The Anxiety Epidemic in Dogs: 10 Common Culprits You Need to Know

Are you struggling with a dog that seems constantly on edge?

Canine anxiety is more common than you might think, affecting dogs of all breeds and ages.

Understanding the root causes of your dog’s distress is the first step towards helping them—and restoring peace to your household.

Here are 10 common causes of canine anxiety:

#1. Genetic Predisposition

Studies show that dogs can inherit a tendency to be fearful from their parents, just like they inherit physical traits.

This means puppies can be born more likely to be scared of things like loud noises or unfamiliar situations.

This inherited fearfulness is especially common in dogs that come from tough environments, where being cautious helps them survive.

For instance, dogs that lived on the streets or came from neglectful homes often show more fear.

While being naturally fearful or cautious might help a dog survive in a potentially unsafe place (like on the street), this same trait can cause problems when these dogs live in regular homes as pets.

For instance, they might be overly anxious or react fearfully to normal, everyday things that shouldn’t be scary.

Maternal Stress

Maternal stress during pregnancy can also impact puppy development, leading to increased anxiety and fearfulness in her offspring.

This occurs because the mother’s stress hormones alter the puppies’ brain development, essentially “pre-programming” their stress response systems to be more reactive.

As a result, the puppies can grow into adult dogs that are more prone to anxiety, aggression, touch sensitivity, social difficulties, and separation anxiety.

This prenatal stress exposure can have long-lasting effects on a dog’s behavior and ability to cope with stressful situations throughout their life.

Genetic Blueprint

Having said all that, environmental factors and early socialization experiences significantly influence a dog’s behavioral development too.

Think of a dog’s genetic makeup as a blueprint.

This blueprint contains instructions for various traits, including tendencies towards fearfulness.

However, these instructions aren’t set in stone – they can be influenced by the dog’s experiences and environment.

Gene-environment interaction is like a conversation between a dog’s genes and their surroundings.

Here’s how it works:

Exacerbating Fearfulness

If a dog has genes that make them prone to being fearful, and they also experience stressful or traumatic events, these negative experiences can “activate” those fearful genes.

As a result, the dog might become even more anxious than their genes alone would predict.

Mitigating Fearfulness

On the flip side, if a dog with a genetic tendency towards fearfulness is raised in a positive, nurturing environment with plenty of socialization, these good experiences can help “quiet down” those fearful genes.

The dog might end up being less anxious than their genes would suggest.

This interaction explains why two dogs with similar genetic backgrounds might behave differently depending on their life experiences.

It’s not just nature or nurture – it’s both working together.

#2. Breed

Certain breeds are more prone to exhibiting fearful or anxious behaviors, including Spanish Water Dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs, Mixed Breeds, Rough Collies, Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, German Shorthaired Pointers, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Standard Poodles, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are also known for having a higher tendency toward fearfulness and aggression.

As with the other breeds mentioned, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds were selectively bred for specific tasks (Chihuahuas as lapdogs to be protective of their owners and Dachshunds to hunt small prey that lives in burrows), which may have influenced their temperament over generations.

Conversely, breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are noted for showing significantly lower levels of fearfulness and anxiety.

#3. Lack of Socialization

Puppies who aren’t exposed to a variety of people between the crucial “sensitive period” of their development (age 3-14 weeks), or have negative experiences with people during that time, may develop fear-based behaviors.

This can manifest as aggression if they feel cornered or threatened.

Interestingly, many dogs show particular wariness towards men or children.

On the flip side, puppies who enjoy positive interactions with diverse groups of people during their critical period are more likely to grow into well-adjusted adults, who are more comfortable around strangers and new experiences.

#4. Past Trauma or Abuse

Dogs with a history of mistreatment or abuse may develop lasting emotional scars, often associating humans with fear and pain.

It can lead to anxiety, defensive behaviors, or even aggression in seemingly normal situations.

For example, a dog that’s been physically punished might cower or snap when someone raises their hand, even if the intent is benign.

Our nervous Saluki-cross rescue dog, Louis, came to us with an abusive past that manifested in fear of strangers and occasional defensive snapping (or even biting) if he felt overwhelmed or threatened.

He got particularly scared if you did anything around his head or neck area, like putting on his collar or clipping on a leash.

