Did You Know That Dogs Can Suffer From Anxiety?

 

Does your dog struggle with anxiety? I never thought I’d be asking myself that question until I noticed the changes in Skye, my beautiful Labrador. Skye has always been such a sweet, loyal companion, but a few months ago, I started noticing signs that she was feeling anxious. It wasn’t easy to admit at first, but just like us, dogs can experience anxiety too. And with Skye, it was clear something was troubling her.

It started with small things: pacing around the house, barking more than usual, or just trembling when there was no obvious reason. Sometimes she would chew things she’d never touched before or dig into her bed as if trying to escape. There were nights when she’d pant heavily or cling to me like she was scared of something I couldn’t see. My heart broke seeing her like this, and I knew I needed to take action.

One of the first things I did was create a cozy, quiet spot in the house where Skye could retreat whenever she felt overwhelmed. I filled it with her favorite things: her soft bed, a blanket that smelled like me, and her most-loved toys. Having a familiar space where she felt safe made such a difference. It became her little sanctuary where she could relax when things got too much for her.

I also tried some products designed to help ease her anxiety. One of the best investments was a calming vest. It wraps around her and applies gentle pressure, like a reassuring hug. I noticed a real change in her behavior whenever she wore it during stressful situations. Along with the vest, I used a calming pheromone diffuser in the house. It releases a scent that mimics the pheromones that help dogs feel safe. Skye seemed to respond really well to it, and it gave her an extra sense of calm.

I realized that keeping Skye active was another great way to help with her anxiety. We started going for more regular walks, and I introduced new games to keep her mentally stimulated. I even got her a few puzzle toys that kept her mind busy, and it really helped reduce her stress. Plus, spending more quality time together strengthened our bond, and I could tell she felt more secure knowing I was there with her.

Helping Skye manage her anxiety wasn’t an overnight process, but with patience, love, and a few helpful strategies, she’s in a much better place now. Every dog is different, but with some tender care and attention, you can make a huge difference in their life.

If you’ve noticed signs of anxiety in your dog like I did with Skye, don’t ignore them. With a little extra care and support, you can help them feel safe, calm, and loved.


*Disclaimer: This is my personal experience with Skye, and while it worked for us, I recommend speaking to a veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s anxiety.*