Anxiety disorders are among the most common welfare problems in companion dogs. Evidence-based recognition and treatment significantly improves quality of life for affected animals.
Canine anxiety is chronically underdiagnosed and undertreated. Many owners interpret anxiety symptoms as disobedience, stubbornness, or character flaws rather than welfare-relevant distress requiring treatment. A dog that destroys furniture when left alone is not being vindictive - it is suffering from genuine panic. The welfare cost of untreated anxiety is significant: affected dogs experience physiological stress responses (elevated cortisol, elevated heart rate, panting, shaking) during episodes that may occur daily or even continuously. Prompt veterinary referral and behavioural treatment dramatically improves welfare outcomes for anxious dogs.