Anxiety disorders in dogs are among the most common and welfare-significant companion animal conditions, yet they remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Dog anxiety disorders represent one of the most pervasive welfare problems in companion animal populations - both because of their high prevalence and because chronic anxiety involves sustained psychological suffering. A dog that spends hours daily in a state of fear or panic when alone, or that dreads every rainy season because of fireworks, is experiencing a significant reduction in quality of life. Yet anxiety disorders are chronically underrecognised: many owners interpret anxiety behaviours as disobedience or spite rather than distress. Effective treatment is available - combination approaches using behaviour modification and medication have strong evidence bases - but requires owner education, veterinary engagement, and access to qualified clinical animal behaviourists. Prevention through early socialisation is the most powerful tool of all.