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

Dogs with separation anxiety panic when left alone, showing behaviours like barking, scratching doors, chewing furniture or house-soiling. These are not signs of mischief but distress from losing their sense of safety and companionship.

2. Thunderstorm & Loud Noise Anxiety

Thunder, fireworks or construction noises can trigger trembling, hiding, panting or drooling. With their acute hearing, dogs often react more strongly than humans, and some sense storms before they arrive. Left untreated, noise anxiety can recur seasonally and affect overall wellbeing.

3. Lack of Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Dogs need daily exercise, play and mental challenges. Without them, excess energy often turns into stress behaviours such as barking, chewing or scratching. High-energy breeds are especially prone to anxiety if their activity needs aren’t met.

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.

Excessive Vocalisation

Persistent barking, whining or howling often signals anxiety, especially when it happens before you leave or during stressful events.

Destructive Behaviour

Chewing, scratching or tearing objects is a common stress outlet. These actions are coping behaviours, not disobedience.

Compulsive Grooming or Self-Injury

Excessive licking or biting can cause hair loss and skin sores. It’s a self-soothing habit that may lead to infections.

Excessive Panting & Drooling

Unexplained panting or drooling, even in calm conditions, indicates elevated stress and anxiety.

Hiding or Clinginess

Anxious dogs may either withdraw and hide or become overly dependent, following their owner constantly for reassurance.

How Owners Can Help — Practical Strategies

1. Establish a Healthy Daily Routine

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

	Pro Plan - Calming Care Probiotic Dog Supplement 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
	ADAPTIL Calm - Home Diffuser 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 Dog Calming Support

Calming Care Promotion

1. 15% off on all Calming Products

During the promotion period, enjoy 15% on all Calming Products.

*Valid until 15 Oct 2025. Discount will be applied in cart automatically. Not applicable to Rebound Vet items. Cannot be used in conjunction with recurring order or any other promotional offers.

2. 20% off on 2 boxes of Pro Plan Calming Care

During the promotion period, buy 2 boxes of Pro Plan Calming Care at 20% off.

*Valid until 30 Sep 2025. Discount will be applied in cart automatically. Cannot be used in conjunction with recurring order or any other promotional offers.

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.