Healing The Vagus Nerve In Dogs: Natural Ways To Reduce Anxiety & Promote Calmness

By Norma Jeanne Laurette ​

Introduction

​The vagus nerve plays an important role in helping the body shift between stress and calm. In dogs, this can be especially relevant when we are looking at anxiety, over-arousal, reactivity, fear, and the ability to settle after excitement or stress. When a dog struggles to calm down, recover, digest properly or feel safe, it’s worth looking at the nervous system as part of the bigger behavioural picture.
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The vagus nerve is a nerve that starts in the brain stem and travels down the neck to the chest and abdomen. It coordinates and regulates numerous body functions such as swallowing, gag reflex, brain to gut communication, digestion, breathing, heart rate, inflammation, immune response as well as the stress and relaxation response. In short, it functions as a major communication link that goes back and forth between the brain and the body (R3). It helps balance the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the nervous system (R7). The vagus nerve functions as the body’s re-boot system for a dog’s stress reaction.

What Does It Mean To Reset The Vagus Nerve In Dogs?

​When we talk about resetting or supporting the vagus nerve in dogs, it’s not about reprimanding excitement or suppressing behaviour, it’s about the process of helping the dog’s nervous system return to balance after stress, excitement or overstimulation. When a dog becomes overwhelmed, its system can stay “switched on,” making it harder for it to calm itself, think clearly or recover from everyday triggers. A reset simply means creating the right conditions such as safety, predictability, reduced stimulation and gentle decompression time to allow the nervous system to naturally downshift. Over time, these experiences help improve resilience and the dog’s ability to calm itself when stressed (R1).

The Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight Or Flight)

​When a dog is afraid, senses danger or is triggered to high arousal, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and triggers the fight or flight response. When this occurs the dog’s muscles tense, its breathing speeds up, heart rate increases and its mind becomes focussed on survival. It’s an innate control system that helps dogs react swiftly to perceived threats, but living in our human-centric world can cause it to get stuck in overdrive (R1).

The Parasympathetic Nervous System (Rest & Digest)

​When the vagus nerve is activated, it switches the body into its parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the rest and digest state. When this system is engaged, the dog’s muscles relax, its breathing deepens, digestion improves, heart rate decreases, its mind becomes calm and the vagus nerve begins to heal itself (R4). In essence, when the vagus nerve is healthy and engaged, it functions to calm the fight or flight reflex, which makes it easier for dogs to recover from stress and anxiety, reduces inflammation and supports emotional resilience.
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Whether we’re dealing with an anxious, fearful, excitable, reactive or aggressive dog – the vagus nerve plays a big role in its ability to calm its state of arousal.  By understanding the vagus nerve and how to nurture healthy function, we can nurture a calmer, more resilient and healthier dog (R2).

Can Constant Stimulation Make It Harder For A Dog To Calm Down

​Constant stimulation can make it significantly harder for a dog to calm itself. When a dog is repeatedly exposed to noise, activity, training, social interaction, or ongoing environmental stimulation without adequate time to recover, its nervous system can remain in a prolonged state of arousal. Over time, this can reduce its ability to transition into calm, regulated states because the brain and body become conditioned to stay alert and reactive. Dogs require consistent downtime to allow their stress response system to reset. Without it, you will notice restlessness, reduced ability to settle, increased emotional reactivity or a dog that appears tired but still unable to relax. If the nervous system rarely gets a chance to fully down-regulate, calm behaviour becomes harder to achieve when needed most (R16). For more information about reactivity see my article Trigger Stacking & Canine Reactivity.

Are High-Energy Dogs More Likely To Have A Weak Vagus Nerve?

​What about genetically high-energy dogs and breeds? Can this constant stimulation harm the vagus nerve? The answer to this question is yes but not directly. Constant overstimulation keeps the sympathetic nervous system engaged while suppressing the parasympathetic nervous system (R2). Since the parasympathetic system’s calming affect is rarely exercised, over time the dog’s ability to calm itself is weakened.

Dogs that are constantly over-stimulated with games such as Frisbee, fetch, running, rough housing and erratic schedules can become locked into the same cycle of any adrenaline junkie. They only feel good when externally stimulated and never learn how to calm themselves (R5). Extended periods of overstimulation can lead to increased impulsivity and reactivity, inhibited rest and sleep cycles and poor emotional control when surprised by the unexpected.
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To prevent this problem it’s important to create an on/off switch for the dog’s energy by breaking up high-energy activities. This can be accomplished with settle down exercises (excite and settle), activities such as calm sniffing walks and self-control exercises such as down stays.

