How Being Away from My Dogs Makes My Anxiety Worse

I always knew my dogs helped with my anxiety, but I always forget how much until I have to be away from them.

It hits fast. The moment I’m away from them — whether it’s for a trip, an emergency, or even just a long day without their familiar presence — my anxiety starts creeping in. At first, it’s subtle. A racing thought that won’t slow down. An overwhelming sense that something is just… off. And then I realize: I miss them.

My dogs aren’t just pets — they’re my routine. My grounding force. The reason I go for walks, the warmth I feel when I come home, the steady rhythm in a chaotic world. Their presence is constant and calming. There’s something about the quiet companionship of a dog that speaks louder than any words. When my anxiety flares up, they just know. That connection, that nonverbal support, has carried me through more rough days than I can count.

So when I’m away from them, it’s more than just missing them — it’s missing a piece of my emotional stability. It feels like the world is a little louder, a little faster, a little more overwhelming. Things that I’d normally handle with ease suddenly feel heavier. My mind spins more. My body tenses up. And all I can think about is how I wish they were next to me, bringing me back to center.

And I know I’m not alone in this.

There are so many of us who rely on our pets in ways that go far beyond companionship. They are our unofficial therapists, our emotional support, our daily structure. They give us love without conditions, comfort without questions, and presence without pressure. So if you’ve ever felt that wave of anxiety wash over you when you're apart from your pets — know that it’s valid. You're not being dramatic or overly attached. You’re simply feeling the absence of something (or someone) that helps regulate your nervous system. That’s real. That’s powerful.

Until I’m back with them again, I’ll keep breathing through the discomfort, leaning on what I’ve learned from their quiet strength. But I’ll also be counting down the minutes until I hear those familiar little paws on the floor, feel their warmth curled up next to me, and let out the kind of sigh that only comes when you're finally back where you feel safe.

If you’ve ever experienced something similar — if your pets help you manage your anxiety or just make your world feel a little safer — I’d love to hear your story. Sometimes the most comforting thing is simply knowing we’re not alone.