“Nervousness in dogs can lead to ongoing behavioural issues if not properly understood and managed.”
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As dog owners, we all want to provide the best care for our furry friends.
So when they start displaying nervousness – whether it’s from a visit to the vet or when you leave them at home alone – it can be incredibly distressing.
Whilst it’s normal for dogs to experience anxiety from time to time, left untreated, it can cause a host of unwanted destructive behaviours that can stay with them over their lifetime.
The good news is that nervousness in dogs can be treated.
Signs of nervousness in dogs
Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety. It’s a normal primal response to potential danger that can affect all dog breeds.
There are a number of tell-tale signs that you can look for in your dog:
- Self-harm, including excessive licking or biting
- Barking or howling when you leave the house
- Digging
- Escaping the backyard
- Urinating and defecating in the house
- Panting and pacing (even when it’s not hot)
- Shivering or trembling
- Tail tucked
- Hiding and withdrawal
Get expert advice to treat nervousness in your dog
The best approach for treating nervousness in your dog is to talk with your vet. They can help in a number of ways, including to:
- identify the type of anxiety and possible causes and triggers
- determine if the anxiety is simply situational or an overwhelming issue for your dog
- rule out any other medical conditions or concerns
- prepare a treatment plan including training strategies customised to your dog’s needs
If your dog experiences anxiety visiting a veterinary practice, you should try using a mobile vet service, like Vetaround. This can help to reduce any stress inducing responses, allowing you to get expert advice and support in the comfort of your home.
Preventing nervousness in your puppy
Separation anxiety is a common cause of nervousness in dogs. Being left alone in the house can be incredibly distressing – especially for a young puppy.
That’s why it’s crucial to introduce effective training strategies early on.
It might feel difficult at first, but leaving your puppy for short periods of time every day is the best strategy to start.
Make sure they have access to a safe, secure space or crate with water and toys.
Each day you can increase the period of time you leave. This will help your puppy to gain confidence in being alone and prevent nervousness as he or she grows.
Managing your dog’s nervousness when you are away
Separation anxiety isn’t exclusive to puppies. All dogs can experience it at any age.
If that is the case for your dog, here are some helpful training strategies you can use:
- Exercise your dog before you leave the house so they are tired.
- Start off with leaving the house for short periods of time and increase the duration.
- Change your ‘leaving’ signals. Use a different door when leaving, put your shoes on but don’t leave for 10 minutes, leave your keys/handbag in a different location.
- Leave your dog with recently worn clothes that smell like you.
- Don’t make a big deal out of leaving and returning home – ignore your dog for the first 10 minutes before calmly petting him or her.
- Leave stimulating toys such as Kong balls so your dog has a distraction to keep them busy while you are gone.
Managing your dog’s nervousness when working from home
Working from home and being around your dog can seem like a dream come true for many dog owners. However, for your dog the sudden change of routine can feel disruptive and overwhelming.
Here are some helpful training strategies to consider when you start working from home:
- Just like humans, dogs thrive on structure. The best thing you can do is keep a similar structure and schedule with them as if you’re going to work.
- A tired dog is a good dog. Provide your dog with lots of physical and mental stimulation, including extra walks and structured playing inside the house, such as using tug toys or their favourite ball – the time away from your work will be good for both of you!
- Provide your dog with their own dedicated space, whether it’s a dog bed or a crate, where they can go to rest while you work.
“Simple changes to routine and environment can help reduce anxiety and support more balanced behaviour.”
Helping your dog lead a more stress-free life
Treating your dog for nervousness will ultimately help them to lead a more confident and comfortable life. With the support of a qualified vet you can introduce strategies and treatments to effectively treat their anxiety.
Vetaround Sydney Mobile Vet Service provides high quality, comprehensive and personalised pet veterinary care in the comfort of your own home. This can be particularly helpful if your dog gets anxious visiting a vet practice.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help treat nervousness in your dog.
Key Takeaways
- Nervous behaviour can present in different ways
Signs such as barking, pacing, hiding or destructive behaviour may indicate underlying anxiety. - Early training plays a role in prevention
Gradual exposure to being alone can help build confidence, particularly in puppies. - Consistent routines support behaviour management
Structured exercise, feeding and daily patterns can help reduce stress and improve stability. - In-home veterinary support may reduce stress during assessment
Mobile vet consultations allow anxious dogs to be assessed in a familiar environment, which can support calmer handling.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs of anxiety in dogs at home?
Dogs may show anxiety through behaviours such as excessive barking, pacing, hiding or destructive activity. Physical signs can include panting, trembling or a tucked tail. These behaviours can vary depending on the situation and severity.
How can I help my dog with separation anxiety when I leave the house?
Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration. Providing a safe space with toys and familiar items can help them feel more secure. Regular exercise before leaving may also reduce restlessness.
Can working from home affect my dog’s behaviour?
Yes, changes in routine can be disruptive for some dogs. Maintaining a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and rest can help them adjust. Providing a dedicated space for your dog to settle while you work can also support calmer behaviour.
When should I seek veterinary advice for my dog’s nervous behaviour?
If anxiety-related behaviours are ongoing, worsening or affecting your dog’s wellbeing, it is worth seeking veterinary advice. A vet can help identify triggers and rule out underlying medical conditions. They can also guide you on appropriate management strategies.
What training strategies can help reduce nervousness in dogs?
Gradual exposure to triggers, consistent routines and positive reinforcement can all support behaviour improvement. Avoid reinforcing anxious behaviour by keeping departures and arrivals calm. Providing toys for stimulation can also help redirect focus.
Can a mobile vet help with anxious dogs that dislike clinic visits?
Yes, a mobile vet can assess your dog in your home environment, which may reduce stress compared to a clinic visit. This allows for observation of behaviour in familiar surroundings. It can also make handling more controlled during the consultation.