Understanding Dog Anxiety: Real Causes, Real Solutions

Did you know that over 50% of dogs—including my own dog, Tula—deal with some form of fear or anxiety? That’s one in two dogs. It’s a massive issue, and it’s not just about being “nervous.” Anxiety can actually lead to serious long-term health problems if left untreated.

There’s a newer, highly effective natural option that helps calm anxiety, and I’ll tell you about it shortly. But first, let’s talk about why managing your dog’s anxiety is so important.

Calm, Comfort, and Healing — All in One Bottle

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula for Dogs and Cats helps ease stress and anxiety naturally — whether it’s vet visits, car rides, or fireworks. Made with 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Hemp Oil, this full-spectrum blend goes beyond calming. It supports joint health, eases inflammation, soothes skin irritation, and may even help protect against cancer through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A simple, natural way to keep your pet relaxed, comfortable, and thriving every day.

What’s Behind Your Dog’s Anxiety?

A large study involving more than 13,000 dogs revealed that anxiety is incredibly common. The top triggers?

1. Noise anxiety – fear of loud noises like fireworks or thunder.

2. Strangers – unfamiliar people.

3. Other dogs – this one’s close to home because Tula struggles with it.

And honestly, even simple things—like being lifted onto a vet exam table—can cause stress. Tula used to be fine with it, but after years of filming YouTube videos with me and being the world’s most patient model, she’s grown a bit weary of the camera and all the poking and prodding.

Before we filmed this, I gave her a little calming support: some CBD oil and a supplement I’ll talk more about later. You can often see the signs—her heart rate increases, breathing quickens, and sometimes she trembles slightly.

She’d much rather be anywhere else, and if she’s separated from me, it’s even worse. Tula’s deeply bonded to me, and if I’m out of sight, her anxiety spikes. And truthfully, this is something I see in so many dogs today.

Why Managing Anxiety Matters for Your Dog’s Health

If you’ve ever felt stress yourself, you know it’s not just “in your head.” The same goes for your dog—it affects their whole body.

1. The Gut-Brain Connection

There’s a direct link between the gut and the brain. When your dog is stressed, it sends signals to the gut, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal inflammation. That intestinal distress then sends more stress signals back to the brain, creating a vicious cycle.

This loop can lead to chronic gastrointestinal issues, including IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Stress has also been linked to urinary tract problems in both cats and dogs.

2. Weight and Appetite Changes

Stress can disrupt normal appetite control. Some anxious dogs stop eating, while others overeat for comfort. Either way, it can lead to unhealthy weight changes.

3. Skin and Allergy Issues

You may notice your dog licking, scratching, or losing hair. Many pet parents assume it’s food or seasonal allergies, but stress and anxiety can trigger these same symptoms. One classic condition—lick granuloma—is often caused by separation anxiety.

4. The Link Between Stress and Cancer

This one’s huge. Chronic stress can suppress the immune system and even affect how genes function. There’s research showing that psychological stress can increase cancer risk by altering immune regulation and inflammation.

If your dog’s stress is ongoing, their immune function weakens, making it harder to fight off abnormal cells. It can even switch certain genes “on” or “off,” influencing disease risk.

Helping Dogs With Anxiety: What Works

There are many ways to help calm anxiety naturally:

• Exercise – daily movement helps release tension and balance hormones.

• Training support – especially for separation anxiety.

• Reduce exposure to loud sounds whenever possible.

• Play calming music when your dog is alone.

• Try the Thundershirt – it gently applies pressure to help your dog feel safe.

• Dog TV or gentle videos – these have been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone).

My Favorite Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Tula responds well to CBD oil, which helps calm her within about 20 minutes. But there’s another remarkable ingredient that’s newer in the pet world—Lactium®, also known as alpha-casozepine.

What Is Lactium?

Lactium is a natural milk protein peptide derived from cow’s milk. Researchers in France were studying what made babies feel calm after drinking milk—and they discovered this specific compound.

It binds to GABA receptors in the brain, the same receptors targeted by medications like Valium—but without the drug side effects.

How It Helps

Studies show that Lactium can significantly reduce cortisol levels in dogs, leading to calmer behavior, lower heart rates, and less trembling or panting.

And unlike other medications, it’s non-sedating, lactose-free, and doesn’t interfere with other treatments.

Giving Calming Supplements the Right Way

If your dog isn’t the easiest to medicate, here’s my quick tip:
Hold their muzzle gently, tilt the head back, open the lower jaw, and drop the supplement or pill near the back of the tongue. Close their mouth, blow gently on their nose, and they’ll usually swallow. Simple and quick.

The Takeaway: Why Calming Matters

Managing anxiety isn’t just about helping your dog “feel better.” It’s about preventing serious long-term health issues—from chronic digestive problems to immune dysfunction and even cancer.

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Calm, Comfort, and Healing — All in One Bottle

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD Formula for Dogs and Cats helps ease stress and anxiety naturally — whether it’s vet visits, car rides, or fireworks. Made with 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Hemp Oil, this full-spectrum blend goes beyond calming. It supports joint health, eases inflammation, soothes skin irritation, and may even help protect against cancer through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A simple, natural way to keep your pet relaxed, comfortable, and thriving every day.