Anxiety in Dogs and Cats

Many of us are familiar with anxiety, either directly or through someone we know, but did you know that it can also affect our dogs and cats? It is not always easy to recognise when a pet is suffering from anxiety, as signs can be subtle and intermittent, but being aware of the common symptoms of anxiety can help owners identify this condition, so veterinary treatment can be accessed early.

What causes anxiety?

Pets can become anxious when faced with a situation they find stressful or unpleasant. Sometimes, they may anticipate this event occurring and show signs of increased reactivity, fear, or even aggression as a result.

Many situations occur in daily life that pets may find stressful, including:

Separation anxiety – This more commonly affects dogs when they are left alone and can be difficult to identify because the signs may only be shown when you are not at home.
A change to the environment – Cats may find any changes to their environment stressful, including sending your pet to a cattery, having people working in your home, having visitors to stay, or a usual member of the household being absent.
Travelling – Both dogs and cats can find travelling stressful, especially if they anticipate it to be a negative Cats may show their dislike of travelling by being difficult to get into their carrier, or they may even hide just at the sight of their carrier.
Loud noises – This is most commonly a problem around fireworks night and New Year. Owners can help keep their pet safe and as calm as possible by taking precautions such as keeping cats indoors, being careful when exercising dogs, and creating a safe place for them.
Other pets – Cats living in a multi-cat household may not get on with each other. Anxiety may develop if the cats are forced to interact together g. if they all are fed in the same place. Outdoor cats can also develop anxiety towards other cats living in the neighbourhood and this may make them reluctant to go outside.

Not all pets will find these events stressful, but if you feel that your pet is suffering from anxiety and struggling to deal with one of these situations, speak to one of our vets for help and advice.

Signs of anxiety in pets

For many pets, the signs of anxiety may be subtle and hard to recognise, which can make it easy for owners to miss the early signs. However, if you feel your pet’s behaviour has changed recently, this could be an early indication of a problem, so it can be useful to speak to one of our vets for reassurance.

Common signs of anxiety in dogs

Pacing
Salivating excessively
Yawning
Licking lips
Panting
Holding ears back
Becoming excessively excited when you return home after your pet has been on their own
Loss of house training – Urinating or defecating in inappropriate places
Destroying furniture
Barking/vocalisation

Common signs of anxiety in cats

Excessive grooming leading to hair loss
Skin problems
Urinating in inappropriate locations
Recurrent episodes of cystitis (bladder infection)
Hiding for long periods of time
Increased vocalisation
Aggressive behaviours
Change in appetite
Not wanting to play
Jumpy behaviour or overreacting
Not wanting to go outside and spending more time indoors (or vice versa)

Not every pet will show every sign of anxiety, so if you notice any unusual symptoms, you should bring your pet in for a health check with one of our vets. Some symptoms of anxiety can also indicate that your pet may be unwell, so our vets will usually rule out any health conditions first.

How to help your pet cope with anxiety

There are several simple lifestyle changes that you can make at home to help reduce your pet’s anxiety levels. These changes can be beneficial for all pets and can also be used to help prevent problems from developing in the future.

Provide your pet with a safe space – For dogs this may be a covered area behind the back of a sofa, or a covered crate with the door left open. They should always have access to this space so they can use it whenever they need Cats will prefer to have the option to be higher up in a room where they feel safer. You could provide your cat with shelving, allowing them the option to stay out of reach if they feel stressed.
Only leave your pet alone for short periods of time – Minimise the time your pet is alone by having a family member or friend check on your pet, or you could use the services of a pet sitter to reduce the time your pet is alone
Provide increased resources for multi-cat households – Make sure there is one more water and food bowl, litter tray and hiding place than the number of The bowls and litter trays should be put in various locations throughout your house so cats can choose to avoid each other.
Pheromones – Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats are pheromones you can use around your house to help reduce your pet’s stress They can even be used in advance of any changes e.g. having building work done. There is a range of pheromone products available, so speak to one of our vets for help choosing the most suitable product for your pet.
Never punish your pet and remain calm – Punishing your pet for showing an undesirable behaviour g. urinating in the house, will not help your pet and can quickly cause the behaviour to worsen. Instead, remain calm around your pet and reward them when they show the behaviour you are looking for. If you are struggling with your pet’s behaviour, speak to one of our vets for help and advice.

Anxiety is a long-term condition, which may need to be managed throughout your pet’s life. This may include making lifestyle changes, alongside treatment from one of our vets. For pets with severe anxiety, our vets may advise referral to a Veterinary Behaviourist registered with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APCB) to ensure your pet gets the specialist care they need.

It is common for pets to develop anxiety, though it can be challenging to recognise and require long- term treatment. Pets suffering from anxiety can find daily life difficult, but our team is here to help support you and your pet throughout their treatment. Our veterinary team is happy to answer any questions you may have if you are worried your pet is showing signs of anxiety.

Helen Evans

2024-08-23

I came down to visit my mum in Swavesey and unfortunately, it very quickly became obvious that my fifteen year old border terrier cross was very poorly. He was struggling to bear any weight on his back legs, was very shakey and generally weak. He wasn’t eating and barely drinking either. I honestly feared the worst. A friend of my mum’s said she had heard good things about Highgate, so I phoned them first thing in the morning. They offered an appointment within the hour and I took him along. From start to finish they treated our dog with so much love and care. He stayed there for the full day, undergoing various tests and receiving treatment. I was kept updated throughout from Bridget (vet) herself, which really helped lessen my worry. She explained everything in detail, including the cost involved at each stage. Thankfully, our lovely boy responded to treatment and is now almost back to his old self again. I really cannot thank the team at Highgate enough, as I honestly thought he wasn’t going to make it. Bridget has given lots of advice about his general health and how we can best look after him in his senior years. I would thoroughly recommend bringing your pet here - they are lovely people and are incredibly skilled at what they do.

Maisie Lamont

2024-08-09

Wouldn't chose anywhere else to take my pets. Lovely people & lovely atmosphere.

Carrie Robinson

2024-07-05

Great service and always good advice!

Lisa S

2024-05-23

Fantastic caring service from Highgate Veterinary Clinic. Our elderly Westie Lottie was terrified of vet visits throughout her life until she attended Highgate, from the first time she visited she remained calm. Huge thanks to Bridget and the whole team for your excellent and compassionate care looking after Lottie, accommodating emergency appointments when she was unwell and for looking after us when it was time to say goodbye. I highly recommend Highgate Veterinary Clinic.

Garry Haire

2024-05-22

Can I just say a big thank you to all the staff who were excellent in the way they helped with the sad passing of are beloved pet Kenzo .Truly professional in everyway Would Highly recommend Many thanks

Richard Law

2024-05-21

The saddest decision for any caring animal owner is to have their pet put to sleep - which is exactly what we had to do last week with our beloved G S x mountain dog Rosco of thirteen years. We are so grateful and would like to thank Bridget for coming to the house, along with Eloise and putting our beautiful Rosco to sleep. We were devastated, but your kind and caring manner helped us through a sad time and Rosco crossed the rainbow 🌈 bridge so peacefully and dignified on the lawn in the sunshine after a very long, happy and healthy life. Thankyou so very much. Richard and Pat

Simon Nunn

2024-05-20

Very caring, compassionate, really go out of their way to help. Thank you

Michelle Kennedy

2024-05-17

They are so kind and caring looked after my cats so well 💕

Simon Beere

2024-05-05

Took my very old Westie to see the vet. What a wonderful experience, so kind and so professional. Huge quantities of medication but my bill was less than I had been used to previously. I cannot recommend Bridget and her team enough.