Anxiety is the most common behavioural welfare problem in dogs. Understanding the spectrum of anxiety disorders helps owners identify and address suffering more effectively.
Canine anxiety disorders represent the most significant and widespread behavioural welfare problem affecting companion dogs. Unlike fear, which is an appropriate response to genuine threat, anxiety involves chronic activation of fear systems in the absence of immediate danger. Anxious dogs may appear "difficult" or "dramatic" — their behaviour creates management challenges that strain human-animal relationships and sometimes lead to relinquishment. The welfare impact on the dog is real and significant — chronic anxiety is associated with elevated cortisol, immune suppression, altered sleep, and reduced quality of life. Effective treatment exists for most anxiety disorders, combining behaviour modification with medication for moderate to severe cases. Owner recognition that anxiety is a medical condition rather than a behavioural choice is the first step toward seeking appropriate help.