Vets Say These 13 Products Might Help Your Anxious Dog

Dog anxiety is real, and vets say these items can help create a calming space for your pup.

If your four-legged friend is a little more fearful than friendly, you may already know all about dog anxiety. While it may sound like some sort of TikTok-era trend, Ivana Crnec, a doctor of veterinary medicine at Veterinarians.org, confirms that dog anxiety is real and on the rise.

“Anxiety issues in dogs are quite common,” Crnec said in an email.

Living through pandemic quarantine and isolation affected dogs’ anxiety and social ability much like humans’, Crnec said. Since 2020, there’s been a rise in dogs having separation anxiety from their owners and fearing new people and strangers, she noted.

Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with pet care company Wellness Pet Food, agreed that it’s common for dogs to have anxiety. “There are certain triggers dogs experience that can affect their state and a variety of factors, such as genetics, experiences, upbringings, training and changes to routines or new environments,” Bernal said via email.

There are behavioral cues to tell if your dog is anxious, said Carling Matejka, a doctor of veterinary medicine and spokesperson for pet food company Solid Gold. These might include your pup pacing, trembling, panting, whining, excessively licking, yawning, hiding or avoiding eye contact. They might also include destructive behavior like chewing or scratching, or having accidents in the house even when they’re body trained.

“A dog who is anxious can show visible body cues, like dilated pupils, a tucked tail or a lowered body posture. They may also show signs of aggression or fear, such as growling or cowering,” Matejka said in an email.

The experts agreed that it’s important to pay attention to these cues and to take action as soon as you see them. “Early intervention can help prevent the development of more serious behavior problems,” Matejka said.

While there are many online options for calming chews and supplements, the experts recommended letting your vet prescribe and/or recommend the right meds for your dog. If your pup’s anxiety is really severe, they also recommended working with a trainer or a dog behaviorist to give your furry friend extra attention.

Apart from working with experts, the vets shared their favorite products for setting up a calming space at home for your dog and working through their anxiety.

1. A doggie playpen or crate where they can feel safe

amazon.com, amazon.com

When it comes to soothing an anxious pup, experts recommend creating a cozy, calming place that your furry friend can retreat to. "Creating a safe and comfortable environment is key when dealing with an anxious dog," said Carling Matejka, a veterinarian and spokesperson for pet food company Solid Gold.

Ivana Crnec, a veterinarian with Veterinarians.org, says this can often include a playpen or a crate — just something small and private to be your dog's designated safe space. "Pay attention to securing exits, as stressed dogs make excellent escape artists," she said.

Promising review (for the playpen): "I love that it is easy to fold and portable. One thing that I think they could improve is that it could be a little bit lighter but I guess when it is heavy, the dog couldn’t easily knock it down so I guess it is pretty much the perfect kennel. We are using it for helping her pups and right now our dog loves it. It is the perfect fit. It’s big enough that it falls into different shapes and she just loves it. Definitely will recommend." —Yesse

Get them from Amazon: playpen for $39.59+ (available in six sizes and with or without a door) or crate for $37.99+ (available in six sizes and with a single or double door).

2. A calming dog bed

amazon.com

Did you know they make specific dog beds for anxious dogs? You do now. Whether you put it in the crate or playpen or perhaps just on your living room floor, Crnec recommends getting a specific anti-anxiety or calming dog bed that will be comfortable and soothing to your pup.

Anti-anxiety dog beds like this extra plush donut bed are higher around the sides and dipped in the middle, enabling your pet to comfortably curl up, with the raised rim snuggling them close and giving extra head and neck support. They're super stuffed with ultra-soft filling, offering relief for joint and muscle pain and have a fuzzy shag cover that's soft and snuggly.

Promising review: "I bought this as a last ditch effort to find a bed that my little dog would actually sleep in. He crawls in and goes right to sleep. The 23" is the perfect size for my 18 lbs. Chinese Crested. The bottom is not very thick but the sides and deep middle are perfect. And the material is soooo soft. I'd crawl in it if I could. It makes me happy to see him so comfy and pleased with his new bed. I will definitely buy again if/when he's worn this one out." —G's Place

Get it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in five colors and five sizes).

