"Anxious dog" / "anxious cat" can mean many things — separation, noise (fireworks), travel, vet visits, new home. The right intervention depends on the trigger AND the pet. The West Highland White Terrier's temperament matters: more naturally anxious breeds need a multi-pronged approach.
The four evidence-based interventions
- Pheromone diffusers + sprays. Adaptil (dogs) / Feliway (cats) — synthetic versions of the appeasing pheromone mother dogs/cats release. Genuine clinical evidence (multiple RCTs). Plug in 24/7 during stressful periods.
- Compression vests / Thundershirts. Like swaddling a baby — pressure on the chest releases endorphins. Works for ~70% of dogs with noise anxiety. Cheap to try.
- Behavioural modification. The only long-term cure. Desensitisation + counter-conditioning with a qualified force-free trainer. Skip the "alpha dominance" types — they make anxiety worse.
- Prescription anti-anxiety meds. For severe cases, your vet can prescribe trazodone, fluoxetine, gabapentin, or sileo (for noise specifically). Not a "lazy" option — sometimes the right tool.
What about CBD / hemp / "natural" calming chews?
Evidence is mixed at best. Some dogs respond, many don't. Quality control is poor — some products contain THC (toxic to dogs) or no CBD at all. If you try, buy from a vet-recommended brand only + start low.
Picks for the West Highland White Terrier
What to skip
- Sedatives WITHOUT vet involvement. "Knocking out" an anxious dog often makes it worse — they\'re still feeling fear, just can\'t escape.
- Pet-store "rescue remedy" alcohol tinctures. Alcohol is mildly toxic; no clinical evidence.
- Aromatherapy diffusers (lavender, tea tree etc.) — many are actively toxic to dogs. Skip unless vet-recommended.
When to call the vet
If anxiety is daily, escalating, or causing self-injury (excessive paw licking, tail chewing, destruction of the home in your absence), it's a clinical condition needing a behavioural vet referral. Sometimes the answer is medication first, then training. Don\'t white-knuckle through it.