Is Your Pet’s Anxiety Related to Their Gut Health?

Your fur baby might not seem to have a care in the world. 

Happily spoiled, getting fed their favorite treats, belly scratches on demand, surrounded by engaging toys. 

But instead of being happy and carefree, they’re acting out, being destructive or clingy, and exhibiting other new, negative behaviors. 

What gives?

Your pet might be experiencing something common among us humans: anxiety! 

Let’s look at the signs that your pet might be feeling anxious, what could be causing it, and how you can improve your fur baby’s mental health.

Anxiety in Pets

Anxiety in pets can vary greatly depending on their species and breed. And, your pet’s unique personality means they’ll display their anxiety in their own way. 

But despite these differences, anxiety in pets first manifests in noticeable behavioral changes. 

In dogs, these are some of the most common signs of anxiety.

• Excessive barking (for no reason)
• Whining
• Destructive behavior
• Panting
• Drooling
• Licking
• Shaking
• Potty accidents
• Ears pulled down or back
• Showing the white of their eyes

Cats with anxiety might show these behaviors. 

• Not using their litter boxes
• Destructive behavior—beyond the kitty norm
• Appetite changes
• Aggressiveness
• Clinginess
• Coat changes (due to different grooming habits)
• Digestive issues

Remember, as a responsible pet parent, you know your fur baby best! Your pet might show only some of these signs, or show them sporadically. But if you think something feels off, trust your instincts and explore what might be behind your pet’s new habits or behaviors. 

It might be anxiety! And let’s look at what could be causing it. 

What Causes Anxiety in Pets

Let’s explore some possible anxiety triggers in pets. 

Seasonal Anxiety

You’ll probably notice your pet’s anxiety ebb and flow with the seasons. 

Fireworks, so common on New Year’s Eve, are known for being incredibly stressful for pets. Many pets hide under beds, cry, or even run away from the stress and anxiety of these loud pyrotechnics. 

Holiday gatherings can also be hugely stressful for your pets. 

If you’re hosting a holiday celebration at home, your pet may find themselves surrounded by guests—many of whom could be strangers or near strangers. Your pets, with their keen senses, may be overwhelmed by unfamiliar scents, loud noises, unusually crowded rooms, and other environmental changes. 

On the other hand, if you attend holiday gatherings outside of your home, you may get home later than usual. Separation anxiety is real! And the disruption of their routine can feel stressful to your pets and cause anxiety. 

Travel Anxiety

Going on vacation? Another possible source of anxiety for pets is travel. 

The stress begins with the journey, as pets traveling in carriers may feel cramped and uncomfortable. They may even experience motion sickness. 

The anxiety won’t necessarily get better after you’ve reached your final destination. Housing your pet in a strange place, away from their “safe space” at home, can be incredibly stressful for them.

The most obvious solution, boarding your pets, won’t necessarily help with anxiety. Not only are they in a strange place, away from the familiar comforts of home, but your pets also have the added stress of being away from you. 

Improper Diet

In this post, we talk about how poor gut health can cause anxiety in pets. While this is largely due to the bacteria populating your pet’s microbiome, your pet’s diet can also affect their gut health. 

Just like with humans, foods that are highly processed, high in sugar, or otherwise unhealthy are bad for your pet’s gut. Not only do they cause digestive issues, but these unhealthy foods also feed pathogenic bacteria—and often harm beneficial bacteria. This can tip the scales in favor of “bad” bacteria, leading to dysbiosis in your pet. 

And even if you’re consistently buying your pet high-quality, veterinarian-approved food, the holidays can wreak havoc on your pet’s diet. Guests might “feel bad” and sneak them table scraps. Holiday foods—generally richer or sweeter than the norm—might fall to the floor, and, in a scenario straight from a holiday movie, your pet could easily help themselves to dinner or desserts that are left out while you’re busy with party prep.

Your Anxiety

Here’s a surprising factor that could be causing your pet’s anxiety: your own anxiety! 

Your pet is extremely observant, with heightened senses so strong that they often become almost like a sixth sense. 

And from scientific studies to anecdotal accounts, there is substantial evidence that pets pick up on and often mirror the emotional energy of their owners. 

• One study showed that cats can read emotional cues, picking up on anxiety. 
• Another study showed that dogs can smell stress and anxiety. 

In both cases, their owner’s anxiety affected the pets’ behavior and mental health. 

So if the holidays have you feeling frazzled and stressed out, don’t be surprised if your pet is feeling anxious, too.

The Link Between Gut Health and Anxiety in Pets

There’s one more thing that could be causing your pet’s anxiety. In fact, it might even be the root of your pet’s anxiety.

Believe it or not, your pet’s mental well-being is deeply linked to the state of their gut microbiome. 

And it’s all due to one all-important factor: bacteria. 

Let’s find out how these microscopic organisms affect your pet’s physical and psychological health.

If you’ve ever watched your pet sniff, lick, or nudge less-than-savory items around the house or on a walk, you know one important fact. Pets are full of bacteria 

But that’s okay; so are we! 

Just as with humans, trillions of bacteria live in and around your pet’s body—on their skin and fur, in their nose and mouth, and, most importantly, in their gut microbiome. 

Your Pet’s Gut Health

The majority of your pet’s bacteria live in their gut microbiome, and these are divided into two types. 

• Pathogenic (“bad”) bacteria can produce illnesses, infections, or other negative effects on your pet’s health and well-being. 
• Beneficial (“good”) bacteria can result in better immunity, improved mental health, and other positive effects. 

