Dog Calming & Relaxation Guide — How to Help Anxious Dogs

Many owners have experienced this: your dog becomes frantic when you prepare to leave the house, barking constantly, scratching doors or damaging furniture; or during thunderstorms your dog hides trembling in a corner. These are common signs of anxiety. Anxiety affects both mind and body, so recognising the signs early and using effective calming strategies is essential for every dog owner.

Why Do Dogs Get Anxious?

Like people, dogs react to environmental and psychological stressors. Understanding the root causes helps owners choose the right approach to reduce stress. There are 5 most common triggers.

1. Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is one of the most frequent behavioural issues in dogs. Dogs with strong attachment to their owners may panic when left alone. Typical behaviours include persistent barking, scratching at doors, destroying items, pacing or even house-soiling after the owner leaves. These behaviours are not mischief but expressions of intense distress — the dog is reacting to perceived loss of safety and companionship.

2. Thunderstorm & Loud Noise Anxiety

Many dogs are highly sensitive to sudden or loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks or construction. Because a dog's hearing is more acute than ours, unexpected intense sounds can trigger fear responses: trembling, hiding, panting or drooling. Some dogs can even sense atmospheric changes before a storm and become anxious in advance. If not addressed, this type of anxiety often recurs seasonally and can significantly reduce a dog’s wellbeing.

3. Lack of Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Dogs are active, social animals that need regular exercise, sniffing time and play to expend energy and stimulate their minds. Without sufficient physical activity and enrichment, excess energy often converts into stress-related behaviours like excessive barking, chewing or scratching. High-energy breeds or working dogs are especially prone to anxiety when their activity needs are unmet.

Common Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

Recognising anxiety early allows you to act before problems escalate. Below are typical signs to watch for and what they often mean.

1. Excessive Vocalisation

Continuous barking, whining or howling usually indicates distress. Dogs may vocalise excessively when they are lonely, fearful of noises or over-reactive to environmental stimuli. If vocalisation increases when you prepare to leave or during certain events, it’s likely anxiety-related.

2. Destructive Behaviour

Chewing furniture, scratching doors, tearing cushions — these destructive acts often serve as stress release. Dogs may attempt to escape or self-soothe through destructive outlets. Rather than punishment, these behaviours call for strategies to reduce anxiety and provide safe alternatives.

3. Compulsive Grooming or Self-Injury

Repetitive licking, chewing or biting at the skin can lead to hair loss and sore spots. This compulsive behaviour functions as a self-soothing mechanism, but can progress to secondary skin problems and infections that require veterinary care.

4. Excessive Panting & Drooling

While panting is normal after exercise or in hot weather, persistent panting or drooling in calm conditions often indicates stress. Anxiety elevates stress hormones which can speed breathing and cause drooling, trembling or restlessness.

5. Hiding or Clinginess

Anxious dogs may either hide and avoid interaction or become overly clingy and follow their owners closely. Both extremes reflect insecurity: the dog either seeks escape from perceived threats or seeks constant reassurance from its owner.

How Owners Can Help — Practical Strategies

Establish a Healthy Daily Routine

A consistent routine is the foundation of emotional stability. Regular walks, scheduled feeding times and daily interactive play help regulate a dog's expectations and reduce uncertainty. A tired and mentally satisfied dog is far less likely to develop anxiety-driven behaviours than a bored or overstimulated dog.

Use Enrichment & Distraction Techniques

For separation anxiety, give your dog engaging toys or long-lasting chews when you leave. Treat-dispensing puzzle toys that require effort to access food turn your absence into a rewarding activity. This form of counter-conditioning associates your departure with a positive experience, reducing stress over time. Reserve the toy until just before you leave so the dog learns to link the event with the reward.

Manage Exits & Greetings to Reduce Emotional Peaks

Owners often unintentionally create intense emotional swings by making dramatic departures and arrivals. Keep goodbyes calm and brief. When you return, greet your dog calmly before offering playtime. This consistent low-key approach reduces the anxiety peaks associated with leaving and coming home.

Progressive Desensitisation (Gradual Training)

Build confidence with short, gradual absences. Start by leaving the room for 1–2 minutes, then slowly extend the time over days or weeks. Combine this with rewarding calm behaviour. Over time, the dog learns that being alone is safe and that the owner will return.

Pheromones & Non-Drug Aids

Pheromone products such as Adaptil mimic natural calming scents and can help anxious dogs feel more secure. Available as diffusers, sprays or collars, these are non-drug options with no human-detectable odour. While not a standalone cure, pheromones can be a useful part of a multi-modal strategy.

When to Reduce Excitement & Structure Interaction

If your dog becomes over-excited during arrivals, separate greeting and playtime. Greet gently, allow the dog to settle, then reward calm behaviour. Over time this reduces the hyper-arousal cycle that fuels separation anxiety.

Calming Supplements & Clinical Options

If anxiety is frequent or severe, consider evidence-based supplements alongside behaviour modification. Options include probiotics shown to support calm behaviour, nutraceuticals that promote relaxation, and fast-acting liquid formulas for acute stress episodes. For severe cases, consult your vet about prescription medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

	Helps dogs cope with external stressors like separation, unfamiliar visitors, novel sounds, or changes in routine and location Helps to maintain positive cardiac activity during stressful events
	Helps your dog stay calm and adapt at home, in situations like staying alone, loud noises, visitors, and fears
	Nutravet - Nutracalm Stress & Anxiety Supplements A fast-acting natural calming supplement to help stressed and anxious pets (often within 1–2 hours) Supports long-term behavioural management

More Calming Support

When to See Your Vet

If anxiety severely affects daily life — persistent vocalisation, destructive behaviour, loss of appetite, weight loss, or self-injury — consult your veterinarian promptly. A vet will assess medical causes, rule out pain or illness, and design a combined plan that may include behaviour modification, environmental changes and, if necessary, prescription medication.

The Owner’s Presence Is the Best Calmer

Most anxiety problems improve with consistent routines, enriched environments, appropriate training, and targeted calming aids. Above all, an owner’s patience, understanding and steady support provide the sense of safety dogs need to become calmer and happier. If you need help, start with small steps and consult your vet or a qualified behaviourist for personalised guidance.