I never thought dogs could have anxiety. I used to believe they were just happy animals who loved walks, treats, and belly rubs. But that changed when I noticed something different in my dog, Max.
Max is a sweet and gentle dog. He’s always been well-behaved. But one day, he started acting strange. He would shake during thunderstorms. He stopped eating when I left for work. He even chewed through the leg of a wooden chair while I was gone. That wasn’t like him at all.
At first, I didn’t know what was going on. I thought maybe he was just bored or being naughty. But the signs kept coming. He would pace back and forth, whine for no reason, and follow me everywhere—even to the bathroom.
That’s when I started looking into it. I read about something called dog anxiety. And the more I read, the more I realized that’s what Max was going through.
What Is Dog Anxiety?
Dog anxiety is just like it sounds—your dog feels scared or nervous even when there’s no clear reason. It’s not the same as being afraid of fireworks once in a while. It’s something deeper. It affects how your dog feels, acts, and sometimes even eats or sleeps.
Some dogs are anxious when their owners leave. That’s called separation anxiety. Others get anxious around loud sounds, new people, or strange places. Some just seem anxious all the time.
In Max’s case, it was mostly when I left the house or during storms. He’d bark, drool, shake, and hide. Once, he even scratched the door until his paw bled.
How I Knew It Was Anxiety
I didn’t figure it out right away. But these are the signs that helped me realize Max had anxiety:
He followed me everywhere, even in the house
He cried or barked when I left, even for a few minutes
He chewed furniture and scratched the door
He hid under the table during loud sounds
He often looked scared, with his tail down and ears back
I took him to the vet just to be sure it wasn’t something else. The vet checked him and said he was healthy. Then she asked me questions and said it sounded like anxiety. She also told me I wasn’t alone—lots of dogs go through this.
What I Did to Help Max
Once I knew Max had anxiety, I wanted to help him feel better. Here are some things I did that really worked:
1. Gave Him a Safe Space
I set up a quiet spot in the house just for him. It has his bed, a soft blanket, and his favorite toy. When he feels nervous, he goes there to calm down.
2. Used Calming Sounds
When I left the house, I played soft music or white noise. It seemed to help cover outside sounds and made him feel less alone.
3. Tried Calming Treats
I found some natural dog treats made to help with anxiety. They have things like chamomile and L-theanine. I give him one before I leave or when it’s stormy. It seems to help him relax.
4. Short Goodbyes
I used to hug him and say, “I’ll be back soon!” But now I keep goodbyes short. Too much attention before leaving made him more anxious.
5. Daily Walks and Playtime
I make sure Max gets exercise every day. A tired dog is a calmer dog. Even just a walk around the block or playing fetch helps a lot.
6. Routine
Dogs like routines. I feed him at the same times, walk him at the same times, and try not to surprise him with sudden changes.
What Didn’t Work (At First)
I also tried some things that didn’t help much—or at least not right away.
Thunder jackets: These tight-fitting shirts are supposed to help, but Max didn’t like wearing one.
Training right before I left: I tried to train him to “stay calm” when I left, but it didn’t stick. He needed time and patience.
Scolding: I admit it—once or twice I got mad when he chewed the chair or barked too much. But yelling didn’t help. It made him more scared.
When to Talk to a Vet
Some dogs need more help than just changes at home. If your dog’s anxiety is very bad, your vet might suggest medicine or working with a dog behavior expert.
Max didn’t need medicine, but the vet gave me good advice. She also checked to make sure there weren’t other health issues. That gave me peace of mind.
What I Learned
I also learned that what they eat can play a big part in how they feel. It’s not because they’re spoiled. It’s not something they can control. They’re just trying to tell us they’re scared or unsure.
With time, Max got better. He still gets nervous during storms, but now he runs to his safe spot and stays calm. When I leave the house, he doesn’t cry or destroy anything anymore. He’s back to being the happy dog I know and love.
Tips for Other Pet Owners
If your dog seems anxious, here are a few tips from someone who’s been through it:
Watch their behavior closely. Little signs matter.
Don’t wait too long to make changes.
Try natural calming aids, but don’t expect results overnight.
Be patient. Your dog needs time and kindness.
Ask your vet if you’re unsure.
Helping Max wasn’t always easy. Some days I felt helpless. But now, things are better. He feels safe, and I feel more connected to him.
Final Thoughts
Dogs give us so much love. They stick by our side, wag their tails when we’re down, and greet us like heroes every day. When they’re anxious, they need us to be there for them.
I’m glad I listened to Max. I’m glad I didn’t ignore the signs. Helping him with his anxiety taught me how to be a better dog owner—and a better friend.
If your dog has anxiety, don’t feel bad. It’s more common than you think. And there are many ways to help. Start small, be gentle, and know that things can get better.
Max is living proof.