FYI, Fido freaks out, too, and there are ways to help a dog with anxiety.

“Dogs and cats suffer from anxiety much like humans do,” says veterinarian Marty Becker, founder of Fear Free Pets, a program that provides vets and owners with tools to promote pets’ emotional well-being. You might notice a drooping tail, furrowed brow (yeah, they do that), panting, shivering, or hiding. Your littlest loved one may also pee in strange places and scratch where they’re not supposed to.

Common causes include loud noises (such as thunder) and a disruption in routine (like when you return to work after being home for a while). “Pets miss us terribly when we’re gone,” Becker says. And if you’re one of the tens of thousands who adopted a dog or cat during the pandemic, you may even see some separation anxiety when you come back from a run, Becker adds. Thankfully, there are easy ways to keep your furball happy.

Cuddle Up

If you sense your pal’s anxiety is on the rise, start spraying Adaptil in their doggie bed ($35, petsmart.com). It’s a synthetic version of the relaxing pheromones canine mothers produce while nursing pups.

Seek Help

Hugs are known to release feel-good and calming chemicals in the brain—for pets and people. When you’re not around to snuggle with (wo)man’s BFF, try an anxiety wrap for them, like the ThunderShirt—basically a vest that offers the right amount of cozy pressure all day long. (From $40, )

Be a Support System

If your fave human were feelin’ low, you’d give them a call and listen to their worries, right? Well, a stressed pet also needs attention. Greet them after a long day away, offer a treat if they’re hiding, and never underestimate the power of a belly rub and head scratch. After all, they comfort you when you need it!

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Call Your Vet

For extreme cases, talk to your vet about antidepressants; your four-legged friend has SSRI options too, and Becker says they work wonders, even during high-anxiety events like the Fourth of July.

Go for a Walk

Your dog needs walks not just to go to the bathroom but for her own health, and some breeds need more action than others. Labs, golden retrievers, border collies, and Australian shepherds need an hour-plus of activity a day. Could this be what’s plaguing your pup?

Keep Fido Engaged

Dogs like to explore, just like humans do! Are you encouraging your dog to sniff and discover things on your walk? Are you mixing up their food to keep their taste buds engaged? These things can help.

Reduce Your Own Stress

Yep, your own anxieties could be rubbing off on your dog without you realizing it. Dogs look to their owners for assurance and for insight on how to react to a given situation. Are you putting out *safe* vibes? Or dooms-day ones? If it’s the latter, try to use a more reassuring tone when talking to your pup.

Ease Into Separation

Separation anxiety is a real thing, and it helps to gradually ease your dog into spending time away from you. If you just got a new dog, try stepping out for a few minutes at a time, then a few hours, then a full day when you’re at work.

Try Some Probiotics

They’re good for you *and* your pet. Who knew? Fear Free Pets suggests , which has a type of bacteria known to be relaxing.

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