Understanding Canine Anxiety and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
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 knowing what to do 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 should be evaluated by your veterinarian. This helps rule out treatable or curable medical causes, such as pain or illness, before assuming it’s purely behavioral. Early, thorough intervention is most likely to be successful.
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?
Managing anxiety requires a multifaceted approach:
Positive Reinforcement Training
This means rewarding calm, desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play.
It does not mean punishing unwanted behaviors, which can increase fear and anxiety.
If you’ve been consistent with positive reinforcement training and your dog is still struggling, it may be time to consult a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. These specialists can create tailored plans for dogs with severe or persistent anxiety.
Adapting Routines
Predictable schedules help reduce stress.
Gradual exposure to triggers can build resilience.
Regular Exercise—Mental and Physical
Physical activity helps release energy. Dogs with inadequate exercise can become destructive, anxious, or disengaged.
Puzzle toys, training games, and sniff-based activities provide mental enrichment.
Medication as a Tool (Not a Standalone Solution)
Prescription medications can reduce anxiety enough for your dog to participate in training and learn new behaviors.
The goal is often to wean off medications as the dog builds coping skills.
Important caution: Some medications can reduce inhibitions and may increase aggressive behaviors.
Supplements and Products for Anxiety
Some supplements and supportive products may help dogs with anxiety:
Probiotics: have shown promise in improving mood and reducing stress. (Bifidobacterium)
L-Theanine and Tryptophan: commonly used in canine anxiety supplements, but current data proving their effectiveness is limited and inconsistent. While some dogs may benefit, results are not guaranteed.
Pheromone products (such as diffusers or collars): may help create a calming environment and reduce anxiety in some dogs.
Some supplements contain active ingredients similar to prescription medications.
⚠️ Important safety note: Supplements can interact with medications and, in some cases, lead to serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition caused by too much serotonin in the body. Signs include agitation, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, tremors, and seizures. Always talk with your veterinarian before starting any supplement or product, especially if your dog is already on prescription medication.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)
Anxiety can also be a symptom of canine cognitive dysfunction, a condition often compared to dementia in people. It typically develops in older dogs and can cause:
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 their 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, supplements, environmental enrichment, predictable routines, and veterinary guidance to help your senior dog live a fuller, more comfortable life.
Supplements:
Vitamin E: acts as an antioxidant to reduce brain cell damage. (senilife or activait)
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 healthy nerve and brain function and may help slow cognitive decline. (senilife)
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 management, including training, lifestyle adjustments, and appropriate use of medication or supplements, you can give your dog the best chance at a calmer, happier, and healthier life.
Dog Sense contains information related to veterinary health care. This is intended as educational and does not replace the advice of your veterinarian. If you have concerns about your dog's health it is recommended that you seek your veterinarian’s advice. 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.