I Need Help With My Dogs Anxiety! (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
“I need help regarding my dog’s anxiety… I have a 15-month-old Yorkie, Bailey, that literally shakes and cries when out and about, riding in the car, stroller, etc. On daily walks, she lunges and barks at anyone walking by and, of course, other dogs. I believe out of fear. If a neighborhood dog barks from within their house when we go by, she turns around and heads for home. I spoke to her vet about CBD, and she mentioned a company called Ellevet. I hate to put her on daily meds, but I cannot take her anywhere, and I’m feeling trapped at home as she runs to sit at the door when she sees me getting ready to go anywhere. My previous Yorkie loved to go everywhere, loved car rides, etc.“ – Diane
Quick Info about Bailey
Hi Diane.
The behaviors you describe in Bailey, shaking, crying, retreating when dogs bark, and lunging on walks, are very consistent with fear-based anxiety. At fifteen months, she is still emotionally maturing, and some small-breed dogs are genetically predisposed to heightened vigilance. When she barks and lunges, she is not trying to be difficult; she is attempting to create distance from something that feels threatening. When she turns toward home after hearing a dog bark, that tells us she does not feel safe in that moment. Her nervous system is reacting as if the world outside is unpredictable, and that constant state of alert is exhausting for both of you.
For dogs like Bailey, the foundation of treatment is controlled desensitization and counterconditioning. This means exposing her to triggers at a distance where she notices them but does not panic, and pairing that exposure with something she loves, such as high-value treats. Over time, the brain can begin to associate those previously scary sights and sounds with positive outcomes. Think of it as gradually adjusting the brightness on a light rather than flipping it on at full intensity. Management is equally important. Walk during quiet times, create distance from other dogs, and avoid forcing interactions. For car rides, begin with simply sitting in a parked car and rewarding calm behavior before progressing to short drives.
Regarding CBD, current veterinary research does not provide strong, consistent evidence for anxiety relief in dogs, and product quality can vary widely. While some dogs may show mild improvement in situational stress, evidence is not yet strong enough to consider it a primary treatment for significant anxiety; therefore, it should not replace behavior therapy. If Bailey’s fear significantly limits her quality of life, there are well-studied anti-anxiety medications such as fluoxetine or sertraline that can be used safely under veterinary supervision, often temporarily, to lower her baseline anxiety so learning can occur. Medication in this context is not about sedation; it is more like lowering the volume on a radio that is stuck on high, allowing her brain to process new experiences without panic. I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Dr. Paola