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My senior dog is anxious nightly without triggers. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 14 years and 7 months old

Has always had bad anxiety and stress with storms/fireworks-will constantly shake/pant/unsettled. The 4th was terrible for her. Everynight since the 4th she is showing same behavior from 9p-3a and it has not stormed/no fireworks. I keep fans, TVs on to drown out any noises, she can go into her safe space(bathtub) whenever she wants. Very distressing this behavior is continuing daily without any triggers. Don’t know if this is a medical issue or behavioral-can I give her anything?Please help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Athena. I am sorry to hear of all of her recent anxiety. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian to try to if she is experiencing residual anxiety from a noise phobia (fireworks,thunderstorms, etc) or if she is experiencing age related changes known as canine cognitive dysfunction. Depending on the cause or if it is a combination of the two, she may be prescribed an anti-anxiety medication. Hopefully then you can all get some sleep. I hope this information helps!

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