The Ultimate Guide to Calming Your Anxious Pet

cute welsh corgi dog and cat lying under blanket on sofa

Photo by Photo: iStock.com/LightFieldStudios

When you see your pet scared and shaking, your instinct as a pet parent is to soothe and calm them. But when your hugs and cuddles aren’t doing the trick, what’s the next best solution? And how do you know what is the source of the stress and anxiety, so you can help prevent it in the future? That’s where this calming guide comes in handy.

Ahead, we’ll break down the various common causes of stress and anxiety—from separation anxiety to fears and phobias, like loud fireworks and spooky storms—and offer vet-recommended solutions to help calm your stressed pet.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian before trying any calming aid—they can help you rule out any medical causes for stress and anxiety before you pursue behavioral therapies.

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What Does Stress Look Like in Pets?

Stress in dogs may look different than stress in cats. Here are the signs to look for in your pet.

Illustration: Tiffany Egbert

Is Your Dog Stressed? Watch for These Signs

Dilated pupils, whites of the eyes showing
Avoiding eye contact or staring
Ears flat against the head
Furrowed eyebrow
Tremors or shaking
Yawning
Licking
Tail tucked under the body
Loss of appetite
Retching
Diarrhea
Accidents in the house
Excessive shedding
Panting, whining, or barking more than usual
Increased sleeping or hyperactivity
Destructive behavior
Acting especially clingy or hiding

Keep in mind that these signs can also be easily confused with other illnesses, so speak to your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

Illustration: Tiffany Egbert

Is Your Cat Stressed? Watch for These Signs

Dilated pupils
Avoiding eye contact or may stare at a threat
Ears rotated or flat against the head
Furrowed eyebrow
Arched back and standing on toes when very stressed
Tail wrapped around the body
Increased swallowing and licking
Skin twitching
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Accidents outside the litter box or spraying urine
Excessive shedding
Increased meowing or yowling
Hypervigilance
Irritable
Aggression towards household members (human and pets)
Increased scratching inside the house
Hiding

Keep in mind that these signs can also be easily confused with other illnesses, so speak to your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

What’s Causing the Stress? And How Can I Help?

Fear, separation anxiety and age-related changes are some of the most common causes of stress and anxiety in pets.

Fear

iStock.com/Photoboyko

Fireworks and storms are loud, unexpected and feel like a threat to dogs and cats. But these noise phobias are not the only cause of fear and anxiety in pets. Trips to environments they’re not used to (or straight-up don’t like), like the vet or groomer, or traveling in the car, plane or train can also cause fear-related anxiety. Here are some ways to help.

While Traveling:

For Fireworks:

Fireworks Safety: Tips for Calming Your Pet’s Anxiety

For Storms:

For Trips To the Vet:

Separation Anxiety

Chewy Studios

In addition to being separated from their pet parent or family (due to changes in work schedules, for example), separation anxiety can also be triggered by limited enrichment at home (think playtime, exercise and bonding with the pet parent) and changes in your pet’s routine. Here’s how to help your pet manage separation anxiety-related stress.

In Dogs and Puppies:

In Cats and Kittens:

Aging

iStock.com/JohnnyGreig

As pets age, they can suffer from cognitive decline. In dogs, this is referred to as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), and in cats, feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD). This is similar to dementia in humans.

In pets with CDS or FCD, they may experience an increase in anxiety, irritability, stress and fear due to sensory, memory and awareness decline. Here’s how you can help.

For Dogs:

For Cats:

How Much Should My Senior Cat Sleep? How to Improve Your Cat’s Sleep Habits

Try These Other Solutions at Home

Chewy Studios

From pet-friendly cocktails infused with a stress relief pet supplement to playing soothing, calming music in your home, here are some other ways to help alleviate stress and anxiety in your pet—and help them find their zen.