How to help an anxious or stressed dog

Find out how to uncover the signs of stress in dogs – and how you can help by using your body language and surroundings to ease your pet's distress.

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We all know how it feels to be stressed – and it’s just the same for our pets. A variety of unexpected incidents and noises can cause issues for our pets, from fireworks and stormy weather to unexpected house guests or even the vacuum cleaner.

Here are some expert tips on how to recognise the problem and help your pet.

Recognising anxious dog signs

If you’re worried you have an anxious dog, look out for the following signals:

• Avoiding eye contact by turning their head away, or licking their lips repeatedly
• Yawning; this isn't always a sign that your dog is tired, but another way they might show stress
• Lowering their body and appearing to hunch, making themselves less visible
• Tucking their tail tightly between their legs and laying their ears flat against their head
• Excessive panting, drooling or shaking – all common signs of stress in dogs
• Freezing, cowering or hiding away
• Excessive barking, growling or digging
• Toileting in the house

Using your body language to calm a stressed dog

There are many ways that you can use your own body language to help a stressed or anxious dog.

• Don't crowd your dog or make a fuss; they need their own space to feel safe, so give them some time alone and keep an eye on them from nearby
• Try to stay as calm as possible – if you’re calm, it will help your dog feel less anxious
• Always reassure your dog and offer comfort if they approach you first when scared
• Avoid approaching your dog head-on to prevent them from feeling more threatened – instead, approach from the side and, if you need to touch them, move from under the belly rather than over the back
• Don't make direct eye contact or lean over your dog’s body if they’re noticeably distressed
• Use an encouraging tone to beckon your stressed dog over to you, rewarding them with a treat if they approach
• Gently praise their calm behaviour once they settle

Remember, never punish your dog for any behaviour that’s linked to anxiety, fears or phobias. If you find that your dog has a persistent issue with you not being there – also known as separation anxiety – stay as calm as possible when you’re leaving and returning to help condition positive responses.

If this condition persists, speak with your vet or a qualified dog behaviourist. If you have Petplan dog insurance, you can also log into your My Petplan account to access Pet Expert Chat, our video vet service that allows you to get veterinary, behaviour and nutrition advice 24/7.

Tips to help an anxious dog

• If your dog is anxious around other dogs, try to avoid meeting any in a restricted space. If you do meet another pet, calmly lead your dog away to avoid a confrontation. You can also use distraction techniques, such as a fun game with lots of positive encouragement, to take their mind off a possible threat.
• Keep your dog's lead as loose as possible. A tight lead may increase stress, as they’ll interpret this as a sign of your anxiety.
• Avoid crowded spaces or busy areas – they'll heighten your dog's stress and they may resort to ‘flight or fight’ mode to get away. Instead, remove them calmly from the stressful situation, making sure to keep your voice low and encouraging.
• Consider desensitisation training, which will gradually give your dog the chance to learn positive association in a controlled environment.
• Try playing a sound CD to help your dog become aware of common noises that might cause anxiety. Gradually increase the volume and reward them with special treats.
• Use a pheromone plug-in diffuser in the house to help calm your dog.

Remember, each pet is different and many factors can come into play when handling a stressed dog. It's important that you try to keep calm, and then approach your pet according to their needs and level of stress.

If your dog’s anxious behaviour persists – even away from stressful situations – consider asking your vet to refer you to a qualified animal behaviourist who can help you come up with a long-lasting solution.