Anxiety & Behaviour Support in Dogs and Cats

Anxiety & Behaviour Support in Dogs and Cats

Behavioural concerns such as anxiety, stress, noise sensitivity and changes in behaviour are common in both dogs and cats.

Many pets benefit from veterinary assessment, environmental support, behaviour strategies and, in some cases, veterinary-prescribed treatment.

At Central Pets, we help pet owners access veterinary-prescribed treatments following veterinary assessment, with convenient prescription upload, pharmacist-reviewed dispensing and Australia-wide delivery options.

Common signs of anxiety or behavioural concerns in pets

Dogs may show signs such as:

  • Excessive barking or whining

  • Pacing or restlessness

  • Destructive behaviour

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Separation-related distress

  • Fear during storms or fireworks

  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

Cats may show signs such as:

  • Hiding or withdrawing

  • Overgrooming

  • Changes in litter tray habits

  • Increased vocalisation

  • Aggression or irritability

  • Reduced appetite or altered behaviour

Behaviour changes can sometimes reflect underlying medical conditions, discomfort or pain, so veterinary assessment is recommended.

What can cause anxiety or behavioural changes in pets?

Behavioural concerns may be linked to:

  • Separation-related distress

  • Storms or fireworks

  • Travel or transport

  • Veterinary visits or handling stress

  • Environmental changes

  • Cognitive changes associated with ageing

  • Pain or underlying illness

Because behaviour changes can have many causes, veterinary assessment is important to determine the most appropriate management plan.

Veterinary treatment and management

Management depends on the cause, severity and individual needs of your pet.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

  • Behaviour modification strategies

  • Environmental adjustments

  • Veterinary-prescribed treatment where appropriate

  • Anxiety-reduction plans

  • Monitoring and follow-up review

Some pets benefit from short-term support, while others may require longer-term management.

Medicines your veterinarian may prescribe

Veterinarians may prescribe treatments to support behavioural concerns, travel stress, storm-related anxiety or noise sensitivity depending on the pet and situation.

Some pets may also receive treatment to support veterinary visits or handling-related stress.

Treatment decisions vary based on veterinary assessment and your pet’s clinical needs.

What if my pet struggles to take medication?

Some pets can be difficult to medicate, particularly when treatment is required before stressful events or for longer-term management.

Where clinically appropriate and authorised by the treating veterinarian, compounded treatment options may sometimes be discussed to support easier administration, alternative dosage forms or tailored strengths.

Why pet owners choose Central Pets

  • Easy online veterinary prescription upload

  • Pharmacist-reviewed supply before dispensing

  • Australia-wide delivery options

  • Support for repeat prescriptions where valid repeats remain

  • Local Perth pharmacy support with national shipping

  • Compounding capability where clinically appropriate and veterinarian authorised

Do I need a prescription?

Many veterinary treatments used to manage anxiety and behavioural concerns require a valid veterinary prescription before supply.

Your veterinarian can send prescriptions directly to Central Pets, or you can upload your prescription online during checkout.

Frequently asked questions

Why has my pet suddenly become anxious?

Behaviour changes can occur for many reasons, including stress, ageing, pain, environmental changes or illness. Veterinary assessment is recommended if symptoms develop or worsen.

Can pets receive treatment for anxiety?

Some pets benefit from veterinary assessment, behaviour support and, where appropriate, veterinary-prescribed treatment.

What if my pet refuses medication?

Where clinically appropriate and authorised by the veterinarian, compounded treatment options may sometimes be discussed to support easier administration.

Does pet anxiety require long-term treatment?

Some pets benefit from short-term support, while others may require ongoing management depending on veterinary assessment and behavioural needs.

Support for pets with anxiety and behavioural concerns

Central Pets helps pet owners access veterinary-prescribed treatments for behavioural concerns following veterinary assessment and pharmacist review.

Upload your veterinary prescription online for convenient pharmacist-reviewed supply.