How can you tell if a dog is stressed or anxious?
An anxious dog displays many behavioral signs that are important to identify quickly so you can take action before the anxiety becomes chronic. Natural remedies and appropriate veterinary products can effectively help your dog without immediately resorting to strong medication. Explore our complete line of dog health products and our stress and behavior products, selected for their effectiveness.
- Common behavioral signs: trembling and shivering without a physical cause — repeated yawning and licking of the lips outside of mealtimes — tail held low or tucked between the legs — ears pinned back — avoiding eye contact or hypervigilance — whining, excessive barking, or destruction of objects when the owner is away
- Associated physical signs: excessive drooling — excessive panting when not hot or exerting themselves — loss of appetite — occasional diarrhea — hair loss related to chronic stress
- Common causes of anxiety in dogs: separation from the owner (separation anxiety—the most common)—thunderstorms, fireworks, loud noises — moving, a new family member, a change in routine — lack of socialization during the first weeks of life — underlying chronic pain
- Separation anxiety: the dog chews, barks, or urinates when the owner is away — often begins as soon as the owner starts getting ready to leave (picking up keys, shoes) — find suitable products in our stress and behavior line
- When to see a veterinarian: if symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with aggression—a health checkup to rule out underlying pain—consultation with a veterinary behaviorist if anxiety doesn’t respond to natural approaches—see our line of over-the-counter veterinary treatments
Natural Products to Reassure an Anxious Dog
- Soothing pheromones (DAP—Dog Appeasing Pheromone): mimic the pheromones secreted by a nursing mother to calm her puppies—available as an electric diffuser (continuous action for 30 days in one room), as a spray (direct application to the dog bed, travel crate, or bandana), and as a collar (continuous release for 4 weeks)—proven effective for separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, and travel stress
- Veterinary homeopathy: specific formulas for anxious dogs—available in granules or oral solution—no drug interactions—explore our selection of veterinary homeopathic remedies —to be administered before predictable stressful situations (fireworks, travel, vet visits)
- Behavioral dietary supplements: herbal formulas (valerian, lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower) + soothing amino acids (L-tryptophan, L-theanine) — to be given daily as a course of treatment or on an as-needed basis before a stressful event — explore our products in the stress and behavior line
- Anti-stress clothing (Thunder Shirt): a lightweight compression jacket that applies constant pressure to the chest — has a calming effect similar to swaddling — particularly effective during thunderstorms and fireworks — use in combination with pheromones for enhanced effectiveness
- Appropriate Diet: For anxious adult dogs, a diet rich in omega-3 supports cognitive and emotional health — avoid highly processed kibble high in artificial colors and flavors — specific veterinary “behavior” food lines are available at veterinary pharmacies
Behavioral and environmental approaches to reassure your dog
- Create a safe space: a travel crate or quiet corner with the owner’s blanket and a familiar toy—the dog should have free access to this space and should never be confined there as punishment—place a pheromone diffuser nearby
- Regular routine: Fixed schedules for meals, walks, and playtime are reassuring for the dog—an animal that can predict its day is a calmer animal—maintain the routine even during vacations or changes in circumstances
- Gradual desensitization: Gradually and positively expose the dog to anxiety-inducing stimuli (the sound of a vacuum cleaner, the presence of strangers, car rides)—start at a very low intensity and increase gradually—always pair this with positive rewards (treats, play)
- Daily exercise: A dog that gets plenty of physical activity is less anxious—adjust the duration and intensity to the breed and age—the dog needs mental stimulation as much as physical (scent games, treat-dispensing toys)
- Soothing music and sounds: Playing classical music or nature sounds (rain, forest) has a proven effect on reducing canine stress—particularly useful when the owner is away—specific dog playlists are available on streaming platforms
