Key Takeaways
- Anxiety in dogs is more common than many pet owners realise, with signs ranging from subtle behavioural changes to destructive or aggressive actions.
- Dogs may develop anxiety due to separation, loud noises, lack of socialisation, or sudden changes in their environment—many of which are common in Australian households.
- Learning to identify the 15 proven signs of anxiety can help you act early to improve your dog’s emotional wellbeing.
- With the right combination of training, calming aids, and consistent routines, most dogs can experience significant relief from anxiety symptoms.
- This guide includes practical tips, expert advice, and product recommendations suitable for pet owners across Australia.
Introduction
Anxiety in dogs is a real and often overlooked condition that can deeply affect your pet’s behaviour, health, and quality of life. Just like humans, dogs experience a range of emotional states—and when fear, stress, or uncertainty becomes persistent, it can manifest as anxiety. While some dogs show obvious signs like shaking or howling, others may express their discomfort in quieter, more subtle ways.
In Australia, where dogs often enjoy outdoor lifestyles, beach visits, and backyard freedom, certain aspects of our environment—such as unpredictable storms, fireworks, or long hours alone while owners work—can trigger or worsen anxiety. For instance, a dog living in a storm-prone part of Queensland may experience chronic noise anxiety during summer months, while pets in city apartments may struggle with social or confinement-related stress.
Yet despite its prevalence, anxiety in dogs is frequently misunderstood or mistaken for bad behaviour. A dog that chews furniture, soils the house, or barks excessively may not be acting out of defiance—but rather responding to an emotional imbalance that needs attention.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common and scientifically recognised signs of anxiety in dogs, explain what causes it, and offer actionable solutions grounded in behavioural science and expert insights. Whether you're a first-time pet owner or a seasoned dog lover, understanding these signs will empower you to create a safer, more supportive environment for your four-legged companion.
What Is Dog Anxiety?
Dog anxiety is a condition in which a dog experiences persistent fear, stress, or nervousness that interferes with their wellbeing. While occasional stress is a normal part of life for both animals and humans, anxiety becomes a problem when it affects your dog’s daily behaviour, quality of life, or physical health.
Understanding the Root Cause
Anxiety in dogs can be triggered by a variety of internal and external factors. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to heightened sensitivity or fearfulness, while others develop anxiety from past trauma, poor socialisation, abrupt environmental changes, or lack of routine.
Common causes of anxiety include:
- Being left alone for long periods (especially common in Australian households where full-time work hours are the norm).
- Exposure to loud or unfamiliar noises, such as thunderstorms, construction sites, and fireworks.
- Changes in environment, like moving to a new house or adding a new family member.
- Past negative experiences with people, animals, or places.
“Dogs are creatures of habit. When routines are disrupted or safety feels threatened, anxiety can easily develop,” explains Dr. Kate Mornement, an Australian applied animal behaviourist.
Stress vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
While stress is a temporary response to a specific stimulus, anxiety is more chronic and generalised. A stressed dog might bark during a storm but recover quickly once it ends. An anxious dog, however, might remain restless, reactive, or fearful even when the trigger is gone.
This ongoing state of fear can lead to behavioural issues, physical symptoms, and even long-term health problems, such as:
- Weakened immune function
- Digestive disturbances
- Sleep disruption
- Increased aggression or reactivity
Is It Common in Australia?
Yes. In fact, anxiety in dogs is widespread across Australian households, with many owners unaware of the signs. According to a 2022 survey by the RSPCA, over 40% of Australian dog owners reported behavioural issues linked to anxiety, such as excessive barking, pacing, or destructiveness when left alone.
Certain factors unique to Australia—like severe seasonal weather, high rates of dog ownership, and long commuting times—can contribute to a higher prevalence of canine anxiety:
- Bushfires and thunderstorms, particularly in states like Queensland and Victoria, create loud, erratic environments.
- Urbanisation and construction noise in growing suburbs stress dogs used to quieter spaces.
- Isolation in rural areas may contribute to lack of socialisation, especially for working breeds like Kelpies and Heelers.
Understanding these patterns and recognising the early signs allows you to proactively manage your dog’s anxiety, creating a safer and happier environment for them to thrive.
Types of Anxiety in Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety in various forms depending on the trigger, their personality, and past experiences. Recognising the type of anxiety your dog suffers from is key to finding the most effective approach to treatment and management.
