Pet anxiety diagnoses have risen sharply since 2020, with veterinary behaviourists reporting increased cases of separation anxiety, noise phobia, and generalised anxiety in pets whose humans worked from home during the pandemic and then returned to offices. Most “natural calming” products marketed for these problems do little; a smaller set works.
This is educational content. Significant or sudden anxiety changes warrant a veterinary visit to rule out medical causes (pain, hyperthyroidism, cognitive dysfunction in seniors). For severe cases, work with a board-certified veterinary behaviourist (Dip ACVB) or certified consultant (IAABC).
The common anxiety types
Separation anxiety
Distress when left alone. Signs: destructive behaviour focused near exits, excessive vocalising, inappropriate elimination, self-injury. Often misdiagnosed — many cases are actually boredom or insufficient exercise.
Noise phobia
Fear response to thunder, fireworks, construction. Common in herding and working breeds. Can develop suddenly at age 5-7.
Generalised anxiety
Persistent hypervigilance, startle response, sleep disturbance. Often related to early socialisation gaps or trauma.
Cat anxiety
More subtle than dogs. Signs: overgrooming, inappropriate elimination, hiding, urinary issues, decreased appetite. Cat anxiety frequently goes undiagnosed for months.
What actually works (evidence-based)
1. Environmental management
The foundation. Before any product, address the environment:
- Predictable routines — feeding, walks, sleep at consistent hours
- Safe space access — covered crate (for crate-trained dogs), elevated perches (cats)
- Reduced household chaos — calmer evenings, lower TV during episodes
- Exercise appropriate to breed — many anxiety issues are exercise deficits
2. Adaptil (dogs) and Feliway (cats) — pheromone diffusers
Synthetic versions of the calming pheromones mother dogs and cats produce. Multiple peer-reviewed studies show moderate effects in reducing separation anxiety, multi-cat conflict, and adjustment stress. $25-40 for the diffuser, $15-25 for monthly refills.
3. ThunderShirts / pressure wraps
Gentle constant pressure mimics swaddling. Effective for some pets with noise phobia and travel anxiety. Less reliable for separation anxiety. $35-50. About 70% of dogs benefit.
4. Calming music
Through a Dog’s Ear (Joshua Leeds) has measurable effects in studies. Reggae and soft rock outperformed silence for shelter dogs in a 2017 University of Glasgow study.
5. Enrichment and mental stimulation
An anxious dog with insufficient mental work amplifies anxiety. Daily puzzle feeders, training sessions, sniff walks. 15 minutes of nose work tires a dog more than 45 minutes of fetch.
6. Desensitisation and counter-conditioning
For noise phobia and separation anxiety, gradual exposure paired with positive associations. Work with a certified trainer (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP) or veterinary behaviourist. Slow, gradual — weeks to months — but produces lasting change.
7. Veterinary medication (for severe cases)
For severe anxiety, veterinary medication is appropriate. Common options (vet-prescribed): SSRIs (fluoxetine), tricyclic antidepressants (clomipramine), benzodiazepines (situational), trazodone, gabapentin. These are tools, not failure — many pets need medication to engage with behavioural work.
What does NOT work as advertised
CBD products
Evidence is mixed; most consumer CBD products are unregulated. Some studies show modest benefit for noise phobia; others show no effect. If trying, choose products with COA (Certificate of Analysis) and discuss with your vet.
Lavender, chamomile sprays
Aromatherapy claims for pets are largely marketing. Some essential oils (tea tree, citrus, pine, peppermint) are toxic to cats.
Calming treats with mystery ingredients
L-theanine, alpha-casozepine, and tryptophan have some evidence; many products contain insufficient amounts. Look for products with published research (Zylkene, Solliquin, Composure).
Bach Flower Remedies
No credible evidence beyond placebo.
Separation anxiety protocol
- Veterinary evaluation — rule out medical causes
- Pre-departure desensitisation — pick up keys, put on coat, sit down again
- Graduated alone-time training — start at 30 seconds, build to hours over weeks
- High-value enrichment when alone — frozen Kongs, puzzle feeders
- Avoid dramatic departures/returns — calm hellos and goodbyes
- Consider dog walker / daycare for 8+ hour absences
- Medication if needed — fluoxetine is widely prescribed for severe cases
When to see a veterinary behaviourist
- Self-injury (chewing through doors, breaking teeth on crates)
- Aggression accompanying anxiety
- Severe noise phobia (hiding for hours after a single trigger)
- Anxiety not improving with 8-12 weeks of consistent work
- Sudden onset in a previously unaffected adult pet
Bottom line
Environmental management, enrichment, pheromone diffusers (Adaptil/Feliway), and calming music are evidence-based starting points. ThunderShirts work for many noise-phobic dogs. Severe cases need veterinary medication and professional behavioural support. Skip CBD, essential oils, and mystery-ingredient calming treats until evidence catches up to the marketing.
