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Does evolution link to why my pet is anxious?
Does my pet have social anxiety?
My pet is a rescue, does this make them more anxious?
Can changes in environment, routine, or household make my pet anxious?
My pet is in pain, will this make them more anxious?
My pet has always been anxious, what does this mean?
Is there anything I’m doing wrong to cause my pet’s anxiety?
What are the signs that my pet is anxious?
How can I help my anxious pet?
When you see your pet not acting themselves (pacing, hiding, panting) it’s not always obvious why they feel that way. Anxiety in pets is often a response to their environment, experiences, health, or inner state. Understanding the root causes can help you respond compassionately and effectively. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of your pet’s anxiety.
Animals have evolved to detect threats in their surroundings. What seems normal or benign to us may still register as a potential danger to them. Sudden noises, unfamiliar smells, or new objects may activate their “fight-or-flight” system. A pet may remain in a heightened state of vigilance if they don’t feel safe or sure in a setting. This baseline sensitivity means that even small changes in the environment e.g. new furniture, unfamiliar visitors, a change in routine can all trigger anxiety.
If a pet wasn’t properly socialised (as a puppy, kitten, etc.) or gradually exposed to a variety of experiences, they may find many everyday things stressful. For example, a dog that wasn’t gently introduced to traffic or other dogs may get anxious on walks or a cat that was confined indoors might hide whenever someone comes over. Over time, things our pets haven’t experienced can become fearful “unknowns.”
Prior negative or traumatic experiences leave lasting impressions. These experiences can seed anxiety around specific triggers (e.g. loud cars, vet smells, strangers) or more broadly (general fearfulness). Here are just a few examples:
A dog that was attacked or chased may react fearfully to strangers or other dogs.
A pet who had a bad veterinary visit might dread being handled or going to the clinic.
A rescue animal often has an unknown history that may include neglect, abandonment, or abuse.
Pets thrive on predictability so disruptions can be stressful. Here’s a list of just a few changes that can disturb your pet’s routine:
Moving home
Redecorating
Adding a new pet or person
Changes in the family schedule (working from home, children leaving, etc.)
Renovations with loud noises
Even the smallest of changes like new furniture, different feeding spots etc can all add “stress load.” If multiple changes stack up, the pet’s coping ability may be overwhelmed.
Anxiety can be triggered or exacerbated by medical problems. Most pain or discomfort (e.g. arthritis, dental disease, injury) can make a pet more irritable or worried. Illnesses that affect neurological functioning or hormonal balance may also influence behaviour. When it comes to other issues like sensory decline (hearing loss, vision impairment), your pet might be more cautious and anxious in unfamiliar settings.
Just as people differ in personality, pets have individual temperaments:
Some animals are naturally more cautious, reactive, or sensitive.
Certain breeds, lines, or individual genetic traits may incline pets to be more anxious.
Early-life influences (maternal care, litter environment) also shape their resilience to stress.
So your pet might have a lower “stress threshold” — meaning that even modest triggers provoke stronger reactions.
Pets need outlets for physical and mental energy. If those are lacking, boredom and frustration can manifest as anxious behaviours (pacing, destructive chewing, vocalising). Not to mention a lack of “safe space” or routine can make them feel insecure. You should check if your pet’s routine and their environment is meeting their wellbeing needs.
Signs like lip-licking, yawning (when not tired), turning head away, slowing, or partial freezing are early indicators.
If those signs are ignored, stress may escalate to full-blown behaviors: panting, shaking, pacing, hiding, growling or lunging.
Owners sometimes misinterpret these as “bad behaviour,” inadvertently reinforcing the anxiety (e.g., scolding a dog for hiding instead of helping it feel safe).
Rule out medical causes
Always start with a vet checkup. Pain, illness, or sensory decline can underlie behaviour changes.
Reduce triggers, manage environment
Identify and minimise known stressors (e.g. avoid peak traffic times, use quieter routes).
Provide “safe zones” — comfortable, quiet areas where your pet can retreat.
Use gradual desensitisation: expose them carefully to mild versions of their trigger, paired with positive reward, increasing only as they tolerate.
Respect subtle signals & give space
Watch for early signals like lip-licking, turning your head away, freezing, slowing.
When you see them, don’t press; give your pet distance or let them retreat.
Avoid punishing fearful behaviour — it tends to worsen anxiety.
Build confidence & positive associations
Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) when your pet stays calm near triggers.
Train with fun games and low-pressure exercises.
Offer enrichment: puzzle toys, scent work, interactive play.
Ensure physical and mental outlet
Adequate exercise (as health allows).
Mental stimulation (treat puzzles, training sessions, sniffing games).
Routine: regular feeding, walking, rest times — predictability helps.
Treat over time; patience and consistency
For many animals, reducing anxiety is gradual.
Don’t rush desensitisation — pushing too fast can worsen fear.
Track progress (notes or photos) so you can see improvement even if small.
Seek professional help when needed
If anxiety is severe, persistent, or leading to aggression, engage a qualified behaviourist or trainer experienced with fearful animals.
Sometimes a vet behaviourist may also recommend short-term medication or supplements to support training (always under professional supervision).
When your pet shows signs of anxiety, it’s not because they’re “just being difficult” — they’re responding to something real to them: fear, uncertainty, discomfort, or overload. By tuning in to their language, seeking to understand root causes, and providing compassionate support, you can help your pet feel safer, calmer, and more confident.
Changes to environment and routine - unexpected guests, moving house, trips to the vets and fireworks - can all trigger stress responses in our pets.
For constant calming, our vet-approved plug-in pheromone diffuser, Itch Chill Out is scientifically formulated to reduce anxiety and boost relaxation in cats.
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If you've ever noticed your cat acting a bit more withdrawn, hiding away, or engaging in unexpected behaviours, you might be witnessing the subtle signs of cat anxiety and stress. Keep reading for the signs of feline stress, and a magical solution – pheromone diffusers.
Let's talk about a topic that's close to many of our hearts: anxiety in dogs. Our furry friends can experience stress and anxiety just like us, and as responsible pet parents, it's essential to understand the signs, treatments, and ways to alleviate our canine companions' anxiety.
Not all cats are cool cats all the time. If your kitty is showing signs of stress or anxiety, there’s one method that’s been proven to help them feel safe, happy and relaxed, and that’s a plug-in pheromone diffuser for cats.