Separation Anxiety
One of the most common forms, separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes distressed after being left alone or separated from their owner. This is especially prevalent in Australia where many households have full-time workers, leaving pets home alone for extended periods. Dogs with separation anxiety may bark excessively, destroy household items, or attempt to escape when left alone.
Noise Anxiety
Dogs with noise anxiety react fearfully to loud or sudden sounds such as fireworks, thunderstorms, construction, or even household appliances. This type of anxiety is particularly significant in Australia where seasonal storms and fireworks on public holidays like New Year's Eve and Australia Day are frequent. Breeds with sensitive hearing, such as Border Collies and Greyhounds, are often more prone to noise-related stress.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety manifests when a dog becomes nervous or reactive around unfamiliar dogs, people, or crowded places. In some cases, this is due to a lack of early socialisation—an issue that became more common during COVID-19 lockdowns in Australia, when social opportunities for puppies were limited. Dogs in rural settings may also develop social anxiety due to limited exposure to other animals or humans.
Travel or Situational Anxiety
Travel anxiety can be triggered by car rides, vet visits, grooming appointments, or exposure to new environments. In Australia, where long-distance travel is common (e.g., driving from regional towns to the city), many dogs experience discomfort or disorientation during car rides. Dogs with situational anxiety may refuse to enter the car, pant excessively during travel, or become physically ill from stress.
Each type of anxiety may present similar symptoms, but the root cause and treatment approach can vary significantly. That’s why identifying the type of anxiety is critical before selecting solutions or behavioural strategies.
15 Proven Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
Anxiety in dogs doesn’t always look the same. While some signs are loud and obvious, others are subtle and easily mistaken for normal behaviour or disobedience. Below are 15 scientifically recognised signs of anxiety in dogs that every Australian pet owner should know. Each one can be a clue that your dog is struggling emotionally and may need help.
1. Excessive Barking or Howling
Frequent vocalisation—especially when you’re not home—can be a classic indicator of separation anxiety. In suburban Australian neighbourhoods or apartment complexes, this is often one of the first things neighbours notice and report.
2. Panting and Pacing
Dogs that pant and pace without a clear cause (such as heat or exercise) may be exhibiting anxiety-related stress. This is especially concerning in Australia where dogs already face high temperatures; panting due to anxiety may be mistaken for overheating.
3. Destructive Behaviour
Chewing furniture, scratching doors, tearing pillows, or digging up the yard—these are not just signs of boredom. Destructive behaviour is often a result of emotional distress, especially in high-energy working breeds like Australian Kelpies when left unstimulated.
4. Aggression or Reactivity
A sudden change in behaviour such as growling, snapping, or biting can be a defensive response to fear or anxiety. If your dog becomes reactive on walks or around guests, it may not be dominance but a cry for help.
5. Restlessness or Inability to Settle
Dogs that constantly get up, shift positions, or pace around at night may be showing internal distress. In some cases, this restlessness becomes more pronounced during weather changes—something to note during storm season in Australia.
6. Trembling or Shaking
Shaking isn’t just a small dog trait. Dogs of all sizes may tremble when exposed to anxiety triggers, such as fireworks, vet visits, or unfamiliar environments. Australian dogs often display this behaviour during thunderstorm-heavy months in states like Queensland.
7. Excessive Licking or Chewing Themselves
Dogs experiencing anxiety may excessively lick their paws or flanks, creating sores or bald spots. This self-soothing behaviour can lead to secondary skin infections if not addressed.
8. Urinating or Defecating Indoors
House-trained dogs that begin to have accidents indoors might not be misbehaving—they may be overwhelmed. This often happens during periods of change, such as a recent move, renovations, or a new family member.
9. Hiding or Trying to Escape
Dogs that wedge themselves under beds, behind furniture, or dig at doors and fences may be attempting to flee from something they perceive as threatening. During Australian fireworks displays or summer thunderstorms, these behaviours spike.
10. Changes in Appetite
A sudden disinterest in food or overeating can both signal emotional distress. Anxiety may cause digestive upset or changes in hormone levels that suppress appetite. Watch for skipped meals or sudden scavenging habits.
11. Yawning, Lip Licking, or Whale Eye
These are subtle but telling indicators of unease. Whale eye (when a dog shows the whites of its eyes) is often seen in dogs who feel cornered or uncertain—such as at the vet or in crowded parks.
12. Clingy or Velcro Behaviour
Some anxious dogs won’t let their owners out of sight. Following you from room to room, leaning against your leg, or whining when you leave the house can all be signs of emotional dependency.
