We live in a chaotic and often stressful world. Whether your dog is feeling stress from his environment or even smelling (and taking on) your stress, dogs are emotionally and physically affected by the stress, fear, and anxiety in their world.

K9 Stress and Anxiety: Causes

Every dog reacts differently to stressors and triggers in their life. But dog parents need to understand the potential causes to help their dogs manage stress and anxiety, regardless of how it began. The four common causes behind K9 stress and anxiety include:

1. Separation: A dog’s fear of being left alone is a common dog behavior, with up to 50% of pet dogs experiencing separation anxiety at some level.
2. Environmental changes: loud noises (thunder, fireworks, the vacuum), changing homes, or the addition of new people or pets.
3. Fear-based triggers: traumatic experiences, loss of a companion, and even vet or groomer visits. 
4. Senior dogs: aging and the cognitive decline.

K9 Stress and Anxiety: 5 Signs

Long-term and unmanaged stress in your dog can negatively affect their behavior and body in the following ways:

1. Aggression and fear: growling, lunging, biting, cowering, or hiding.
2. Destructiveness: chewing, digging, and scratching.
3. Vocalizations: excessive barking, howling, or whining.
4. Body language: tense muscles, dilated pupils, pinned-back ears, panting, or a tucked tail.
5. Repetitive behaviors: pacing, spinning, or even self-harm (i.e., obsessive licking leading to hot spots and loss of hair).

These negative impacts can affect a dog’s digestion, alter appetite, cause vomiting, diarrhea, or colitis, lead to chronic illnesses, weaken the immune system, cause skin issues, and even affect longevity.

Keep in Mind: Separation anxiety is rooted in fear (not disobedience or bad behavior)! It’s your dog’s silent cry for help to regain their feeling of trust and safety while alone.

How to Calm Your Anxious Dog: 3 Tips

1. Provide stability with a daily routine with proper physical and mental stimulation (i.e., food puzzles, lick mats, and safe, supervised chewing).
2. Check/address your stress and anxiety to promote a calm space.
3. Enlist the expertise of your vet or a local, certified dog behaviorist.

How to Calm Your Anxious Dog: Natural Options

Before resorting to pharmaceuticals (and potential side effects), try these four natural options below:

1. Crating: After your dog has been properly exercised, the quiet and safety of his crate can help calm and relax him further.
2. Thunder Shirt: Provides reassuring and calming pressure around the dog’s body (or use a snug t-shirt or wrap).
3. Scents: Your dog’s nose is powerful, and these natural five scents can help him release stress: lavender, vanilla, coconut, valerian, and ginger lightly rubbed onto a loosely tied bandana around the neck.
4. Pheromones: Sprays and diffusers that imitate a nursing mother’s natural pheromones. Note: Some products may need days to work, so always check the labels.

Stress and anxiety rarely resolve on their own, so stay alert to any signs (mentioned above) that your four-legged best friend is struggling with stress and anxiety and get your dog the help he needs!