Why Is My Dog More Anxious Lately? Understanding Post-COVID Pet Anxiety
What’s Causing the Spike in Behavior Changes—and How You Can Help
If your dog seems more anxious, reactive, or even aggressive lately—you’re not alone. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, veterinarians across the country (including here at PetMed of Key West) have seen a noticeable rise in anxiety-related behaviors in dogs.
This shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by pet owners either. Dogs who used to love meeting new people now growl or hide. Friendly pups suddenly snap at the vet or bark uncontrollably at visitors. So what’s going on?
The COVID Effect: How the Pandemic Changed Our Dogs
During the height of the pandemic, life changed—for everyone. Our routines slowed down. Visitors stopped coming. Social outings disappeared. Puppies that were born during this time—or dogs who were adopted into quiet, home-bound environments—missed out on critical early socialization.
Even well-adjusted adult dogs were affected. Many became used to being around just their immediate family 24/7. As the world reopened, those same dogs were suddenly overwhelmed by loud environments, unfamiliar people, and separation from their favorite humans.
In short: less socialization and more isolation led to more fear, anxiety, and reactive behaviors.
Signs Your Dog May Be Struggling with Anxiety or Reactivity
- Growling or snapping at strangers
- Panting, pacing, or trembling in new places
- Excessive barking or whining
- Hiding, freezing, or refusing to walk
- Difficulty being left alone
- Reactivity at the vet, groomer, or dog park
These are not signs of a “bad dog”—they’re signs of a stressed dog.
What Pet Owners Can Do at Home
The good news? You can help your dog feel more confident and calm. It takes patience, consistency, and understanding.
Reintroduce Socialization Gradually
Don’t flood your dog with too much stimulation at once. Start with quiet walks in new areas, short visits with calm people, or slow introductions to new animals. Use treats and praise to create positive associations.
Train with Kindness, Not Fear
Punishing a fearful dog can make anxiety worse. Instead, work with a positive reinforcement trainer who understands fear-based behaviors and can guide you through behavior modification.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Boredom increases stress. Enrichment toys, puzzle feeders, scent games, and interactive play can help burn energy and boost confidence.
Ask Us About Anti-Anxiety Support
For some dogs, training and environmental changes aren’t enough. Supplements, pheromone sprays, calming chews, or prescription medications can make a big difference—especially during stressful events like travel, storms, or vet visits.
Helping Your Dog Feel Safe at the Vet
At PetMed of Key West, we know that coming to the vet can be one of the most stressful experiences for anxious dogs. That’s why we take extra steps to help reduce fear and keep your pet as comfortable as possible:
What We Do:
- Offer wait-in-car options to reduce exposure to other animals
- Use treats and gentle handling techniques to build trust
- Schedule quieter appointment times for nervous patients when possible
- Keep detailed behavior notes so we can tailor each visit to your dog’s needs
- Recommend pre-visit medications when appropriate to reduce stress before arrival
We want your dog to associate the vet with compassion, not fear.
You’re Not Alone—And Neither Is Your Dog
Pet behavior isn’t always easy to navigate, especially when things have changed so much over the past few years. But with patience, professional support, and the right tools, your dog can learn to feel safe again. Whether you’re dealing with mild nervousness or full-blown reactivity, our team at PetMed of Key West is here to help. Book an appointment online or call us at (563) 583-8387 to discuss your pet’s behavior and how we can help them feel more at ease. Because at PetMed of Key West, we don’t just treat pets—we treat the emotions behind the wagging tails (and the tucked ones, too).