As our dogs grow and change, so do their behaviors. Sometimes these changes are a normal part of life, and other times they may signal an underlying medical or behavioral issue. Two common concerns that often affect dogs, sometimes even at the same time, are anxiety and canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Recognizing the signs early and understanding typical management approaches can make a tremendous difference in your dog’s quality of life.
What Does Anxiety Look Like in Dogs?
Anxiety in dogs doesn’t always look like “fear” in the way we might expect. It can appear as:
Repetitive behaviors (pacing, circling, excessive licking)
Aggressive behaviors (snapping, growling, lunging)
Fearful behaviors (hiding, trembling, cowering)
Destructive behaviors (chewing, digging, clawing doors when left alone)
Any change in behavior is best evaluated by your veterinarian. This helps rule out treatable or curable medical causes, such as pain or illness, before assuming a change purely behavioral. Early, thorough evaluation and support are most likely to be helpful.
When to Be Concerned
You should seek professional help when anxiety causes your dog to:
Become a safety risk to themselves or others, especially if triggers are unpredictable
Interfere with daily routines (refusing to go for walks, difficulty being left alone)
Affect basic needs (eating, drinking, sleeping, or toileting patterns)
What Can You Do?
Anxiety management often involves a multifaceted approach, guided by veterinary input and adjusted over time.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Focuses on rewarding calm, desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play.
It does not mean punishing unwanted behaviors, which can increase fear and anxiety.
For dogs with severe or persistent anxiety, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist may be involved as a part of a comprehensive veterinary-guided plan.
Adapting Routines
Predictable schedules are often associated with reduced stress.
Gradual, structured exposure to triggers is commonly used in behavior modification plans to help build resilience with professional guidance.
Regular Exercise—Mental and Physical
Physical activity helps release energy, and inadequate exercise is commonly associated with destructive, anxious, or disengaged behaviors.
Puzzle toys, training games, and sniff-based activities are widely used to support mental enrichment.
Medication as a Tool (Not a Standalone Solution)
Prescription medications are sometimes used to reduce anxiety enough for a dog to participate in training and learn new behaviors.
In many cases, medication plans are adjusted over time as coping skills improve, though long term use may be appropriate for some dogs.
Important caution: Some medications can reduce inhibitions and, in certain dogs, may increase aggressive behaviors.
Supplements and Products for Anxiety
Some supplements and supportive products are commonly discussed as part of anxiety support in dogs:
Probiotics: have shown promise in improving mood and reducing stress. (Bifidobacterium)
L-Theanine and Tryptophan: commonly included in canine anxiety supplements, though available evidence is limited and results are varialble.
Pheromone products (such as diffusers or collars): may help create a calming environment and reduce anxiety in some dogs.
Some supplements contain active ingredients that overlap with prescription medications.
⚠️ Important safety note: Supplements can interact with medications and, in some cases, contribute to serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition caused by excessive serotonin activity. Signs include agitation, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, tremors, and seizures. Always talk with your veterinarian before adding any supplement or product, particularly if your dog is already on prescription medication.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)
Anxiety can also be a symptom of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a condition often compared to dementia in people. It typically develops in older dogs and may include:
Disorientation (getting stuck in corners, staring into space)
Changes in sleep-wake cycles (pacing at night, restlessness)
Loss of house training
Decreased interest in family interactions
New or increased anxiety
When to Be Concerned with CCD
If your dog shows changes that disrupt normal routines or quality of life, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Early recognition and supportive care can slow progression and improve daily comfort.
Supporting Brain Health
While there is no cure for CCD, a combination of supplements, environmental enrichment, predictable routines, and veterinary guidance can help support senior dogs live a fuller, more comfortable life.
Supplements, commonly discussed for cognitive support may include:
Vitamin E: acts as an antioxidant to reduce brain cell damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA): support nerve cell function and brain health.
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine): supports liver health and helps protect brain cells by improving antioxidant activity and neurotransmitter function.
B Vitamins: support nerve and brain health and are often included in cognitive support formulations.
Environmental enrichment keeps your dog’s brain active and engaged.
Scent-based games like using snuffle mats to encourage foraging behavior or exploration of novel areas
Short, gentle training sessions that review familiar cues or teach simple new tricks, such as “touch” or “find it,” to reinforce focus and memory.
Safe exploration on walks, allowing your dog extra time to sniff and investigate their environment. If you want exercise for yourself or other dogs, bringing your senior in a pet stroller with a couple short exploration breaks can get everyone what they need.
Predictable routines help reduce anxiety and confusion for dogs with CCD.
Keep feeding, walking, and bedtime at the same times each day.
Maintain a consistent environment—avoid moving furniture or food/water bowls unless necessary. (Read Ergonomics for Dogs HERE to help identify appropriate adaptations)
Use soft lighting or night lights to help your dog navigate more easily in the dark.
Establish a calm, comforting evening routine that signals it’s time to rest, such as gentle petting, quiet music, or a reading aloud to them.
Together, these approaches can improve your senior dog’s quality of life and sense of security. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements, as they may interact with other medications or health conditions.
Anxiety and cognitive decline can be challenging, but you are not alone in helping your dog navigate these conditions. With early recognition, thoughtful long-term management, and partnership with your veterinary team, including training, lifestyle adjustments, and appropriate use of medication or supplements, you can support your dog’s comfort, safety, and quality of life.
Dog Sense contains information related to veterinary health care and does not replace veterinary advice. For any concerns about your dog's health, consult your veterinarian. Dog Sense content is not individual advice and should be considered in the context of your dog’s individual health needs.
Dr. C, DVM - a veterinarian who has worked in private practice and animal welfare while occasionally donating her time to research to improve the safety of animal products. Working in animal welfare inspired her to pursue opportunities that foster open educational dialogue that meet people where they are in their lives. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, hiking, and cooking with her family.