Like us, dogs have anxieties and fears. A dog’s anxieties, may not be the same as our own anxieties, but they cause stress and physical reactions just the same.
Some common dog anxiety problems include –
- Separation anxiety – A dog gets anxious when left alone.
- Noise anxiety – A dog becomes fearful when exposed to loud or unusual noises. Some examples include fireworks, thunderstorms, garbage trucks, and more.
- Travel anxiety – The car is like a den, but dogs are unaccustomed to moving dens. Therefore, they may become unsure and stressed over something so new and unexpected.
- Confinement anxiety – A dog gets anxious when he feels trapped or confined. If a threat should arise, a confined dog may be unable to escape or flee.
Symptoms of Dog Anxiety
When dogs are anxious, they may engage in repetitive or displacement behaviors to relieve their stress. For example, when we are anxious, we may pace, bite our nails, or play with our hair.
Dogs may also pace, groom, and more. Some dog anxiety behaviors may lead to property destruction, may cause us harm, or may simply be undesirable to our human sensibilities. This may include –
- Non-stop barking.
- Chewing up furniture, walls, shoes, garbage, and anything else in sight.
- Pooping and peeing in the house, crate, or other confinement area.
- Eating his own poop.
- Aggression toward people, dogs, or other animals.
Punishment or aversive techniques will do little to stop these anxious dog behaviors in the long-run, because punishment does not address the source of the problem, which is the dog’s anxiety. In fact, suppression of these displacement behaviors, through pain and dominance methods, will make the problem worse, because pain increases stress and uncertainty.
Below are some common ways on how to deal with dog anxiety.
1. Desensitization Exercises
One of the best ways to help a dog deal with his anxiety issues, is by slowly desensitizing him to the problem stimulus.
In the desensitization process, we start with a weak version of the stimulus that is triggering the anxiety attack.
The stimulus must be weak enough, so that my dog is able to stay calm in its presence. Then, I get him to focus on me, by doing eye-contact commands or simple obedience exercises.
If my dog is able to focus and stay in-control, I reward him with a very high priority treat. For desensitization purposes, I usually bust out the really good stuff. I try to pick a highly aromatic or smelly treat that my dog loves, but does not usually get to eat. The smell will help to engage his nose, and further distract him from the source of his anxiety.
When he is comfortable with this exercise, is calm, and able to follow simple commands, I very slowly raise the strength of the problem stimulus. I make each session short, fun, and very rewarding.
In this way, my dog learns alternative behaviors for dealing with stressful situations. He also learns to associate something that was previously a source of fear and stress, with something positive (nice smells, yummy treats), and with being calm.
2. Calm Environment
Another important aspect of helping an anxious dog, is to create a calm and predictable environment for him, in his daily life.
- Fixed routine – I set a fixed schedule for feeding, walking, play-time, leaving the house, coming home, and more. I also establish a fixed set of rules, and a consistent way of enforcing them. A very fixed routine and rule-set, helps our dog understand what to expect from us, and also what we expect from him in return. Greater certainty reduces anxiety and stress.
- Staying calm – Most dogs are very good at picking up the energy of the people around them. My Shiba Inu, for example, is very sensitive to what I am feeling. If I get stressed and anxious, he picks up on that immediately and becomes anxious himself; but with a hundred times more gusto! Therefore, it is important for us to stay calm and in-control.
- Relaxing massage – Some trainers suggest giving our dog a massage to help him relax. There is also the special TTouch massage method, which uses circular finger motions to help relax our dog’s body.
I tried the TTouch method briefly on my Shiba Inu, but it did not seem to have much of an effect on him. Desensitization exercises, together with a fixed routine and consistent rules, helped us most.
3. Calming Equipment
There are a variety of products designed to help calm our dogs. The attraction of such products, is that they require little to no work from us. However, it is also unclear how effective they truly are.
a) Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP)
DAP is a synthetic chemical that was developed based on a hormone produced by nursing mother dogs. Mother dogs produce this hormone to help their puppies feel calm and secure. It also helps the mother dog establish a positive bond with her puppies.