Because of the limited room in your pet’s microbiome—the part of their digestive tract that houses bacterial colonies—the two types of bacteria are in a constant struggle for survival. When one type of colony flourishes and grows, it crowds out the other type of colony, diminishing its size and strength. 

In an ideal world, your pet’s gut microbiome would be thriving with colonies of good bacteria, improving your pet’s physical and psychological health. 

In reality, the opposite is more often the case (just as it is with humans!). Your pet’s gut microbiome, like yours, is likely overrun with pathogenic bacteria. This condition, known as dysbiosis, can cause numerous health issues for your pet, including anxiety.

How Poor Gut Health Can Cause Pet Anxiety

How can bacteria, living in your pet’s gut, result in anxiety? 

It’s all due to your pet’s gut-brain axis, also known as their GBA. 

There are two key components to your pet’s GBA. 

• The enteric nervous system (ENS), located in your pet’s gut, is sometimes referred to as their “little brain.” This controls your pet’s digestive system, along with other crucial bodily functions. It can also control your pet’s mood and emotions. 
• The central nervous system (CNS) is located in your pet’s brain. This is your pet’s main “control center”, managing everything from basic life functions to complex processes. 

Your pet’s ENS and CNS are connected by the vagus nerve, a two-way highway that allows your gut and your brain to send messages to one another. As a result of this strong connection, the health of one affects the health of the other—both positively and negatively. 

If you take a moment to consider your own GBA, it’s easy to see the connection between the brain and the gut. 

• Nervousness about an important presentation or your annual performance review results in an upset stomach. Or an exciting first date—or other happy event—gives you “butterflies in your stomach.”
• Digestive issues leave you feeling embarrassed, stressed out, or even depressed.

In your pets, here are some examples of how the GBA might work. 

• Separation anxiety makes your pet get sick with vomiting or diarrhea. 
• A pet with chronic digestive issues might exhibit other (negative) behavioral changes. 

Through the GBA, your pet’s gut microbiome could be the key to their anxiety. But what can you do to help nurture it?

What is the Gut-Brain Axis?

How to Reduce Your Pet’s Anxiety

Now that you understand what might be causing your pet’s anxiety, let’s address the next part: how you can help reduce their anxiety and improve their mental well-being. 

Improve Their Gut Health

As we explained earlier, your pet’s gut health plays a huge role in their mental health. So improving your pet’s gut health is a crucial first step in helping them overcome anxiety. 

We love Just Pets—a probiotic supplement containing three proprietary probiotic strains that are guaranteed to arrive 100% alive in your pet’s gut for maximum effectiveness. Just sprinkle the contents of one capsule over your pet’s favorite food—and that’s it! Once they reach the gut, they’ll get to work crowding out pathogens and stimulating the growth of much needed gut flora.

The results? A balanced gut, healthy digestion, and—thanks to the GBA—reduced stress and anxiety.

Establish a Stable Routine

Animals thrive on stability and routine. Knowing what comes next can be a huge source of anxiety-reducing comfort. 

Regular feedings, walks, and playtimes, even during the busy holiday season, can be a huge boost for your pet’s mental health. While some flexibility is always necessary, especially during this time of the year, try to stick to your pet’s usual routine as much as possible.

If you don’t already have a routine, it’s not too late to establish one! Watch your pet’s cues to find the best times for feedings, playing, and other parts of your daily life. 

Give Them Comfort, On Their Terms

Sometimes, no matter what you do, your pet will still feel some level of anxiety. After all, you can’t cancel everyone’s New Year’s fireworks—much as you might want to. And holiday gatherings or even travel might be unavoidable. 

When your pet begins to show signs of anxiety, slow down and comfort them. 

Know your pet and what works best for them. Some pets respond well to being wrapped up, like a swaddled baby, in an anxiety blanket or “thunder vest.” Others get distracted by a favorite toy or treat. And some pets respond well to CBD or essential oils (but be sure to check that they are pet-safe).

Whatever works for your pet, be willing to give it to them when anxiety creeps in. 

Reduce Your Own Anxiety

We also talked about how easily your fur babies can pick up on and reflect your emotions—including anxiety. So, reducing your own anxiety can be an effective way to soothe your pet’s anxiety, too. 

Here are some things you can do to keep your anxiety at bay.

• Practice meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing. You can start slow, with just a few minutes per day, and work your way up. Meditation walks and body scan meditations are also easy to do. 
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, at least 7-8 hours per night. Avoid blue light (from electronics) in the last hour before bedtime, to avoid disruptions to your body’s natural sleep cycles. 
• Listen to soothing sounds, such as meditative music or nature sounds. 
• Take a psychobiotic such as Just Calm, which can help you manage everyday stress and maintain a balanced mood. You’ll feel calmer and more relaxed—and your pet will notice! 
• Embrace a healthy lifestyle, with nutritious, organic foods and moderate daily exercise. 
• Use soothing aromatherapy oils. Lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile, bergamot, and other scents can have an anxiety-reducing effect. 

Final Thoughts

Your fur baby might be happily spoiled, living their best life. But, they might be feeling anxious; you just haven’t realized it. 

But as a dedicated pet parent, you have the power to protect your pet’s mental well-being. With the right care, you can reduce—or even prevent—anxiety.

Know the causes of your pet’s anxiety, stay on the lookout for its subtle signs, and be ready to swoop in for your pet’s mental health. Your pet will thrive physically and emotionally!

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