3. Comfortable blankets or bedding that is all theirs

amazon.com

Part of a pup's restful environment is having bedding or blankets that is totally theirs, that they can slobber on or otherwise get dirty, according to Matejka. If you feel attached to your handmade throw blankets or don't want your pup using certain textiles, you may want to get them their own puppy blanket, like this one that's waterproof and has self-heating properties.

Promising review: "Highly recommend these covers for anyone with dogs looking to cover furniture but not sacrifice style. Very soft and my dog loves them. I got an XL size for our couch and a medium size to cover a large ottoman he likes to nap on. I’ve washed both of them and they do not get clumpy or anything like that, just follow the washing directions and they come out exactly the same!" —Becca

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in various sizes and colors).

4. Food-dispensing or puzzle toys to keep them engaged

amazon.com, amazon.com

"Dogs need mental stimulation in the same way they need physical exercise," said Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Pet Food. "The key to a happy and healthy dog is regular enrichment that allows them to engage in behaviors like playing, chasing, chewing and smelling. These activities leave your dog physically, emotionally and mentally satisfied."

Promising review (for the ball): "Love this ball! My dog destroys most toys easily. This one has been great — very durable. I take treats and break them into small pieces to drop into the ball (Blue Buffalo duck treats) and my old man is happy as can be — great to reduce boredom for your pup! Highly recommend for dogs that can easily tear a toy apart." —Sarah

Get them from Amazon: ball for $9.98+ (available in seven types) or puzzle for $9.95+ (available in four types)

5. A ThunderShirt for full body security

amazon.com

Matejka and Crnec recommend trying a Thunder Shirt, "which applies gentle pressure to calm the dog," she said.

Promising review: "I never thought this shirt would work as well as it did. I have literally tried everything to calm my dog from melatonin treats, to pheromone plug ins, calming music to carefully timed training and NOTHING has worked so well or so instantly as the ThunderShirt. My little guy is a completely different dog today after wearing it once! He hasn’t barked at noises in our apartment building, he is genuinely calm and no longer jumping on guests. I’m so grateful I gave this a try because I was at wit's end with going through his anxiety. It was sad to watch and stressful for me to see. But he’s now just so calm and I’m so happy for him. Definitely worth a try for anyone who is skeptical, it has put my dog at ease." — Blair

Get it from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL).

6. A heartbeat toy for snuggling up

amazon.com

If your dog is glued to your side and loves to snuggle and always be close to people, Crnec recommends getting them a heartbeat toy that mimics a real dog. This one comes with heat packs, so the toy gets warm as well.

Promising review: "We got a new puppy and he is amazing, he slept pretty well in his crate on his own but the first day we had to leave him home alone in the crate for a couple of hours he lost it. I checked our Ring every 30 minutes and he cried the whole time. I ordered this that night hoping it would work after reading some mixed reviews and it worked amazingly! The next day he was home alone a couple of hours he slept with this the whole time. It worked so well. This was about a week ago, and he does like to chew it a bit here and there but it has held up well, and more importantly it comforts him. I do try to keep it away from him when he isn’t sleepy to minimize its destruction though. Cannot say enough positive things about this toy." —Kathy Warner

Get it from Amazon for $31.96 (available in six colors).

7. Durable chew toys

Nylabone

"Distraction techniques, such as the use of chew toys, can support their mental stimulation and promote a calming and comforting effect in the brain," Bernal said. "This species-specific behavior triggers a release of endorphins, allowing dogs to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety."

Promising review: "My Great Dane 12-month-old puppy (115 lbs.) chews up everything...except the Nylabones. She loves it. Usually she eats her toys but with this one she chews and chews it. Great chew toy!" —Melody

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

8. A snuffle mat to keep them busy

amazon.com

Another way to keep your pup engaged? Crnec recommends getting a snuffle mat or a super interactive, machine-washable toy with fleece strips that you can hide food and snacks in.

