here to help, offering guidance and support every step of the way. Together, we can create a comprehensive plan to reduce your pet’s stress and improve their overall well-being. Whether through conventional treatments, holistic options, or a combination of both, there is hope for a calmer, happier future for both you and your pet. 

Remember, every small improvement is a victory, and with the right care, your pet can feel safe and secure in the environment you create for them.