Understanding Stress and Anxiety in Pets: A Comprehensive Guide

Just like people, pets experience stress and anxiety. But unlike us, they can’t tell us when something feels wrong—so it’s up to us to notice. Whether it’s your dog pacing when you leave the house, or your cat hiding for hours after a loud noise, understanding the signs of anxiety in pets is the first step toward helping them feel safe, secure, and happy.

At Advanced Veterinary Medical Center in Milpitas, California, we’re here to support you and your pet with compassionate care, personalized treatment plans, and expert behavioral insight. This guide will help you recognize common signs, understand causes, and explore effective, evidence-based solutions—because a calm pet is a healthy pet.

Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in Dogs and Cats

What Does Pet Anxiety Look Like?

Anxiety is an emotional response that affects your pet’s mental and physical well-being. Sometimes it’s obvious. Sometimes, it’s not. Dogs and cats show stress differently—but both need your attention.

Common Signs in Dogs

  • Excessive panting, drooling, or trembling, even when not hot or excited
  • Destructive behavior, especially when left alone (chewing, digging, tearing)
  • Pacing, whining, or howling, especially before or during your departure
  • Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
  • Hiding or attempting to escape

Learn more from the ASPCA’s guide on separation anxiety in dogs.

Common Signs in Cats

  • Hiding or withdrawing from interaction
  • Sudden aggression toward humans or other pets
  • Over-grooming, sometimes to the point of baldness
  • Inappropriate urination or defecation
  • Vocalizing more than usual

Cats tend to be more subtle. If you’re noticing more isolation, less play, or tension with other pets, check out these helpful resources:

What Causes Pet Anxiety?

Environmental Triggers

  • Loud noises from fireworks, construction, or thunderstorms can create severe fear responses. Learn more about noise aversion in pets.
  • Changes at home—like moving, renovations, or a new pet—can disrupt your pet’s sense of safety.
  • Busy urban environments, like Milpitas, with traffic noise, crowded sidewalks, and apartment living, may overstimulate more sensitive pets.

Separation Anxiety

As families return to work or school, pets accustomed to constant companionship may struggle with time alone. Signs include vocalization, destructive behavior, and inappropriate elimination. Dogs are especially prone—read more about managing it here.

Lack of Socialization or Enrichment

Kittens and puppies that miss key socialization stages can grow into fearful or reactive adults. See the AVMA’s guidelines on early socialization and AVSAB’s preventive behavioral care strategies.

For enrichment ideas:

How We Treat Stress and Anxiety at Advanced Veterinary Medical Center

Veterinary Consultation & Diagnosis

We begin by ruling out medical causes (such as thyroid disease, pain, or neurological disorders) that may mimic or exacerbate stress. Then, we work closely with you to determine the root cause of your pet’s behavior.

Meet our compassionate veterinary team.

Behavior Modification and Training Support

We offer in-house behavior consultations and refer to qualified trainers when needed. Techniques such as desensitization, counterconditioning, and positive reinforcement help pets unlearn fear-based behaviors.

Medications & Supplements

Some pets benefit from temporary or long-term use of anti-anxiety medications, including SSRIs, trazodone, or calming supplements. Our team will help you weigh the pros and cons based on your pet’s condition and lifestyle.

Integrative Therapies

We offer alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and pheromone therapy as part of a well-rounded approach. Explore our services for details.

At-Home Tips to Help Your Pet Feel Safe and Secure

  • Establish routines: Pets feel most secure when their days are predictable.
  • Create a safe retreat: A designated spot with cozy bedding, toys, and low noise can act as a comfort zone.
  • Use calming aids: Try Adaptil (for dogs) or Feliway (for cats), calming music, or white noise machines.
  • Avoid punishment: Never scold a scared pet—it can make anxiety worse.

A close-up of a large white dog lying on a soft surface, gazing calmly at the camera. Its head rests on its paws, with its fur slightly ruffled. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the dog's serene expression.

When to Seek Professional Help

Signs You Should Call the Vet

  • Symptoms persist longer than 2–3 weeks
  • Your pet is showing signs of self-harm (licking raw, pulling out fur, refusing food)
  • Destructive or aggressive behavior is escalating
  • Home interventions haven’t worked

If your pet is in crisis—having a panic attack, collapsing, or becoming unresponsive—call us immediately. Acute anxiety episodes can sometimes mirror medical emergencies and require rapid intervention.

Your Pet’s Mental Health Matters

At Advanced Veterinary Medical Center, we know that behavioral health is just as important as physical health. Anxiety isn’t just “bad behavior”—it’s a medical condition that deserves compassion and treatment.

We’re here to help your pet feel calm, confident, and cared for—whether that means a custom anxiety plan, training support, medication, or just someone to listen. Your pet is part of your family, and we’ll treat them like they’re part of ours.

For more resources or to get started, schedule a consultation with our caring team.