We quickly learned to recognize his stress signals (like lip licking, whale eye, a curled top lip, and a stiffened posture) and manage situations, or intervene before they escalated.

#5. Social Isolation and Confinement

Estimates suggest that approximately 20% to 76% of dogs, or one in every four to six dogs, experience some form of separation anxiety, with the prevalence being notably higher post-COVID. 

Dogs are inherently social creatures, and isolation or confinement can significantly affect their emotional well-being.

When faced with prolonged periods of solitude or restricted movement, they may develop stress and anxiety, potentially leading to fear-based aggression when meeting unfamiliar people.

This kind of emotional pain, known as social pain, can hurt just as much as a physical injury.

It can seriously affect a dog’s health and how they behave, and the effects can be long-lasting.

Conversely, regular positive social interactions can also reinforce a dog’s sense of security and confidence, reducing the likelihood of fear-based behaviors.

#6. Loud Noises

Thunderstorms and fireworks are common triggers for anxiety in dogs due to their acute hearing sensitivity.

Dogs can detect sounds up to 70-100 kHz, significantly higher than the human range of 20 kHz.

This heightened auditory perception makes loud, unexpected noises particularly distressing for them.

During thunderstorms, dogs may react to low-frequency rumbles, lightning flashes, changes in barometric pressure, and static electricity.

These combined stimuli can overwhelm a dog’s senses, triggering fear responses.

Fireworks pose a similar challenge but with the added element of unpredictability.

Unlike thunderstorms, which often come with environmental cues, fireworks occur suddenly without warning.

This unexpected nature can intensify a dog’s startle response, leading to heightened anxiety and stress.

Both thunder and fireworks can trigger a dog’s fight-or-flight response, resulting in increased heart rate and adrenaline levels.

Over time, repeated exposure to these stressors without proper management can lead to chronic anxiety in some dogs.

#7. Changes in Routine or Environment

Just like humans, when a dog feels like they don’t have control over their environment, it can be highly stressful.

For this reason, significant changes in their routine or environment can trigger anxiety.

This becomes particularly evident during events like moving to a new home, being rehomed, having houseguests or pet sitters, or the arrival of a new baby or pet.

Moving House

For instance, when their family relocates to a new home, dogs suddenly find themselves facing a wide range of unfamiliar things: new smells, sounds, sights, and home environment, not to mention a change in routine while everyone gets settled.

This sudden shift can disrupt their sense of security and control, leading to feelings of confusion and anxiety.

Establishing a new routine in an unfamiliar environment can take time, and changes in walking routes, meal times, and daily schedules can all contribute to their disorientation.

Getting Adopted

Rehoming situations can be especially challenging.

When a dog is adopted into a new home, they may experience a range of emotions, from fear or sadness to excitement or relief, depending on their past experiences.

Even in the best case scenario, everything is new and different – the people, the environment, the food, the sounds, the scents, the routine.

There may be other pets or enthusiastic family members who just want to give the new dog what feels like a scary, restraining hug, or intimidating loud traffic passing by on the road outside.

Worst of all, the dog doesn’t yet know if they are safe.

It would be enough to make anyone anxious.

#8. Health Issues or Pain

Dogs experiencing pain or illness may exhibit behavioral changes that mirror anxiety symptoms.

This can confuse their owners, who are unaware of the root cause.

• Chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or dental problems, can make dogs more irritable and less tolerant of handling or social interactions. This can manifest as apparent anxiety or aggression when approached or touched.
• Conditions affecting the nervous system may heighten a dog’s sensitivity to stimuli, leading to increased reactivity and stress.
• Hormonal imbalances or thyroid issues can also impact a dog’s mood and behavior, potentially resulting in anxiety-like symptoms.

Aging

Cognitive decline in older dogs, known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome, can lead to confusion and disorientation, which may present as anxiety – especially in unfamiliar situations or during nighttime hours.

As dogs age, they may also experience a loss of hearing or vision, which can cause anxiety as they struggle to navigate an environment they once inhabited with ease.

On top of all that, as dogs anticipate pain from certain activities, situations, or interactions, they may develop anxiety about them, creating a cycle of anxiety even if the pain is no longer present.

#9. Lack of Physical Activity

Lack of physical activity may not cause anxiety, but it can certainly make the symptoms worse.

Dogs who don’t engage in regular exercise may engage in undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking, chewing, or hyperactivity, which can all be signs of frustration, anxiety, or boredom.

