Keep Calm & Pet Parent On: The Ultimate Guide to Calming Your Stressed Pet

When you see your pet scared and shaking, your instinct as a pet parent is to soothe and calm them. But when your hugs and cuddles aren’t doing the trick, what’s the next best solution? And how do you know what is the source of the stress and anxiety, so you can help prevent it in the future? That’s where this calming guide comes in handy.

Ahead, we’ll break down the various common causes of stress and anxiety—from separation anxiety to fears and phobias, like loud fireworks and spooky storms—and offer vet-recommended solutions to help calm your stressed pet.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian before trying any calming aid—they can help you rule out any medical causes for stress and anxiety before you pursue behavioral therapies.

Is Your Dog Stressed? Watch for These Signs

Dilated pupils, whites of the eyes showing

Avoiding eye contact or staring
Ears flat against the head
Furrowed eyebrow
Tremors or shaking
Yawning
Licking
Tail tucked under the body
Loss of appetite
Retching
Diarrhea
Accidents in the house
Excessive shedding
Panting, whining, or barking more than usual
Increased sleeping or hyperactivity
Destructive behavior
Acting especially clingy or hiding

Keep in mind that these signs can also be easily confused with other illnesses, so speak to your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

Is Your Cat Stressed? Watch for These Signs

Dilated pupils
Avoiding eye contact or may stare at a threat
Ears rotated or flat against the head
Furrowed eyebrow
Arched back and standing on toes when very stressed
Tail wrapped around the body
Increased swallowing and licking
Skin twitching
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Accidents outside the litter box or spraying urine
Excessive shedding
Increased meowing or yowling
Hypervigilance
Irritable
Aggression towards household members (human and pets)
Increased scratching inside the house
Hiding

Keep in mind that these signs can also be easily confused with other illnesses, so speak to your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

Keep in mind that the signs of stress in pets can be easily confused with other illnesses, so schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

Fear, separation anxiety and age-related changes are some of the most common causes of stress and anxiety in pets.

Fireworks and storms are loud, unexpected and feel like a threat to dogs and cats. But these noise phobias are not the only cause of fear and anxiety in pets. Trips to environments they’re not used to (or straight-up don’t like), like the vet or groomer, or traveling in the car, plane or train can also cause fear-related anxiety. Here are some ways to help.

Click on the links to read about these solutions.

While Traveling…

• How to Fly or Drive With Your Cat—And Get Ahead of Anxiety
• Moving with Dogs: How to Relocate Without Stressing Out Your Pup
• 3 Travel Tips to Reduce Anxiety in Dogs and Cats

For Fireworks…

• Fireworks Safety: Tips for Calming Your Pet’s Anxiety

For Storms…

• Hurricane Preparedness Plan: How to Comfort Your Pet and Keep Them Safe
• 6 Tornado Safety Tips, Including How to Keep Pets Calm

For Trips To the Vet…

• Vet-Approved Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm at the Vet
• Feline-Approved Tips for a Stress-Free Visit to the Vet
• Does Your Pet Hate the Vet? Try a Fear Free Veterinary Clinic

In addition to being separated from their pet parent or family (due to changes in work schedules, for example), separation anxiety can also be triggered by limited enrichment at home (think playtime, exercise and bonding with the pet parent) and changes in your pet’s routine. Here’s how to help your pet manage separation anxiety-related stress.

Click on the links to read about these solutions.

In Dogs and Puppies…

• How to Manage Dog Separation Anxiety
• How to Treat and Prevent Puppy Separation Anxiety

In Cats and Kittens…

• How To Manage Cat Separation Anxiety
• How To Help Your Scared Kitten Overcome Their Fear

As pets age, they can suffer from cognitive decline. In dogs, this is referred to as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), and in cats, feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD). This is similar to dementia in humans.

In pets with CDS or FCD, they may experience an increase in anxiety, irritability, stress and fear due to sensory, memory and awareness decline. Here’s how you can help.

Click on the links to read about these solutions.

For Dogs…

• Why Your Old Dog Won’t Sleep at Night—and What You Can Do About It
• Is Your Older Dog Becoming Aggressive? How to Handle Behavior Changes

For Cats…

• How Much Should My Senior Cat Sleep? How to Improve Your Cat’s Sleep Habits

Have more questions about your pet’s behavior? Get expert advice through Chewy’s Connect With a Vet service, available daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

Click on the links to read about these solutions.

With Zen Spaces…

• Create a Zen Space for Your Dog to Alleviate Anxiety

With Homemade Treats…

• This Piña Colada Inspired Mutt Mocktail May Help Relieve Doggy Anxiety

With Toys…

• 5 Toys to Help Ease Separation Anxiety in Dogs

With Pheromones…

• How to Calm a Cat Using Pheromones

With Other Calming Aids…

• The Best Cat Calming Aids to Help Soothe Your Feline Friend
• The Best Dog Calming Aids to Ease Stressful Situations

With Music…

• De-Stress Your Pets With Relaxing Music for Cats and Dogs

Shop best-selling, top-reviewed, vet-recommended calming products for dogs and cats. Consult your vet before giving your pet new products.