13. Drooling or Vomiting
Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to excessive drooling, especially during car rides or stressful events. Some dogs may even vomit when overstimulated or frightened.
14. Hypervigilance
Dogs that constantly scan the environment, freeze at distant sounds, or stare at doorways are displaying a heightened state of alertness. This is common in anxious dogs, particularly those recently adopted or rehomed.
15. Freezing or Shutting Down
A dog that becomes still, stiff, or unresponsive is often in a state of learned helplessness—an advanced sign of chronic anxiety. This can be mistaken for calmness but may indicate internal distress.
Recognising these signs early allows you to take the necessary steps to reduce your dog’s anxiety before it leads to further behavioural or health problems. Many of these symptoms are subtle and easy to overlook, so it’s important to observe patterns over time and respond compassionately.
How to Respond to Dog Anxiety
Understanding that your dog is experiencing anxiety is only the first step. Knowing how to respond appropriately and compassionately can make all the difference. The wrong response—such as punishment or ignoring the issue—can actually worsen your dog’s emotional state. Below are practical, vet-recommended strategies to help you respond effectively and build your dog’s emotional resilience.
Do Not Punish Anxious Behaviours
It’s essential to understand that behaviours such as barking, chewing, or trembling are symptoms of distress, not disobedience. Yelling at or scolding your dog for showing anxiety-driven behaviours can increase their stress levels and damage the trust between you.
Dogs aren’t being “naughty” when they destroy a cushion while you're out—they may be experiencing panic. Instead of reacting with anger, take a step back and evaluate what triggered the behaviour.
Maintain a Calm and Predictable Demeanour
Dogs are exceptionally perceptive and can pick up on their owner’s mood. When you remain calm and steady, it provides a sense of security for your pet. This is particularly important in high-stress situations like thunderstorm season in northern Australia or busy holidays where fireworks are common.
Use a gentle tone of voice, slow movements, and relaxed posture when interacting with your dog, especially during episodes of anxiety.
Avoid Known Triggers Where Possible
While it’s not always realistic to avoid every anxiety trigger, some can be managed or minimised:
- During firework-heavy nights, such as New Year’s Eve or Australia Day, bring your dog indoors, close the windows, and use white noise or calming music to drown out external sounds.
- Limit exposure to crowded dog parks if your dog struggles with social anxiety. Opt for quieter times of day or open spaces with fewer dogs.
- Avoid car travel before your dog is properly conditioned for it, especially on long rural drives common across Australia.
Understanding and reducing exposure to your dog’s individual triggers is a key part of anxiety management.
Use Positive Reinforcement to Build Confidence
Reward calm behaviour with treats, affection, or play. For example, if your dog remains calm during a thunderstorm, even for a few minutes, reinforce that behaviour with praise and a special treat. Over time, these associations can reshape how your dog responds to stress.
Australian trainers often recommend high-value treats like cooked chicken or liver snacks when working with anxious dogs. Make sure rewards are immediate and consistent to be effective.
Observe and Document
Keep a log of your dog’s anxiety symptoms and when they occur. Note the time of day, environment, and possible triggers. Over time, this will help you identify patterns and make more informed decisions, especially when working with a vet or behaviourist.
For example, if you notice that your dog consistently shows signs of anxiety around 3 PM during the wet season in Brisbane, it may correlate with incoming storms or neighbourhood activity.
Taking a thoughtful, empathetic approach can make a meaningful difference. While some anxiety can be mild and situational, persistent symptoms should not be ignored. The next step is taking action to create a supportive environment where your dog feels safe and secure.
Helping Your Dog Feel Safe: Practical Solutions
Helping an anxious dog feel secure involves more than simply avoiding stressors. It’s about proactively building emotional stability, creating a calming environment, and introducing tools or strategies that promote a sense of safety and control. Below are practical solutions widely supported by veterinarians, trainers, and behaviourists—including those across Australia.
Desensitisation and Counterconditioning
These are long-term behaviour modification techniques that gradually change how your dog reacts to anxiety triggers.
Desensitisation involves slowly exposing your dog to the trigger at a low intensity, such as playing thunderstorm sounds quietly during playtime. Over time, the volume is increased as the dog learns not to associate the noise with fear.
Counterconditioning pairs the trigger with something positive—like treats or toys—so your dog forms a new, pleasant association with the trigger.
Example: If your dog is afraid of car rides:
- Start by rewarding calm behaviour simply near the car.
- Gradually progress to sitting inside with the engine off.
