Decoding Pet Anxiety: Signs, Causes & Comfort Strategies

Helping Your Pet Feel at Ease—At Home or Away

Whether you’re planning a vacation, a work trip, or simply dropping your dog off for the day, it’s natural to want your pet to feel safe and secure—even when you’re not around. While many pets adjust easily to new environments, others experience stress or anxiety when their routines change.

At The Wagging Club, we see it every day—how a little preparation and care can go a long way in helping pets feel at home, even when they’re away from it. Here’s how to recognize signs of stress, understand what may be causing it, and explore gentle, practical ways to keep your pet calm and content.

What Stress Looks Like in Pets

Pets can’t tell us how they’re feeling—but their behavior often speaks volumes. Recognizing the early signs of anxiety is the first step toward creating a better experience for your furry companion.

Signs of Stress in Dogs

Physical Indicators

  • Excessive panting or drooling (especially when not hot)
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Pacing or restlessness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Occasional vomiting or loose stools related to nerves

Behavioral Indicators

  • Barking, whining, or howling—especially when left alone
  • Destructive chewing or scratching
  • Avoiding eye contact, hiding, or clinging behavior

Learn more about separation anxiety in dogs from ASPCA and noise-related stress from AAHA.

Signs of Stress in Cats

Physical Indicators

  • Over-grooming, leading to bald patches
  • Change in litter box habits
  • Sudden change in appetite

Behavioral Indicators

  • Hiding or withdrawn behavior
  • Sudden aggression
  • Excessive vocalization

For more, see Common Cat Behavior Issues – ASPCA and behavior tips from AAHA.

Why Pets Get Stressed Away from Home

Being in a new place—even one designed for fun—can be overwhelming. At boarding or daycare facilities, we create safe, predictable routines to ease that transition. But understanding why stress arises helps us (and you) do more to prevent it.

Common Causes of Pet Stress:

  • Change in environment: New smells, sounds, and surroundings can feel overstimulating.
  • Separation from owners: Some pets are especially bonded to their people and may need extra comfort.
  • Unfamiliar social situations: Dogs not used to group settings might take longer to warm up.

Resources for context:

How You Can Help Your Pet Feel More Comfortable

We believe in working with pet parents to support stress-free transitions. Here are simple ways to help your dog or cat feel more at ease—especially when visiting a daycare, groomer, or boarding facility like The Wagging Club.

1. Bring a Bit of Home with You

A familiar blanket, toy, or even a t-shirt that smells like you can offer major comfort in a new setting. These small touches help pets settle faster and feel more secure.

2. Enrich Their Day

Mental stimulation goes a long way in reducing anxiety. Whether it’s interactive playtime, puzzle feeders, or extra cuddles during rest periods, engaging your pet helps keep stress at bay.

3. Practice Short Stays

If your pet is new to daycare or boarding, start with shorter visits to help them adjust gradually. We offer flexible options that allow for a slow and positive introduction.

4. Stick to Familiar Routines

Feeding, medication, and potty breaks should match your home routine as closely as possible. When you book with us, we’ll ask for all of these details so your pet’s day feels predictable—even in a new environment.

A black and white puppy lies under a couch, looking out with its head resting on the floor and its paws stretched forward. The floor is wooden and the room is softly lit.

When Extra Support May Be Needed

While many pets adjust with time and support, some may need more structured help, especially in cases of prolonged anxiety or fear-based behaviors.

If you think your pet’s anxiety is severe, consulting your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist is a helpful next step. For guidance:

Our Approach at The Wagging Club

At The Wagging Club, our goal is to make every visit a positive one—for both pets and their people. From gentle introductions for first-timers to enrichment-focused playgroups and attentive one-on-one care, we’re here to help your pet feel safe, stimulated, and loved.

We’re deeply experienced in observing stress behaviors and making thoughtful adjustments to help pets thrive in our care. If you ever have questions or want to talk through your pet’s specific needs, we’re always happy to help.

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Additional Resources

Want help planning your pet’s next visit? Reach out anytime—we’re here to make every drop-off feel a little easier and every pickup full of tail wags and happy purrs.

Let us know how we can help: Contact Us