Why Dog Anxiety Is More Common Than People Think

Dogs feel stress just like humans. But they can’t tell you. They show it with barking, chewing, shaking, or hiding. If you miss the signs, the behaviour gets worse.

A 2020 study in Scientific Reports found 72.5% of dogs show at least one anxiety-related behaviour. That includes separation stress, loud noise fear, or fear of strangers.

You don’t need a vet degree to spot it. You just need to pay attention and make a few changes.

What Are the Signs of Dog Anxiety?

Look for Behaviour That’s Out of the Ordinary

Start with how your dog acts when you’re not home. Common signs include:

• Constant barking or whining
  
• Scratching doors or chewing furniture
  
• Pacing in circles
  
• Going to the bathroom indoors even if trained
  

Other signs include tail tucked, ears pinned back, or sudden aggression. These are red flags.

Lisa, a nurse from Sydney, noticed her Cavoodle pacing every morning after she left for work. “I thought it was boredom,” she said. A pet camera showed full-blown panic after just 10 minutes alone.

Action tip
Record your dog when you’re out. Watch the first hour. That’s when anxiety hits hardest.

What Causes Anxiety in Dogs?

It Usually Starts With a Trigger

Most anxiety starts with something specific. Some of the most common triggers:

• Being left alone (separation anxiety)
  
• Loud noises like fireworks or storms
  
• Big changes in routine
  
• New places, people, or animals
  
• Lack of exercise or play
  

Dogs are creatures of habit. Break the routine and stress builds up.

Max, a Golden Retriever from Perth, started chewing shoes after his owner changed shifts. “He used to get two walks a day. Now he barely got one. That’s when the problems started,” his owner said.

Action tip
Keep a log. Write down when anxious behaviour starts and what just happened. You’ll see patterns fast.

How to Help a Dog With Anxiety at Home

Build a Calm Routine First

Dogs feel safer when they know what to expect. Stick to set times for:

• Feeding
  
• Walks
  
• Bathroom breaks
  
• Bedtime
  

Use a simple voice command like “be right back” before you leave. This helps reduce the shock of separation.

Add a Safe Zone

Give your dog one space where they always feel safe. It could be a crate, a soft bed in a corner, or a room with low light. Don’t use this as a punishment space. Make it cozy.

Action tip
Put a worn shirt in your dog’s bed. Your scent calms them even when you’re not home.

Try Calming Gadgets That Actually Work

Smart Collars With Soothing Features

Some collars vibrate gently or release calming scents. The Adaptil Calm Collar mimics a mother dog’s scent. Many dogs relax faster within days.

Plug-In Diffusers

These fill the room with pheromones. They’re odourless to humans but help dogs feel secure.

Calming Vests

Products like the ThunderShirt apply gentle pressure, like a hug. This helps some dogs during storms or when alone.

Julie from Melbourne swears by the ThunderShirt. “Our border collie used to bark at thunder for hours. Now she just chills in her shirt.”

Action tip
Test gadgets for at least three days before judging. Dogs need time to adjust.

Should You Use Tech to Track Your Dog’s Stress?

Pet Cameras

Basic models let you watch from your phone. Some send alerts if barking starts. Cameras with two-way audio let you speak and soothe your dog.

Smart Treat Dispensers

These reward your dog at set times or when they stay calm. You control it from your phone. It’s a fun way to reduce stress and reinforce good behaviour.

Action tip
Only use voice features if your dog reacts well. Some dogs get more anxious when they hear your voice but can’t find you.

When to Call a Pro

It’s Time If:

• The behaviour lasts more than two weeks
  
• Your dog harms themselves or your home
  
• You’ve tried routines, toys, and gadgets without change
  

Vets may recommend anxiety meds or refer you to a behaviourist. These aren’t just for “bad dogs.” They’re tools to help your dog learn calmly.

Action tip
Keep a weekly record. If nothing improves, call the vet. Bring video clips if possible.

How to Avoid Future Anxiety

Adopt With Care

Ask about the dog’s history. Look for signs of past trauma. Not every dog is a match for loud homes, young kids, or apartment life.

Socialise Slowly

Start with calm dogs and quiet parks. Give treats. Go slow. Socialisation builds trust, not stress.

Keep Online Drama Off Your Pet’s Record

Sometimes anxiety causes messy moments—scratches, bites, or bad training clips that end up online. If your pet becomes part of a viral post or unfair review, it can follow you.

Tools like Guaranteed Removals help people clean up old posts or videos that harm their pet’s reputation or their own.

Action tip
Search your name + your dog’s name online. If anything pops up that looks bad, act fast.

Final Thoughts

Dogs can’t say they’re anxious, but they show it loud and clear. Watch for pacing, barking, or chewing. Stick to routines. Try gadgets like calming collars and pet cameras. Create a space where they feel safe. If nothing changes, get help.

Your dog doesn’t need perfect training. Just safety, patience, and clear cues. A calm dog makes for a happier home. And if public posts make that harder, services like Guaranteed Removals can help clean the slate.

Start small. One change at a time. Your dog will thank you. Probably with tail wags.