In this age of heightened anxiety, many of us turn to our pets for emotional support. But is our behavior increasing our furry friends’ fears?

The answer isn’t simple, says Frankie Jackson, a veterinary nurse and animal behavior consultant in Smyrna, Georgia.

“Dogs are incredibly responsive to our expressions, our body language and our scent,” she says. “There is a feedback loop — the owners are nervous; the dog gets nervous. Our cortisol levels rise and fall in tandem.”

Dr. Becky Peters, a veterinarian and owner of Bath Veterinary Hospital in Bath, New York, has also noticed a link between the anxiety of pets and their owners, particularly in the exam room.

Peters attributes much of the rise in pet anxiety to the social upheaval of the COVID-19 years.

Many animals who were acquired during the pandemic had limited opportunities to socialize with other people and pets during their peak developmental stages.

After COVID, pets who were used to having their family at home experienced separation anxiety as their owners returned to work and school.

“A lot of pet anxiety comes from changes to their households,” Peters says. “It can also occur from a lack of routine and structure and not enough physical activity.”

Other components that could contribute to our pets’ anxiety include unmet needs, past trauma and insufficient open spaces.

Try to get at the cause of your pet’s anxiety

Low-level stress responses in dogs, such as eating less and excessive self-grooming, are forms of communication that precede lunging and barking. Trying to solve reactive behaviors through obedience training without addressing the root cause can make dogs’ anxiety worse.

“It’s important to understand what the dogs are saying and why they’re behaving the way they are,” Jackson says.

Anxiety in cats can be harder to spot, according to Jackson, because they’re hardwired to hide it. While dogs seek out their support people, cats don’t feel safe expressing their vulnerability. Urinating in the house, scratching, hiding under the bed and overgrooming can be signs that your kitty is anxious.

First, see a vet

If your animal companion is suddenly acting out or on a licking binge, Jackson advises seeing a veterinarian to rule out a medical cause, such as pain or allergies.

Veterinarians can also prescribe anti-anxiety medication and complementary treatments to promote sleep and relaxation.

Medication can be important in behavioral treatment, but it shouldn’t be the only approach, says Peters. She usually suggests that her clients try training and routine modification first, unless the pet is causing harm to themselves or others.

For cats, Peters suggests products like Feliway that diffuses calming pheromones into the air.

Learn about the breed

A dog’s breed might also play a part in developing anxiety. Peters says that while every dog is different, the more active herding and working breeds like shepherds and border collies can become anxious and destructive without an outlet for their energy.