Understanding Anxiety in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Causes and How to Help

If you have ever watched your dog pace the hallway during a thunderstorm, or found your cat hiding under the bed for hours after a house move, you already know that our pets feel stress just as keenly as we do. Anxiety in dogs and cats is far more common than most owners realise — and because our animals cannot tell us what is wrong, it often goes unnoticed until it becomes a bigger problem.

The good news? Once you learn to read the signs, there is a great deal you can do to help.

The signs of anxiety in dogs

Dogs tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves, but anxiety can still be surprisingly subtle. Look out for:

• Pacing and restlessness — an anxious dog struggles to settle, even in familiar surroundings.
• Excessive panting or drooling when it is not warm and they have not been exercising.
• Trembling, tucked tail or flattened ears — classic body-language signals of fear.
• Destructive behaviour such as chewing furniture or scratching at doors, especially when left alone.
• Excessive barking or whining, particularly at triggers like the doorbell or passing traffic.
• Toileting indoors despite being fully house-trained.

The signs of anxiety in cats

Cats are masters of disguise, and a stressed cat will often simply disappear. Watch for:

• Hiding more than usual or refusing to come out for meals.
• Over-grooming, sometimes to the point of bald patches on the belly or legs.
• Changes in appetite — eating noticeably less, or bolting food.
• Urinating outside the litter tray, which can also signal a medical issue worth checking with your vet.
• Increased vocalisation or uncharacteristic aggression when approached.

What causes anxiety in pets?

Every animal is different, but in the UK the most common triggers are remarkably consistent:

• Fireworks and loud noises. Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve are the hardest evenings of the year for millions of British pets. Thunder, sirens and even the hoover can have a similar effect.
• Separation. Many dogs — especially those who became used to constant company — find being left alone genuinely distressing.
• Changes at home. Moving house, a new baby, a new pet, building work or even rearranged furniture can unsettle cats in particular, as they rely heavily on familiar territory.
• Vet visits and travel. The carrier, the car and the waiting room are a triple threat for many animals.
• Past experiences. Rescue pets may carry anxieties from their earlier lives that surface in unexpected ways.

How to help your pet feel calm again

There is no overnight fix for anxiety, but a combination of small, consistent changes makes a real difference:

• Create a safe space. A quiet corner with a familiar blanket, away from windows and foot traffic, gives your pet somewhere to retreat. For fireworks, close the curtains and put on gentle background sound.
• Keep routines predictable. Feeding, walks and play at consistent times help anxious animals feel the world is under control.
• Never punish anxious behaviour. Punishment adds fear on top of fear. Calm reassurance and patience work far better.
• Give them something soothing to do. Repetitive licking is naturally calming for dogs and cats — it releases endorphins and gives a worried mind a single, gentle point of focus. Many owners spread a little xylitol-free peanut butter or plain yoghurt on a textured surface such as the CalmPaws Calming Licking Mat during fireworks, grooming or alone-time training.
• Build up gradually. For separation anxiety, practise very short absences and slowly extend them, always returning before your pet becomes distressed.
• Speak to your vet. If anxiety is severe or sudden, always rule out pain or illness first. Your vet can also refer you to a qualified behaviourist.

The bottom line

An anxious pet is not being naughty — they are asking for help in the only language they have. Learn their signals, remove what pressure you can, and give them healthy outlets for stress. With time, patience and the right tools, most dogs and cats can learn to feel safe again.