A Comprehensive Review of Canine Anxiety: Pathogenesis, Behavioral Outcomes, and Treatment

Abstract

Canine anxiety is a complex and multifactorial emotional condition characterized by the anticipation of perceived threats and associated with a wide range of clinical and behavioral manifestations. It can significantly impair animal welfare and the quality of the human–animal relationship, representing one of the most common reasons for referral in veterinary behavioral medicine. This paper provides an updated review of anxiety disorders in dogs, examining their pathogenesis through the interaction of genetic predisposition, life experiences, environmental factors, and concurrent clinical conditions. The main clinical forms of anxiety and the most frequent behavioral comorbidities, such as aggression, compulsive behaviors, separation-related problems, and social impairments are described. Particular attention is devoted to the neurobiological basis of canine anxiety, focusing on limbic neural circuits, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and the key neurotransmitter systems involved in emotional regulation. The importance of an integrated therapeutic approach is emphasized, combining environmental management, behavioral modification strategies, and, when indicated, pharmacological or nutraceutical interventions. Overall, the review highlights the value of an evidence-based, multidisciplinary perspective for accurate assessment, effective treatment, and targeted prevention of anxiety disorders in dogs.