Anxiety is common in both dogs and cats and can manifest in many ways. Anxiety is the anticipation of danger, whether it be unknown, imagined or real and can result in changes in the animal’s body and behaviour. Many pets demonstrate anxiety as a response to car rides, loud noises, visitors to their house, interactions with unknown people or pets, being left alone and yes, even visits to the family veterinarian.
It is important to realize that although anxiety may often result in unwanted behaviour (urination, defecation, chewing, barking and aggression) the basis of the behaviour is fear, and punishment will result in worsening the outcome and fear of the people trying to correct the behaviour in this way.
Anxious behaviour is often shaped by early development; genetics, lack of socialization and lack of exposure to new situations may all play a role in how the pet responds to certain experiences. The great news is that pets are constantly learning and can respond with time and patience to positive training techniques.
Avoidance of anxiety triggers is sometimes possible—for example, by minimizing situations like being left alone, encounters with other animals, or car rides. However, many triggers, such as thunderstorms or visitors, are often beyond a caregiver’s control. Having a visit with your veterinarian, ideally using a Fear Free approach, to ensure no other causes of anxiety are present (i.e., pain, neurologic disorders and cognitive change) and to discuss the type of anxiety can guide further treatment. In many cases, prescribed supplements or pharmaceuticals may be helpful in managing some symptoms while behavioural therapy is underway.
Positive reward based training is used to help pets build communication, confidence, elevate mood and strengthen the bond to their family members and is generally the most successful in affecting behaviour. Developing a relationship with a reward-based trainer can be invaluable, especially if they are able to either home-visit or virtually view the behaviours which are occurring.
Patient, safe, positive training is a lifelong endeavour, but worth the journey!
Dr. Kim Anderka, BSc, DVM
*This article was originally featured in The Ilderton Villager in July 2025.