- Then short, rewarding drives.
For detailed guidance, the Delta Institute Australia offers educational resources and certified trainers experienced in anxiety-focused behaviour work.
Create a Safe Space at Home
Every anxious dog needs a designated retreat zone—a place where they feel protected. This could be a crate with a soft mat, a quiet bedroom, or a corner with calming aids.
In Australia, where homes often have outdoor access, it's especially important to create a quiet indoor space during storms or fireworks. Use blackout curtains, a white noise machine or soft classical music, and scent diffusers with calming pheromones like Adaptil.
Many Australian owners find success using calming dog beds—especially those with raised rims and plush material—to replicate the sensation of being cradled or snuggled.
Enrichment and Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is a powerful antidote to anxiety, especially in intelligent or high-energy breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, and Kelpies.
Consider the following:
- Interactive treat puzzles
- Snuffle mats to encourage foraging
- Scent-based games
- Short, frequent training sessions
- Rotating toys to prevent boredom
Enrichment helps reduce idle time when anxiety can build and makes the dog’s brain work in positive, engaging ways.
Routine and Predictability
Dogs thrive on structure and routine, especially those prone to anxiety. Try to maintain a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and rest. This is particularly helpful in households where work schedules may vary—such as FIFO workers in Western Australia or shift workers in health or emergency services.
Consistent routines reduce your dog’s cognitive load, making them feel more in control of their environment.
Calming Aids and Natural Supplements
Australia has a growing market of safe, vet-recommended calming products. While not a replacement for training, these aids can support anxiety management:
- Adaptil diffusers or collars (contain synthetic pheromones that mimic a mother dog’s calming scent)
- Thundershirts or anxiety vests, which apply gentle pressure to reduce fear response
- Natural supplements like Zylkene or L-theanine (consult your vet before use)
- Calming chews available through reputable Australian pet stores
Many of these are stocked at PetCareShed and have helped customers manage noise anxiety, travel stress, and separation discomfort with their dogs.
If these strategies are used consistently and in combination, they can form a powerful foundation for helping your dog feel calm and confident. However, in some cases, professional help is still necessary.
When to See a Vet or Behaviourist
While many dogs benefit from at-home strategies and routine adjustments, some cases of anxiety require professional intervention. Ignoring severe anxiety symptoms can lead to chronic stress, physical health issues, and dangerous behaviours such as biting or escape attempts.
Warning Signs That Professional Help Is Needed
You should consider speaking with your vet or a qualified behaviourist if your dog exhibits any of the following:
- Anxiety symptoms that interfere with daily life (e.g. won't eat, can't be left alone, reacts aggressively)
- Physical symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or self-injury
- Repeated escape behaviours, including digging under fences or bolting from the home
- Escalating aggression, even in familiar situations
- Inability to settle or rest for long periods
- No improvement after consistent at-home management
“Persistent anxiety in dogs can result in chronic health conditions and significantly reduce quality of life,” says Dr. Katrina Warren, one of Australia’s most recognised veterinarians and pet behaviour experts.
Role of the Veterinarian
Your first step should be your local vet. They will:
- Rule out medical conditions that may mimic anxiety (e.g. pain, neurological issues)
- Recommend short-term anti-anxiety medications or natural calming supplements
- Refer you to a veterinary behaviourist if the case is complex
Veterinary Behaviourists in Australia
Veterinary behaviourists are highly trained professionals who specialise in complex anxiety and aggression cases. While they’re limited in number across Australia, especially in rural areas, they offer tailored behaviour modification plans and medication management when needed.
For dog owners in regional towns or remote communities, telehealth options may be available through:
- Australian Veterinary Behaviour Services (AVBS)
- The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)
Qualified Dog Trainers and Behaviour Consultants
Not all behaviour issues require medication. In many cases, working with a qualified positive reinforcement trainer is enough to reverse or manage anxiety. Look for professionals accredited through:
A trainer experienced in anxiety-related behaviours will:
- Help identify triggers
- Teach counterconditioning and desensitisation techniques
- Guide you through gradual behaviour change without punishment
Getting the right support early can prevent anxiety from becoming a lifelong burden. It also empowers you to give your dog the emotional tools they need to feel secure, calm, and connected to their environment.
How Anxiety Affects Health and Wellbeing
While anxiety may begin as a behavioural issue, it can quickly escalate into a serious health concern if left untreated. Chronic stress doesn't just affect your dog’s mood—it impacts their immune system, digestion, sleep quality, and even lifespan.