Scientific studies *do* show that DAP has a positive effect on puppies. However, it is unclear whether DAP helps with anxiety problems in adult dogs.
There are also a variety of natural calming scents, including lavender, and other herbal remedies.
b) Dog Calming Music
“Music has charms to soothe a savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”
~~[William_Congreve]
Music can certainly help calm us down and soothe our nerves. Therefore, it is not such a big stretch to imagine that it can also be helpful to our dogs. However, the wrong kind of music can actually increase anxiety in dogs.
What is the right kind of dog music?
According to sound researcher Joshua Leeds,
“Rock music, jazz, heavy metal made them more anxious. Classical slowed them down. It just relaxed them in a way that the other music seemed to irritate them.”
~~[Want to Calm Fido Down? Try Music!]
The Thundershirt looks like a dog winter coat. It wraps around the torso of a dog, and works by exerting constant pressure on the dog’s body. Proponents argue that this pressure, can have a calming effect on the dog’s nervous system.
However, the only study I found was a very limited experiment, from an unsubstantiated source. Therefore, it is unclear whether the claims made on the effectiveness of Thundershirts are true.
Note – Pressure wraps will not work on all dogs. Some dogs may get even more anxious, when they experience continuous pressure on their body. In addition, it is unlikely that pressure wraps can fully solve our dog’s anxiety issues. Wraps and other calming equipment, are commonly used together with desensitization and other dog behavior modification techniques, to achieve true long-term success.
Depending on the dog and the situation, you may need to incorporate training with the cape to show an effect. The Anxiety Wrap recommends an 11-step treatment program for separation anxiety that includes using the wrap and leaving toys filled with favorite food treats for the dog to enjoy while you are gone.
Some people also use clocks or heartbeat pillows, to help calm new puppies.
4. Medication
Do not medicate your dog with over-the-counter human drugs, on your own. Dogs have very different physiology than humans, and dosage is very dependent on weight.
I always consult with my vet before giving my dog any medication.
Some medications used to suppress a dog’s anxiety response include –
- Clomipramine(Anafranil) – This drug was originally developed to treat OCD in humans. With dogs, it is sometimes prescribed to treat OCD and separation anxiety issues.
- Fluoxetine(Prozac,Sarafem,Fontex) – Fluoxetine is perhaps most well-known by its tradename Prozac. Prozac is used to treat heavy depression, OCD, and serious eating disorders (Bulimia nervosa) in humans. Eli Lily makes a special Prozac for dogs called Reconcile.
For lonely dogs with separation anxiety, Eli Lilly brought to market its own drug Reconcile last year. The only difference between it and Prozac is that Reconcile is chewable and tastes like beef.
- Sedatives – Powerful sedatives such as benzodiazepine (benzo) are prescription only. Some lighter sedatives such as antihistamines (Benadryl) and valerian can be obtained as over-the-counter medications for humans. Do not give sedatives or any other medication to dogs, without first consulting with a veterinarian.
The dog medication business is now a very profitable enterprise, and there are a large number of dog drugs available for purchase. These medications treat anything from separation anxiety, OCD, and depression, to motion-sickness, forgetfulness, and obesity. Most dog medications are short term solutions and may have serious side effects.
Dog Anxiety Problems
I believe that the best way to help our dogs with their anxiety issues, is through desensitization, as well as a calm and relaxed home environment.
Dog calming equipment and medication are very tempting solutions, because they involve little to no effort from us. However, their long-term effectiveness is highly questionable. These methods work by suppressing or muting the effects of anxiety, rather than addressing the source of the anxiety itself.
This is in contrast with desensitization and home management techniques, which target the anxiety stimulus, and teaches the dog new ways to cope with fear and stress. Rather than just suppressing symptoms, desensitization helps to build a dog’s confidence, and promotes a stronger bond between him and his human companions.
Ultimately, behavior modification and desensitization techniques lead to long-lasting effects, and a better quality of life for a dog and his family.
I have a 4yo rescue Dalmatian, we’ve had for a year. we run the dishwasher every night and washing machine every morning. We had a big storm 6 weeks ago and now anytime either machine is run he panics, shakes, whimpers, tries to run away – from the first sound of the water running.
