When your dog struggles with anxiety, you notice the pacing, the panting or the inability to settle. But have you considered how anxiety affects your dog’s immune system?
Chronic stress, stress that persists or keeps returning - can disrupt normal immune function in dogs. Stress hormones can change how immune cells respond, which is one reason emotional wellbeing matters to your dog’s physical health.
Helping them feel more secure, feeding them well and looking after their everyday needs all work together. Here’s how you can support them.
Does chronic stress affect a dog’s immune system?
Your dog’s immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs that helps protect them against infections.
When they feel threatened or overwhelmed, their body releases stress hormones, including cortisol. This short-term response is normal and helps them cope with an immediate challenge.
But when stress continues, the body has fewer opportunities to settle and recover. Prolonged stress can alter immune cell activity and the regulation of inflammation, potentially affecting the body’s ability to respond to health challenges. Research comparing dogs in different environments has found changes in immune responses associated with stress and its duration.
This doesn’t mean every anxious dog will become unwell. Their age, nutrition, existing health conditions and exposure to infections also matter. It does mean that supporting an anxious dog deserves attention beyond the behaviour we can see.
The relationship between stress and the immune system is complex and can vary in pets based on age and breed.
What are the signs of ongoing stress in dogs?
Some dogs make their worries obvious. Others quietly withdraw. Look for changes such as:
- Pacing, trembling or struggling to settle
- Panting when they aren’t hot or exercising
- Hiding or becoming unusually clingy
- Increased barking or reactivity
- Changes in appetite, sleep or toileting
- Distress when left alone
These signs can also be linked to pain or illness. If something is new, persistent or getting worse, a vet check is a sensible first step.
Our guide to dog anxiety: causes, symptoms and solutions explains more about recognising when your dog needs support.
How to support your dog’s stress levels and immune health
Provide a balanced, nutritious diet
A complete, balanced diet supplies the protein, essential fats, vitamins and minerals needed for normal immune function.
Consider additional calming and nutritional support
Chronic stress can affect immune function, it makes sense to look after your dog’s emotional wellbeing and nutritional needs together.
PetWell Calm supplement is formulated to support calm behaviour and nervous system health. Its natural, human-grade blend includes selected for their antioxidants and nutritional contribution to overall wellbeing.
Formulated by an animal naturopath and reviewed by a vet, Calm offers daily nutritional support alongside a balanced diet, a reassuring routine and appropriate behaviour care.
Keep up with regular wellness checks
Routine vet visits help identify concerns early, including discomfort that could be contributing to your dog’s stress.
Make exercise enjoyable
Regular movement supports fitness, a healthy weight and opportunities to explore.
Create a calm, safe environment
Notice what unsettles your dog and adjust where you can. That might mean quieter walking routes, more space from visitors or a comfortable retreat away from household activity.
Maintain a healthy weight
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight supports their mobility and overall health. Measure meals, include treats in their daily food allowance and ask your vet to check their body condition.
Keep grooming and hygiene gentle
Regular brushing, nail care and dental care help keep your dog comfortable. They also give you a chance to notice changes in their skin, coat or body.
Protect their sleep and rest
Give your dog a comfortable place to sleep without frequent interruptions. In a busy household, that may mean teaching everyone, including enthusiastic little humans, to leave them undisturbed.
Foods and ingredients to consider for immune health
A balanced diet is the foundation of nutritional support for the immune system. Suitable extras can add variety, but their benefits differ: some provide essential nutrients, while others have more limited evidence.
Introduce new foods gradually.
Lean proteins
Chicken, turkey, fish and lean beef provide amino acids needed to build and maintain body tissues, including components of the immune system.
Vegetables and fruit
Carrots, cooked pumpkin, cooked sweet potato and blueberries contribute fibre, nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.
Bone broth
Bone broth can add moisture and make a meal more appealing. Depending on how it’s prepared, it can also contribute protein, including gelatin derived from collagen.
Probiotic foods
The gut lining and its community of microorganisms play important roles in immune health.
Explore our guide to probiotics and gut health for dogs.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Oily fish such as salmon and sardines supplies EPA and DHA, omega-3 fats involved in regulating inflammation.
PetWell offers simple, single-ingredient option for adding variety to your dog’s treat routine. Try New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel powder and treats.
Garlic
Garlic deserves a closer look. Small studies in dogs have found promising results with aged garlic extract, including support for antioxidant defence pathways and improvements in measures of gum health.
Fresh garlic has a different chemical composition, so those findings don’t translate directly into a daily number of cloves. If you’d like to include garlic in your dog’s diet, ask an experienced in veterinary nutrition or animal naturopath, to advise on the preparation and amount suitable for your dog.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The preparation, amount and absorption influence its effects.
FAQ’s
Can anxiety make a dog physically unwell?
Anxiety can affect appetite, sleep and digestion. When it causes chronic stress, it may also disrupt normal immune function.
Can a supplement support both stress and immune health?
A supplement may provide ingredients for calming support and nutrients involved in normal immune function.
Help them feel more settled, every day
Looking after an anxious dog can take patience. You don’t have to change everything at once.
Start with what your dog is telling you. Make room for rest, choose activities they enjoy and get help with worries that keep returning. Alongside good nutrition and regular health care, these steps support both their emotional and physical wellbeing.
Explore PetWell Calm for everyday calming and nutritional support, as part of a care plan suited to your dog.
The Science behind it
Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.
Effect of Immune Stress on Growth Performance and Immune Functions
The Impact of Everyday Stressors on the Immune System and Health
Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk
Psychological influences on immune function and health
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Phycology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care. Originally published February 2024. Substantially updated September 2026.
1 comment
We also should consider visa vera.. the brain gut axis. When there’s an imbalance in the gut it can cause mood swings, anxiety and a whole heap of other issues. There have been recent studies on this with dogs