The Physical Toll of Chronic Stress
When dogs are anxious for prolonged periods, their bodies remain in a state of heightened alert, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can cause:
- Weakened immune response: Increased susceptibility to infections, delayed wound healing
- Gastrointestinal upset: Vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite caused by hormone imbalances
- Cardiovascular strain: Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Hormonal disruption: Affecting metabolism and behaviour
- Poor sleep quality: Which leads to irritability and slower cognitive function
A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports found that dogs with high anxiety levels had measurably higher cortisol levels in their hair, showing the long-term physiological impact of stress.
Behavioural Degradation
Unmanaged anxiety can snowball into secondary behavioural issues. These include:
- Increased aggression or defensiveness due to chronic fear
- Destructive behaviours escalating over time as a coping mechanism
- Withdrawal and learned helplessness, where a dog becomes emotionally shut down
What may start as whining during thunderstorms can progress into a full-blown panic disorder, especially if no support is offered early on.
Impact on the Human-Animal Bond
Anxiety can also put emotional strain on the relationship between pet and owner. Frustration builds when owners mistake anxiety symptoms for bad behaviour, and guilt sets in when the dog's quality of life visibly declines.
In Australia, where dogs are considered part of the family and often accompany their owners to cafés, dog beaches, or on holidays, anxiety can become a barrier to social inclusion and shared experiences.
Recognising the seriousness of untreated anxiety helps pet owners prioritise their dog’s emotional health as part of routine pet care, not an optional extra. Just as we brush teeth and vaccinate, emotional wellness deserves the same proactive approach.
Expert Tips from Australian Trainers and Behaviourists
In Australia, where dogs are widely embraced as family members and active companions, the importance of understanding and managing anxiety is growing. Leading trainers and behaviourists around the country offer evidence-based, humane advice to help dogs feel more secure in their daily lives.
1. Prioritise Predictability
“Dogs thrive on predictability. A stable routine lowers anxiety levels because dogs begin to understand what’s going to happen next,” says Dr. Kate Mornement, a Melbourne-based animal behaviourist and consultant at Pets Behaving Badly.
Australian families often face schedule disruptions due to shift work, FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) jobs, or school holidays. Experts recommend anchoring the day around regular events like walks, meals, and rest—even if the exact timing changes slightly.
2. Use Management, Not Just Training
Steve Austin, a well-known Australian dog trainer, emphasises managing the environment alongside training.
“If a dog is scared of storms, don't leave them alone in the yard in the middle of summer hoping they’ll toughen up. Bring them inside and give them a place where they feel safe.”
This aligns with a preventive approach—removing or softening triggers before training is introduced.
3. Reinforce Calm Behaviour, Don’t Just Correct Bad Behaviour
The Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDT) advocates for positive reinforcement.
Rather than focusing on stopping unwanted behaviours, they suggest rewarding calm and relaxed actions. For example:
- Give a treat when your dog rests quietly during a thunderstorm.
- Offer praise when they choose to retreat to their bed rather than bark at the window.
This teaches your dog what to do, not just what not to do.
4. Understand Breed-Specific Needs
Some Australian breeds—like the Kelpie, Australian Cattle Dog, and Border Collie—require more mental stimulation than others. Without it, they are more prone to developing anxiety-based behaviours out of frustration or lack of purpose.
“Mental exhaustion is just as important as physical tiredness. A 10-minute training session can go further than a 30-minute walk,” notes trainer Lyndal Huxley, who works with high-drive breeds in New South Wales.
5. Choose Professionals with Fear-Free Certification
Look for trainers and behaviourists who follow Fear-Free or Low-Stress Handling principles. These methods are gaining traction across Australia and focus on reducing fear and anxiety in every interaction, whether during grooming, vet visits, or training.
Resources for finding certified professionals:
With expert guidance, your dog can learn to cope with anxiety in healthier, more adaptive ways. These trainers don’t just work on obedience—they aim to improve emotional resilience and trust.
Recommended Products from PetCareShed to Reduce Dog Anxiety
While training, behaviour modification, and environmental changes are the foundation for managing anxiety, the right products can offer immediate comfort and support—especially when used as part of a holistic strategy. At PetCareShed, we offer a curated range of anxiety-reducing products that Australian pet owners trust.
Calming Dog Beds
Specially designed with raised rims and plush materials, calming beds create a “nesting” sensation that promotes a sense of security.
