Pet Anxiety is Rising, But Who is More Anxious — Pets or Their Owners?

Pet anxiety appears to be on the rise, alongside growing concern from owners. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 report, use of calming products has surged 168% for dogs and 174% for cats since 2018. Trupanion pet insurance also reported a 93% increase in anxiety-related claims over six years. Retired veterinarian Dr. Richard Williams said he has seen more owners request anti-anxiety medications, noting drugs are more available and widely prescribed. A 2016 study found 83% of small-animal veterinarians had prescribed fluoxetine to pets.

But anxiety isn’t limited to animals. National survey data show antidepressant use among Americans steadily increased from 2019 to 2023. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Terry Curtis believes the issue affects both pets and owners, suggesting human lifestyles and expectations contribute to animal stress. Experts recommend training, desensitization and regular exercise as first steps. Medication can help short term, but veterinarians caution against relying on it for life-long treatment.