Help! My Dog Is Suddenly Anxious! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr. Paola,
My 6-year-old Coton de Tulear, Chloe, has always been a calm and happy dog. Recently,
she has become nervous and has a lot of anxiety. She always loved being in the car; now she shakes and trembles.
She acts like she is afraid we are going to leave her somewhere. When we get out of the car, she screams and cries, even though we always take her with us and have never left her in the car. She likes being alone in our house and has no issues when we leave.
My husband has been working on restoring a canoe. She is scared of the loud noises the sanding machine makes. She seems very nervous. Should we give her a mild tranquilizer? Should we ask her vet for some medication? What can we do? She gets tons of attention from us. It is like her personality has changed.
Thank you, ” – Nancy
Quick Info about Chloe
Nancy,
It can be unsettling when a dog’s behavior changes so noticeably, especially in a companion as gentle as a Coton de Tulear. A specific negative association can trigger sudden anxiety, and in Chloe’s case, the fear may have started with the loud sanding machine and generalized to other situations, like the car. Dogs can link an unpleasant sensory experience to nearby contexts, even if the connection seems indirect to us. This is called sensitization, and once it takes hold, a dog’s threshold for fear can drop in other environments.
Before considering medication, it is important to rule out any underlying medical issues that might contribute to increased anxiety, such as pain, sensory changes, or metabolic conditions. If your veterinarian finds her healthy, you can focus on behavior modification. Gradual desensitization combined with counterconditioning is the gold standard. For the car, that might mean starting with very short, positive sessions, pairing each step with high-value treats or a favorite toy, and only progressing when she is relaxed. Keep her environment as predictable and calm as possible while she recovers her sense of safety.
Some dogs do benefit from short-term anti-anxiety medication or supplements when combined with a structured behavior plan. If her anxiety is intense or interfering with daily activities, discuss with your veterinarian whether situational medication or a longer-acting option is appropriate. The goal is to help Chloe rebuild her confidence at her own pace so she can return to the happy, adaptable dog she was before.
Good luck!
– Dr. Paola