In this episode, Aria and Dr. Glenn talk about anxiety in dogs — what it is, how to recognise it, and how to help. They explain the difference between normal fear and anxiety, discuss the most common forms such as separation anxiety and noise sensitivity, and explore generalised anxiety in older pets. The conversation also covers treatment options, from behaviour modification and calming aids to supplements and prescription medications, helping owners understand how to create calmer, happier dogs.
Listener Highlights
- Anxiety is an over-the-top or inappropriate fear response — when a dog reacts to something that isn’t truly dangerous.
- Main types: separation anxiety (distress when owners leave), noise sensitivity (storms, fireworks, or random sounds), and general anxiety (persistent unease or fear with no clear trigger).
- Separation anxiety often starts before owners leave — dogs may pant, pace, vocalise, or destroy furniture while alone.
- Noise phobia can escalate beyond storms or fireworks to other sounds like nail guns, alarms, or even bird calls through “trigger stacking.”
- Older dogs may develop anxiety due to pain, arthritis, or cognitive decline, often showing signs at night (“nocturnal anxiety”).
- First-line aids include compression garments (ThunderShirts), pheromones (Adaptil), and calming supplements like Zylkene.
- Prescription options (e.g. benzodiazepines, gabapentin, trazodone) can help severe or persistent cases under veterinary supervision.
- Treatment success usually requires combining medication or supplements with environmental changes, training, and desensitisation.
- Professional guidance is essential — vets and qualified trainers can tailor treatment to each dog’s triggers and severity.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 01:38 | Introduction — defining anxiety and how it differs from normal fear responses. |
| 02:10 – 06:02 | Recognising anxiety in dogs — from mild restlessness to extreme panic and destruction. |
| 06:02 – 14:02 | Separation anxiety and noise sensitivity explained, including common triggers and real-life examples. |
| 14:04 – 14:52 | Introducing treatments — from behavioural modification to supplements and medications. |
| 15:08 – 16:32 | Thunder shirts, pheromones, and dietary supplements for mild to moderate anxiety. |
| 17:00 – 19:05 | How Zylkene and Adaptil work — using calming milk proteins and pheromones to reduce anxiety naturally. |
| 19:32 – 22:15 | Prescription medications: when to consider them, and how vets combine treatments for best results. |
| 22:15 – 23:55 | Why training, desensitisation, and environment changes are vital for long-term improvement. |
| 23:55 – 25:16 | Closing advice — get professional help and support; anxiety can be managed with patience and teamwork. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.