He isn’t afraid of loud noise though, ie I can vacuum his bed with him still in it and doesn’t mind.
Got a thundershirt but so far no luck.
I’ve tried giving him treats infront of the machines whilst on and off, which he’ll take but doesn’t ease his worry.
He’ll walk past the machines when on, but only to get outside quickly then wont come back in again.
Any tips? Thanks
I have a 6 year old lab who has become very sensitive to any loud car noises bangs fireworks thunder motorbikes
we have tried distraction and odourisers
apart from drugging her or spending a fortune on vets of a dog behavioris were at a loss what to do
she loves to run etc but is now to frightened to leave the house
anyone can help her ?
There is a new medication for noise sensitivity. My dog has the same issue and we are just trying it for the first time. In the past we’ve used sedatives at certain times when we know that a loud event is happening, such as fireworks. She heads straight for the shower each night when she knows the Sea World fireworks show is about to happen. It’s very sad. The Thundershirt has been helpful also when it’s not too hot.
I have a husky witch is About 6months old and as when u leave her at home for an hour she starts to howel and whyne and she gets her way out of her cage now I’m a bit worried about her do u have Any suggestions or tips u could give me to help her to get over it as I’m really trying to help her. Thanks
We have an 8 year old mixed lab/Shepard whom we feel is experiencing ptsb he has been the best rescue we have ever had. February 24,2016 our house was destroyed in a tornado while we were home. I remember grabbing him saying it’s ok as our windows emploded furniture tossed around like play house. We did not experience even a scratch. Our dog will not go in our house and in the furnished rental he will not go in the house when he does he retreats to a corner of the bedroom. Pitiful. Seeing a vet Wednesday.
My mother has a Staffordshire Terrier crossed with a Jack Russell, she is almost 5 years old. Every night she has panic attacks, she tries to climb on the furniture and out of the window. We have tried various things including Calmex and Valerian tablets and sprays from the vets, even taking her for 3 long walks does not help. We have her sister and mother, so we know she is not lonely.
I have a 1 1/2 year old Westie who has a panic attack every night. At first I thought it was allergies because he barks and bites his foot. Changed his food, situation seemed to b better but it is still going on and could last for about an hour or more. I can distract him with a toy or a treat or by holding but then it starts again. It seems to happen every night when we sit down to watch tv. He could b sitting quietly then all of a sudden he starts yelling. HELP!!
Thanks for the article. This may be an unusual situation but my dog, 4 years old, (who normally is a great sleeper) has been waking up at 5:30 on the dot every morning. She sleeps in bed with me and begins to whine and whimper. Then, she runs around the bed, often over my body making it so that I’m unable to sleep. I live in NYC and we just got new downstairs neighbors. I think the problem started when they moved in. My guess is that their alarm goes off at 5:30 and I’ve seen them leave for work at 7:00. If I try to go back to sleep, she calms down after 7 when they are gone. We also have upstairs neighbors and across the hall neighbors who wake up before me. She has never had a problem with either of them being awake, but for some reason she freaks out with the downstairs neighbors (who are very nice and she has met in our hallway). I tried white noise machines, calming music (which worked for two nights and then became ineffective). I’ve also tried to snuggle to make her feel safe but she doesn’t want that. I’ve tried to ignore her to show nothing is wrong too. It’s been going on for over a month and I try a different approach each week. I can’t desensitize her because I can’t make noise in an apartment beneath me. Any tips???
I have a jack Russell who gets anxious and stressed when our 8 month Godson is visiting. What can I do
Keep the dog away from your godson.like in another room or outside until the visit is over
I have a boxer that just turned 2. He already has separation anxiety, but he started this new anxiety a few months ago where if he’s in a new place or even in my bedroom he shakes and pants paces. It’s mostly at bedtime. He doesn’t do it all the time and sometimes during the day. I can’t really see a set pattern. So I’m wondering how I desensitize him if idk whats making him anxious.