At the same time, dogs who don’t get enough exercise may produce lower levels of serotonin and endorphins, leading to feelings of sadness or anxiety.

Serotonin and endorphins are neurotransmitters* and they both play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions.

• Serotonin: Often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, helps regulate mood, anxiety, and happiness.
• Endorphins: Natural “painkillers” produced by the body that also promote feelings of pleasure and well-being.

On the flip side, dogs that engage in regular physical activity tend to be better equipped to handle stressful situations.

*A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells (neurons) or between neurons and other types of cells in the body, such as muscle cells. These chemicals are crucial for communication within the nervous system, influencing everything from mood and behavior to heart rate and digestion.

#10. Lack of Mental Enrichment

In the same way, a lack of mental stimulation can contribute to anxiety and other behavioral issues, including destructive behaviors.

Innate Behaviors

Enrichment activities like chewing, sniffing, licking, and foraging are inherently relaxing for dogs and serve as natural stress-relievers.

Research shows that engaging in prolonged bouts of sniffing can significantly reduce a dog’s heart rate and blood pressure.

By engaging in instinctive activities like these, dogs experience a calming effect that extends beyond the immediate moment, positively influencing their all-around mood state and alleviating generalized feelings of anxiety.

Brain Games

Mental challenges like food puzzles, training sessions, and scent games have a similar effect.

Activities such as these engage the thinking part of a dog’s brain, which can help inhibit the more reactive, emotional centers responsible for anxiety responses.

When you think about it, we humans react in exactly the same way:

• When we’re focused on a task, we often feel calm and “in the zone.”
• Our minds are occupied, so we’re less likely to feel anxious or upset.
• On the other hand, when we’re very emotional, angry, or stressed, it’s hard to focus on anything else.

The same is true for dogs.

When they’re solving a puzzle or learning a new behavior, they’re using the thinking part of their brain.

This can help quiet the part that makes them feel anxious or scared.

Problem-solving activities also encourage dogs make their own decisions, which is a great confidence booster.

It all combines to help them feel calmer overall and better able to handle stressful situations.

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Resources

• Canine anxieties and phobias: an update on separation anxiety and noise aversions – Barbara L Sherman & Daniel S Mills
• Dealing With Separation Anxiety In Dogs – Dr. Diane van Rooy
• Early Life Experiences and Exercise Associate with Canine Anxieties – Katriina Tiira & Hannes Lohi
• Extreme Fear and Anxiety in Dogs – Dr. Wailani Sung
• Genetic Characterization of Dog Personality Traits – Joanna Ilska, Marie J. Haskell, Sarah C. Blott, Enrique Sánchez-Molano, Zita Polgar, Sarah E. Lofgren, Dylan N. Clements, & Pamela Wiener
• Genetic Mapping Of Canine Fear And Aggression – Isain Zapata, James A. Serpell, & Carlos E. Alvarez
• Highly heritable and functionally relevant breed differences in dog behaviour – Evan L. MacLean, Noah Snyder-Mackler, Bridgett M. vonHoldt, & James A. Serpell
• Inadequate socialisation, inactivity, and urban living environment are associated with social fearfulness in pet dogs – Jenni Puurunen, Emma Hakanen, Milla K. Salonen, Salla Mikkola, Sini Sulkama, César Araujo, & Hannes Lohi
• Maternal Stress and Puppy Development – United States Department of Agriculture
• Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs – Milla Salonen, Sini Sulkama, Salla Mikkola, Jenni Puurunen, Emma Hakanen, Katriina Tiira, César Araujo, & Hannes Lohi 
• Pulse Study “At The Heart of The Walk” – Christina & Aurélien Budzinski
• The psychobiology of social pain: Evidence for a neurocognitive overlap with physical pain and welfare implications for social animals with special attention to the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) – Franklin D. McMillan
• When Pain Causes Dog Anxiety: 4 Common Symptoms – Great Pet Care

NEED A DOG TRAINER OR BEHAVIOR EXPERT?

If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a force-free dog trainer who can consult with you either in person or remotely.

GOOD PLACES TO START ARE:
- COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers
- Pet Dog Trainers of Europe
- International Companion Animal Network
- Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
- Pet Professional Guild 

All dog owners deserve to have successful relationships with their canine companions!