How to help a dog with anxiety
An anxious dog isn’t just being “dramatic.” This is real. Just like people, dogs can suffer from mental distress—often silently. If you’re noticing your dog pacing, whining, hiding, or showing destructive behavior when left alone, you need to pay attention. Ignoring the signs or brushing it off will only make things worse. Anxiety in dogs doesn’t go away on its own—it escalates.
Rule Out Medical Causes First
Before you start changing diets or routines, take your dog to a veterinarian. I’ve treated dogs with thyroid imbalances, pain issues, or neurological problems that were mistaken for anxiety. If there’s a physical issue, no amount of training or treats will solve it. Blood work, physical exams, and a full history are where you begin. Always.
Identify the Triggers
Pay close attention. Is your dog anxious during thunderstorms, when you leave, or around other dogs? Don’t just guess—observe. Write it down if you have to. Triggers are specific, and knowing exactly what sets your dog off helps you tailor a real solution instead of just applying generic advice.
Create a Stable Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit. They need structure. Feed them at the same times, walk them on a schedule, and don’t switch things up constantly. In my sanctuary, even traumatized strays start to relax once they know what’s coming next. Routine builds trust. Anxious dogs crave predictability.
Use Training—But Don’t Overwhelm
Training is powerful. But if your dog’s anxious, don’t throw them into overstimulating environments. Use calm, consistent commands. Reward calm behavior. Don’t reinforce fear by petting them while they’re panicking, but also don’t punish anxiety. Stay steady. Your energy sets the tone. You need to be the calm in their storm.
Consider Natural Aids and Medication—With Guidance
There are supplements that help: L-theanine, CBD (pet-safe only), and calming chews. But these aren’t magic. They help with training and routine—not instead of. And in more severe cases, prescription medication may be necessary. That’s not weakness—it’s responsible care. Talk to a vet who knows behavior, not just medicine.
Create a Safe Zone
Every dog should have a retreat. A quiet place that’s theirs—a crate with a blanket, a room with low light, something consistent. This isn’t a punishment zone; it’s a sanctuary. At my rescue, dogs recovering from trauma get their own corners. They learn to exhale when they know there’s a place they can go and not be bothered.
Stay Calm and Consistent
This is New Jersey. We get loud. We move fast. But with anxious dogs, slow down. You don’t fix anxiety in a day. You earn your dog’s trust over time. Be the person they can count on, every single day. And if things get worse—get help. Don’t let pride get in the way of your dog’s recovery.
Final Word
Anxiety isn’t your dog misbehaving. It’s your dog asking for help. So help. Don’t delay. Don’t guess. Start observing. Start acting. And most importantly, stay committed. Because when you do it right, and that dog finally relaxes around you—that’s the payoff. That’s the moment it all becomes worth it.