Benefits:
- Ideal for dogs that seek out corners or curl up tightly when anxious
- Excellent during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when left alone
- Machine washable and made with breathable material—perfect for the Australian climate
These beds are particularly effective for small breeds or dogs recovering from trauma.
Interactive Treat Toys
Mental stimulation helps channel nervous energy into a healthy activity. Our collection of puzzle feeders, lick mats, and slow-release treat toys are excellent tools for distraction and confidence building.
Best suited for:
- Working breeds like Kelpies and Border Collies
- Dogs with separation anxiety or boredom-related stress
- Use during car travel or crate time
Australian pet owners often find these tools useful during long rainy days or periods when outdoor walks aren't possible.
Pet Anxiety Vests
Compression garments such as anxiety vests work by applying gentle, constant pressure around the dog’s torso—similar to swaddling a baby. This can reduce fear during high-stress events like storms, fireworks, or travel.
Use cases:
- During loud seasonal events (e.g. Australia Day celebrations)
- Vet visits or grooming appointments
- Moving house or introducing new pets
They are lightweight, breathable, and easy to use with most breeds.
Soft Harnesses with Chest Padding
Many dogs develop anxiety on walks due to discomfort or negative past experiences with collars or traditional harnesses. Our soft-padded harnesses reduce rubbing and offer better control, improving the walking experience.
Benefits:
- Designed to avoid pressure on the throat or shoulders
- Helps prevent pulling or lunging without causing discomfort
- Available in sizes suited for both toy breeds and large working dogs
A better-fitting, gentle harness can help your dog feel more confident outdoors—especially in busy Australian suburbs or parks.
All products offered at PetCareShed are selected with guidance from pet behaviourists and customer feedback. We prioritise comfort, durability, and ease of use—because your dog’s peace of mind is worth investing in.
FAQs
Q1: Is anxiety more common in certain Australian dog breeds?
Yes. Breeds with high energy and intelligence—like Australian Kelpies, Border Collies, and Australian Cattle Dogs—tend to develop anxiety if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. Similarly, smaller companion breeds like Cavoodles or Maltese can experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods, which is common in working households.
Q2: Can I treat my dog's anxiety naturally?
In many cases, yes. Behavioural training, calming aids, enriched environments, and routine adjustments are effective for mild to moderate anxiety. Products like pheromone diffusers, herbal chews, and interactive toys can support your efforts. However, for more severe cases, natural approaches should be combined with professional guidance.
Q3: Are anxiety medications safe and legal in Australia?
Yes, but they must be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. Medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) or clonidine are used in Australia under veterinary supervision to manage severe or chronic anxiety. These are typically prescribed alongside behavioural training and should never be given without proper diagnosis.
Q4: Do certain Australian environments increase anxiety risk?
Absolutely. Australian dogs face unique environmental stressors, including:
- Loud thunderstorms, especially in Queensland and NSW
- Fireworks during holidays
- Heatwaves, which can limit outdoor activities and increase frustration
- Isolation in rural properties, where social interaction may be limited
Recognising how local environments affect your dog’s emotional wellbeing can help you prepare and adjust routines accordingly.
Q5: What should I do if I can’t find a dog behaviourist locally?
Access to veterinary behaviourists is limited in rural or remote areas of Australia. However, many professionals now offer teleconsultations. You can also work with Delta- or APDT-certified trainers who specialise in anxiety. Be cautious of unqualified trainers or those who promote punishment-based methods, which can worsen anxiety.
Conclusion
Anxiety in dogs is more than just a behavioural quirk—it’s a genuine emotional state that affects your pet’s wellbeing, quality of life, and relationship with you. As Australian pet owners, we’re fortunate to share our lives with dogs in a wide range of environments, from busy urban centres to quiet rural towns. But with those unique lifestyles come equally unique triggers: thunderstorms, long workdays, fireworks, or isolation.
Recognising the 15 proven signs of anxiety in dogs—from excessive barking to destructive behaviour or shutdown responses—can empower you to act early. Whether it’s creating a safe retreat, introducing enriching toys, or using calming aids, the right interventions can make a profound difference in your dog’s emotional resilience.
More importantly, don’t hesitate to seek help. Vets, behaviourists, and qualified trainers across Australia are available to support you. With consistent care, compassion, and the right tools, even severely anxious dogs can learn to feel safe, confident, and secure.
Remember, anxiety is not your dog being difficult—it’s your dog asking for help. And with your understanding and support, that help is within reach.
