More than 84% of dogs show signs of anxiety, study finds

Indexed: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]When humans go to the doctor, they often have to complete a questionnaire about medical history and mental health. You know who doesn't? Dogs. And according to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor of animal clinical sciences at Texas A&M, it might be time to change that. According to a new study, an absolutely staggering 84% of dogs deal with fear and anxiety. 84% and that is not including dogs who are afraid of going to the groomer or getting their nails clipped. The doc says the worst cases tend to be dogs who are isolated and don't get outside much.

[00:00:32]Fear and anxiety, if you think of it, is probably a very normal reaction for an animal in an unfamiliar situation. And so, we also have to look at how dogs are raised. If they're not raised around other people or other dogs, they easily could develop a fear when approaching someone new. I have had a client that came in that had a dog that usually was outside but became afraid of thunder.

[00:00:59]And got to the point that it literally was trying to chew through the brick wall of their home to get indoors.

[00:01:09]That dog is so phobic that you can't help it anymore.

[00:01:15]Drugs can help a little bit, but by the time it reaches that extreme, it's very very difficult to do much for it. Oh man, that's awful to hear. She says that veterinarians should add behavioral questions to patient visits to better determine if the dogs need treatment or medication. She says behavioral issues like anxiety and fear are much easier to treat when it's caught earlier. Mhm.

[00:01:39]That's one of the most depressing stories we've ever shared. I thought my dog was living the great life.

[00:01:43]>> I know. I think I think I we've all said that as, you know, dog owners is like, "You have the best life ever. I would love to trade you at any like, you don't work, free rent, foam bed, like food, just you know, you know what I'm saying?" the >> It's so easy, but apparently not so much.

[00:01:58]>> the big one is separation anxiety, right? I mean we've all had a dog I'm sure that did not like it when we weren't there.

[00:02:02]>> Yeah.

[00:02:03]Makes sense. You know. Yeah, I know my dog is not he's good when he goes to the vet. He's good with everything else, but once my fiance starts like screaming at the TV for the abs game or football game, oh he like runs upstairs.

[00:02:17]>> That's it. That's his anxiety.

[00:02:18][laughter] He's like, "Bye, I'm leaving."

[00:02:21]It actually doesn't make any sense. I I I have to take the dog's stand on that one. We should never be yelling at the TV because of a sporting event, but you know We're into it. We get into it.