Testing a dog for anxiety involves a vet visit to rule out medical issues (blood tests, physical exam), observing behavioral signs like restlessness, vocalizing, or destructive habits, and sometimes using video recordings of the dog when alone to assess separation anxiety triggers, with no single test, but rather a professional assessment of behavior, history, and physical health.
Diagnosing Anxiety in Dogs
The best way to accurately diagnose anxiety in dogs is with professional help. Your vet will conduct a complete and thorough examination, along with possible blood tests to rule out other health conditions that could also be causing the behavior, such as brain, thyroid, or adrenal disease.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Signs of anxiety can include:
Talk to a caring professional, like the expert staff and veterinarians at Breckinridge Park Animal Hospital, to help you determine if your dog is suffering from anxiety. A veterinarian will also be able to rule out, or diagnose, any illnesses that may be causing the anxious behaviors.
Medication and Supplements
In those cases, your veterinarian may prescribe medications like Gabapentin (anti-anxiety), Amitriptyline (an anti-depressant), Fluoxetine (an SSRI), or Melatonin (a sleep/calming aid). For pet parents that prefer herbal remedies, CBD, L-Tryptophan, Zylkene, or Rescue Remedy may do the trick.
Dog anxiety can stem from several causes, and the most common are separation anxiety, environmental changes, past trauma, loud noises, or lack of proper socialization. Separation anxiety is particularly frequent and occurs when a dog becomes extremely stressed when left alone.
The 5 Best Calming Treats, Chews, & Supplements for Dogs
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
A higher than normal anxiety level. Seeking out unusual places to sleep or hide. Your pet no longer enjoys or seeks out contact with your family and/or their fur family. Consistent pacing or circling, restlessness; especially at night.
Some common concerns reported by guardians of aging dogs are increased sensitivity and irritability, increased fear of unfamiliar pets and people (sometimes accompanied by aggression), decreased tolerance of touch and restraint, increased following and desire for contact, and increased anxiety when left alone.
An anxious dog may pant, pace, tremble, drool, withdraw from its owner, or hide. Alternatively, they may appear irritable or aggressive (i.e., bark or growl at someone). The dog's tail may be low or tucked, ears back, eyes dilated or showing lots of white around them (whale eye).
Subtle signs your dog might be stressed include:
The more we can show our dogs that we understand and respect how they are feeling, the more they can trust us to help them. And the safer they will feel. Ignoring or discouraging these kinds of signs from your dog could teach them that there's no point in showing subtle signs of fear because it doesn't work.
5. Natural Remedies for Dog Anxiety
OK to Give (under veterinary supervision)
7 Proven Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Signs Your Dog is Stressed and How to Relieve It
Here are the most commonly prescribed dog anxiety medications.
The #1 worst habit for anxiety isn't singular, but avoidance (procrastination), poor sleep, and negative thought patterns (like catastrophizing) are top contenders, creating vicious cycles where anxiety fuels these behaviors, and the behaviors, in turn, worsen anxiety by preventing healthy coping and creating more stress. Other significant habits include excessive caffeine, poor diet, too much screen time, and social withdrawal, all disrupting the body's ability to manage stress effectively.
Teas for stress and anxiety relief
The 3-3-3 rule is a simple grounding technique that helps interrupt anxiety by engaging your senses with 3 things you see, 3 sounds you hear, and 3 things you can touch. This technique works by redirecting anxious thoughts away from future worries or past regrets and anchoring your attention in the present moment.