Why Is My Dog Suddenly Anxious?

Pain, illness or discomfort

Pain, illness or discomfort can affect a dog's mood, sleep quality and overall resilience. A dog in pain may seem less energetic or withdraw from play. Dogs in pain may avoid touch or react defensively, for example when a harness is put on. Pain can also lead to a learned fear of particular movements, handling or places.

Dogs Trust says that if a dog suddenly seems scared of their owner, or anxious at night, the first step is to speak to your vet. Possible causes include pain, an underlying health problem, a change in routine or household, or things disturbing the dog at night.

Seeking comfort more often may signal pain or illness even without other signs. Pain can also show as restlessness, pacing and trouble settling. See our guide on how to tell if your dog is in pain.

Loud noises and fireworks

PDSA lists a past bad experience, little exposure to noises as a puppy and pain as causes of noise phobia. Because pain can make some dogs sensitive to noise, always have your dog checked by a vet if they suddenly develop a noise phobia.

Dogs Trust says fireworks, thunderstorms and gunshots are the loud noises dogs are most afraid of. PDSA adds that an untreated noise phobia is likely to get worse with time.

Being left alone

PDSA lists poor socialisation as a puppy, not being used to being left alone, household changes such as builders or a new home, frightening events, boredom, routine changes, and bereavement or the loss of a companion. After a holiday, a routine that suddenly returns to normal can leave a dog bored and lonely.

Dogs Trust adds that big changes, such as moving house or new working hours, can leave a dog unsettled and anxious. It also says medical problems can play a part. Loss of hearing or vision may make a dog more dependent on you, and thyroid or adrenal conditions can raise anxiety generally. A urinary tract infection can cause restlessness and toileting indoors, which can look like separation anxiety. PDSA says to always get a dog with apparent separation anxiety checked by a vet.

Fear, past experiences and stress

Dogs Trust lists several causes of fear and anxiety: genetics and temperament, a lack of early socialisation in the first four months, and past frightening or painful experiences. Environment and routine matter too, as do fear-based or pain-based training methods.

PDSA notes that aggression often begins with fear. Most dogs only become aggressive when they feel they have no other choice.

Cognitive dysfunction ("doggy dementia")

Cognitive dysfunction is an age-related brain condition that affects memory and causes behaviour and personality changes. PDSA says the cause is not fully understood and there is no way to prevent or cure it.

Signs can include confusion, toileting indoors, low energy, poor sleep at night, forgetting commands, pacing, staring into space, increased barking and new fears or phobias. Early signs are often subtle and tend to worsen over time. PDSA advises contacting your vet if you think your dog might have it, because the earlier treatment starts, the better the outlook.

Hearing, eyesight and other changes in older dogs

Declining hearing and eyesight can raise anxiety in older dogs, who may panic easily, for example when a hand approaches quickly. The RSPCA says some older dogs seem disorientated or have a changed sleep cycle, and to ask your vet to rule out medical causes. It also notes that older dogs prefer a predictable routine.

Stiffness, difficulty getting up, going upstairs or less playfulness may also point to a health issue, and some dogs suffer in silence. So ask your vet before assuming it is just age.

During fireworks and loud noises

• Provide a safe space or den, introduced before the event. Do not force your dog into it, and let a hiding dog hide.
• Close windows and curtains, play music or the TV to mask the noise, and walk your dog before dark.
• Stay with your dog and stay calm.
• Make sure your dog is microchipped with up-to-date details, and secure doors, windows and fences in case they bolt.
• Do not tie your dog outside, leave them in a car or take them to a display.

When your dog is left alone

Build up time alone gradually and keep departures and returns calm. Give exercise and a toilet break beforehand, and provide a safe space and enrichment. A camera can help you check for hidden distress. The RSPCA recommends not leaving a dog alone for more than four hours, and much less for puppies.

If your dog already struggles when left, Dogs Trust advises avoiding leaving them for longer than they can cope with while you get professional help.

Crate training alone will not stop a dog worrying, and getting another dog is not a fix. Dogs Trust says separation anxiety does not normally resolve by itself.

What not to do

Never punish or scold a dog for fear-driven accidents or behaviour. Punishment can make a dog worse, and dogs do not connect a telling-off with earlier behaviour.