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Why is my dog suddenly scared of her kennel and showing anxiety?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 44 lbs

My 2 yr old dog (German Shepherd-Cattle Dog Mix) has become scared of the dog kennel all of a sudden. She’s never had issues and we have had her for 4 mos. In the middle of the night she’s whining and sometimes barking. We can’t figure out the reason why this is happening. We left one day for a few hours and she tore up her bed in the kennel, she’s been left in her kennel for a few hrs at a time with no problem before. Her behavior is out of the ordinary. Please help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on July 16th, 2018

I'd always want to rule out a medical problem when there has been an abrupt change in behavior. A visit to the vet is in order to help to ensure that there are no underlying issues - changes in vision, neurologic issues, etc - that may be at the bottom of this. If everything is well with your health, ask yourself some questions: could there be any nocturnal animals visiting your property, and would she be able to see them or smell them? Could there be distant thunderstorms that she is hearing (and you're not, because you're sleeping) and the noise is making her anxious? You can try some low impact changes, such as a [Thundershirt ](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/thundershirt-heather-gray-dog-anxiety-solution) or [pheromone diffuser](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/thunderease-calming-diffuser-kit-for-dogs) to help calm anxiety. Your vet can also prescribe medications that will reduce anxiety. Hope this helps!

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