I adopted a 3 yr old breeder dog with anxiety problems. Not separation but she just gets anxious and circles. Have had her for 5 months and it hasn’t improved much. She will chew on bones but will not play with toys. Suggestions??
We have 3 spaniels, two 12 years old and one 7. The two males (one 12, one 7) always have a bit of a spat when one of them enters a room where the other is. Even after 5 years, they cannot seem to establish who is next in the pecking order after the bitch, although they will then settle down together.
Lately, there has been a lot of growling overnight. We tried having the two boys upstairs (not at the same time!) but neither would settle. We tried leaving the older two in the kitchen and the younger one in the lounge but the older boy just barks and scratches at the door. This can go on all night. If one of us comes down and sleeps on the couch with them all, everything goes quiet and we all get some sleep. Well, the dogs do! Then they sleep all day if I let them. We’ve tried different combinations of leaving lights and radios on but nothing seems to make any difference. Any suggestions please?
I’m not an expert, but I think you should take note of the fact the dogs are anxious when you guys aren’t around. Something to look into at least.
Hi guys,
Was just reading your article and not 100% on which method I should try. Myself and my partner both work fulltime and our nearly 2 year old blue heeler x border collie i think is suffering with anxiety. When we leave the house or hes outside and cant get in he will bark and whine till we let him in. Its to the point we have to replace the back screen door screen, a window screen and our whole outdoor setting as he has chewed them up. Ive tried frozen kongs, toys, bones treats u name it and he still plays out. I want to try getting him used to being outside but not sure how to. I hate the thought of him thinking where not going ro return because that is far from the truth as he is our family and will go everywhere with us and does. I just need help in finding the best method woth helping him relax whilst where at work or even while I’m doing my housework.. thanks hope someone can give me tips or an idea on which method to try..
Is he ok being inside the house when you are away? How long have you had him? When did this behavior start? Did anything different happen around the time that the behavior started?
What you describe may be separation anxiety. I help my dogs with separation anxiety by doing desensitization training. I start with very short periods of alone time and slowly build up from there. The more calm and successful alone experiences that my dog has (through desensitization), the more confidence, trust, and positive associations he forms. Similarly, anxiety episodes will undermine that confidence and trust, significantly set back our training, and worsen my dog’s anxiety behaviors.
Therefore, to help my dog, I also need to manage his routine and environment carefully, so that I do not expose him to situations that he is not ready to handle. For example, if my dog can only tolerate very short periods of alone time at the start, then I get someone that he trusts to house-sit him while I am away. At the same time, I keep repeating desensitization exercises (in a structured and controlled way) so that I help raise his tolerance threshold.
ASPCA article on separation anxiety.
Hi just read your article and couple of things came to mind,one you can burie things in the yard and leave him to find them whilst your at work or if at home you can purchase the adaptil difusers that plug into the wall to relax your dog,i have three heeler pups under two yrs old and im always thinking about the next activity to keep them buisy! Which is why i enrolled in a course and am studying to be a dog trainier. Also there are people who can walk your dog during the day to wear him/her out.wishing you all the best venessa
Don’t have a dog that you can’t spend time with!
Anxiety Bruce…
Someone else commented about hiding things for the dog to look for while hes outside. I found this to work well for a couple hours. The only problem was that i also didnt want my dog digging up the yard. I used solid/hard toys like the Kong toys that let you put treats in them and hid them in locations where the dog didnt have to dig. Also having an ingloo type dog house helped some. The smallest size for the size dog worked the best. The dog prefered to be in a tighter space rather than a larger, open dog house. It seems I also kept other distraction toys outside. I had to get new toys every few days or week but toys are cheaper than doors jams and screens.
Its hard to desensitize train during the week when you have to work at least 8-10 hrs a day but try it on the weekends… being gone for short periods then gradually longer periods.
kelley jensen…
Not everyone can be at home with their dog 24hrs a day. Most people have to work for a living to be able to afford to feed and sheler their dog. Leaving a dog at home while at work doesnt mean the person isnt spending time with their dog. Most dogs can deal with that situation without any issues. There is no way to know up front if a dog will have anxiety and not having a dog or giving the animal away is not a solution.