Promising review: "Got this for my 12-year-old pit bull. He normally destroys toys pretty quickly, but I have been trying to get more enrichment toys for him since he can’t go for long walks anymore (had a stroke last year that affected his mobility). I put a cup of his regular food in there and spread it around and it keeps him occupied for about an hour and he will go back throughout the day just to sniff around. I’m shocked he has not destroyed it yet, but we have had it for almost a month now and he always leaves it alone once he’s sniffed out all the treats. I wish I’d gotten this sooner!" —Drew Brewer

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

9. A white noise machine

amazon.com

Setting up a white noise machine or playing calming music may help your pup relax when they're feeling upset, Matejka said.

Promising reviews: "We travel with a small dog who barks at bumps and noises of a hotel. This has been great to help drown some of the surrounding noise out and keep our small dog from barking." —JSquare

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in three colors).

10. An Adaptil diffuser that releases pheromones

amazon.com, amazon.com

Matejka and Crnec recommended setting up an Adaptil diffuser to release calming pheromones that mimic a mama dog’s nursing pheromones. The refills each last up to 6 months and cover up to 700 square feet.

Promising review: "Typically I’m bad about writing reviews. But, our typically high strung 13-year-old senior schnauzer was diagnosed four months ago with CHF (congestive heart failure). We haven’t traveled since his diagnosis to avoid any stress. He is our only child. We purchased this product, to see if it would help with visitors. When it arrived we placed it in a small home office; Oscar now gravitates to that room, often napping in that space, which he rarely spent time in before. Recently, we just took a short vacation and brought it along with us, and we noticed that wherever this plug-in was, he was there. So I have ordered three more. This product has been a valuable comfort to our elderly dog. We wanted to share our wonderful experience, hopefully it will help another pup’s family. We also purchased the collar as well. We know our time is limited with Oscar, but this product, our wonderful veterinarian care and much love. We are enjoying every day we have.❣️" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $24.83.

11. A pouch for keeping treats on you during walks

amazon.com

The experts agreed that dogs respond well to positive feedback. Keeping treats on you while you walk means you can reward your pup when they stay calm as other dogs or people pass by.

When you're leaving the house or if you're going to be gone for a while, Bernal recommends giving your pup a good walk or run before you go and having a walker take them out when you're gone.

"Physical exercise is just as important for calm behavior," Bernal said. "If you can get a good walk or run in before leaving (or have a dog walker stop by during the day), keep a few treats in your pocket to reward their good behavior while you and your dog are out."

Promising review: "Got this on our third day of having our golden retreiver puppy and wish we had it sooner. We use the zipper for treats, the side mesh for a clicker, and the bigger pouch for my flashlight and phone. It’s super convenient to be able to grab it for a quick training session or when going out to potty. Very lightweight yet durable." —Alicia Quetzalcoatl

Get it from Amazon for $17.95.

12. A dog camera to see how they act when you're not around

amazon.com, Amazon

If you're interested in how your pup does at home alone or want to observe their behavior during the day, Crnec suggested setting up a dog camera and viewing the stream periodically to see what your pup is up to. This way, you can see where they like to spend time in your house, what toys they play with and how you can best set up their space for when you're not home.

Promising review: "I needed a camera so I could watch my newly adopted dog. I didn't know what to expect only paying $30 for a camera when there are options that go up much higher in cost. This little camera is awesome! It has a nice field of view to pan and tilt so you can see the entire room. You can take screenshots of what you're looking at that includes a date time stamp. You can also get notifications for sound and/or movement. I absolutely love it." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (also available in 2K).

13. A way to keep track of a sustainable walking and feeding routine

amazon.com, amazon.com

In terms of daily anxiety maintenance, Bernal and Matejka recommend creating a keeping a predictable schedule for your pup, feeding, walking and playing with them around the same time every day. Keeping your pup on a daily routine can help reduce stress overall and keep their anxiety down in really tough moments. If your family loves a visual, you may benefit from a sign in a common area where you all can see if the dog has been fed or walked.

Promising review: "I'm a pretty forgetful person and when I had to start feeding my golden retriever twice a day I had a hard time remembering if I fed him that morning (my smaller dog only eats once). This looked cute online but I truly didn't expect the quality that it came with. This is like something off of Etsy, seriously. Not only is it functional but it's decorative too and I'm really impressed. This would also make a great gift too. 10/10, would recommend!" —Taylor c.

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two styles).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.