How to Soothe Anxious Pets: Practical Ways to Ease Stress
There are many factors that can cause a pet to become stressed. From tiredness and anxiousness to excessive levels of noise, pets will often react to stressful situations in very much the same way as their humans.
Luckily, there are several ways in which you can help to identify and treat your pet’s anxiety. For example, treats and toys can help, and dog tags for pets can help to give you peace of mind as well, should they go missing.
What Are the Signs of Anxiety?
As with humans, the signs of anxiety can vary between different pets, species and breeds. If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from anxiety, we highly recommend booking them in for a trip to the vet. Your vet will be able to confidently assess your pet in a professional manner and, if necessary, will be in the best position to offer help and suggestions to improve their mood.
Some common signs of anxiety include:
- Over grooming
- A noticeable increase or decrease in barking or noise levels
- Chewing on furniture or household items
- An increase in destructive behaviour
- Increased levels of aggression towards people or other animals
- Trembling and attempts to hide
-
Increased escapism tendencies
How Can My Pet’s Anxiety Be Treated?
Although there is a range of different ways that anxiety in pets can be treated, it is important to bear in mind that individual pets will respond differently to each method. If one technique doesn’t work for your pet, it may simply be worth trying another instead.
Some common ways to treat anxiety include medication (make sure to always consult your vet before administering any medication to your pet), a change in diet or exercise habits, or adapting their environment.
10 Ways to Soothe an Anxious Pet
1. Identify Signs of Anxiety
Look out for panting, shaking, pacing, whining, or withdrawal. Recognising these signs early helps you respond before the stress escalates.
2. Create a Safe Space
Designate a quiet, calm area in your home with their bed, toys, and familiar scents. Let your pet retreat there when overwhelmed.
3. Stick to a Routine
Regular feeding, walking, and play times help reduce uncertainty. Predictability builds trust and comfort in pets.
4. Teach a Calming Cue
Train your dog or cat to associate a word or action with relaxation. Practice during quiet times and reward calm behaviour.
5. Use Gentle Enrichment
Puzzles, snuffle mats, or slow treat-dispensing toys engage the mind and provide positive distraction without overstimulation.
6. Provide Daily Exercise
Physical activity can lower stress. Tailor it to your pet’s needs—walks, play sessions, or indoor games all help release tension.
7. Play Soothing Sounds
Calming music, ambient noise, or a quiet radio can reduce external stressors like fireworks or storms.
8. Consider Pressure Vests or Calming Products
Items like pressure wraps or vet-recommended diffusers and calming treats may offer comfort. Always consult your vet before starting new products.
9. Try Desensitisation Training
Gradually expose your pet to mild versions of stress triggers, paired with rewards. Over time, this helps reduce their sensitivity.
10. Avoid Punishment
Never punish a fearful pet. Use calm reassurance and reward-based methods to guide them toward confidence and calm behaviour.
If you prefer to take the approach of trial and error, there are many small things that you can easily do to help improve your pet’s mood.
- Products like Feliway for cats can help to reduce your pet’s stress levels and any issues like persistent scratching by slowly releasing soothing hormones into your pet’s environment. Catnip is another option
- Lavender drops under their collar or in their bed can also help soothe pets
- Quiet hiding places and covered beds or litter trays can give your pet somewhere private to relax and escape to when they are feeling stressed
- Food wheels and interactive treats are a great way to occupy time, providing pets with an edible reward for working out how to locate their treats
- Combat the issue of bored or restless pets by swapping toys around or introducing new toys into the mix to keep pets entertained and engaged
- Hormone-releasing collars can help to keep pets calm. Add one of our dog tags for pets to complete the look!
Although there are many ways in which we can soothe anxious pets, the best way to treat anxiety in pets is to address the problem at its root. If you know what is causing your pet to feel anxious or stressed, it is a good idea to try and combat this issue by taking steps to reduce the impact this has on your pet.
Final Thought
Supporting an anxious pet requires empathy, consistency, and suitable tools. By combining comforting routines, safe havens, gentle enrichment, and professional advice, you’ll help your companion feel calmer, more secure, and happier every day.