Signs Of A Dog Struggling To Regulate Its Nervous System

​Signs that a dog may be struggling to calm its nervous system can include pacing, whining and general restlessness or an inability to settle. Many dogs will pant even when they are not hot or physically active, shake off repeatedly or show clingy behaviour and difficulty relaxing when away from its guardian. Others avoid lying down or keep getting up, yawn frequently when not tired, or display lip licking or tongue flicking among other stress signals. You might also observe constant environmental scanning, sudden barking without obvious triggers or difficulty relaxing after exercise or excitement. Some dogs become more repetitive in their behaviours such as scratching or grooming more than usual, moving from room to room without settling or even freezing or shutting down (R17).

Real Life Examples

• A dog that can’t settle after visitors leave
• A dog that gets overexcited while playing and can’t calm down afterward
• A reactive dog that remains stressed long after seeing another dog
• A dog that pants, paces, whines or can’t relax in its own home even when nothing is happening
• A dog that needs decompression after every mildly stressful event
• A dog that remains hyper-alert or “on edge” for hours after a short walk or car ride
• A dog with chronic digestive issues such as intermittent loose stools, vomiting or loss of appetite when stressed, bloating or food sensitivities with no clear medical cause
• A dog that freezes, shuts down, or shows learned helplessness after overwhelming events
• A sound-sensitive dog with excessive startle responses or prolonged recovery from noises
• A dog that struggles to sleep or settle at night, frequently changing position, vocalizing or waking up restless despite physical exhaustion.
• A dog that over-reacts to minor triggers in daily life
• A dog with persistent shallow or rapid breathing even when lying down in a calm home environment or pants heavily indoors with no temperature or exercise cause.
• A dog that appears wired but tired with high overall energy and poor quality rest leading to crankiness and irritability
• A dog with compulsive behaviors such as excessive licking, tail chasing, walking in loops or pacing
• A senior or recovering dog that shows chronic neck/shoulder tension, sensitivity to touch around the head/neck
• A dog with clumsiness or poor coordination

For more information about compulsive behaviours see my article entitled OCD In Dogs. For other reasons dogs have trouble sleeping see Sleep Disorders In Dogs – Symptoms, Causes & Practical Solutions.

Check List For Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

• Clingy
• Lip licking
• Tongue flicking
• Panting
• Pacing
• Shaking off
• Whining
• Yawning
• Repetitive behaviours such as scratching or grooming
• Avoiding lying down or constantly getting up
• Overreacts to mild stressors or everyday sounds
• Difficulty settling after stimulation
• Appears tense or guarded even in familiar environments
• Reduced ability to recover after exercise, excitement, play or training
• Avoids interaction or becomes socially withdrawn
• Restlessness after eating or during downtime
• Constant environmental scanning
• Moving from room to room without settling
• Sudden barking without obvious triggers
• Inconsistent focus during training
• Increased clinginess
• Freezing or sudden shutdown behaviour
• Lower threshold for frustration, quick to give up or disengage (R15)

Keep in mind that any of these behaviours could have other causes. If in doubt, an evaluation by a qualified and experienced positive canine behaviour expert is required. For information about becoming a behaviour expert visit our Certification page. For an international list of qualified, certified dog trainers/behaviour experts visit http://www.ipdta.org/.

Factors That Harm The Vagus Nerve

​The vagus nerve’s ability to function effectively can be compromised by chronic inflammation, gut conditions, infections, prolonged stress or anxiety, physical and/or emotional trauma, poor diet, lack of sleep and erratic routines or schedules (R1) (R3) (R4). However, this damage can be reversed with a balanced and nutritious, natural diet, calming exercises and lifestyle changes, which allow the vagus nerve to heal. For information about nutrition see Canine Nutrition – Essential For Your Dog’s Health & Longevity and Canine Nutrition – Raw For Dogs.

Behaviour & Health Issues Caused By An Unhealthy Vagus Nerve

​Without a healthy vagus nerve, a dog will have trouble shifting from a state of arousal to calm, making it difficult to recover (R1). When a dog can’t get out of the fight or flight mode it exacerbates problems such as health issues, emotional instability and chronic anxiety. (R4) (R8).

When a dog has difficulty calming itself it can lead to the following health issues:
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• Hormonal Imbalance: Affects metabolism, weight, coat and reproductive health (R10).
• Musculoskeletal Tension: Can result in repetitive injuries, stiffness, pain and tense neck, shoulders or back (R11).
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Resulting in nausea, diarrhea, constipation, colitis, gastritis or ulcers (R12).
• Suppressed Immune System: Causing allergies, skin, ear, urinary tract and respiratory infections, slower healing of wounds, increased parasite risk, allergies, autoimmune problems, chronic inflammation and cancer (R13).
• Cardiovascular Strain: Can lead to elevated heart rate and blood pressure, hypertension and heart disease (R14).

Ways To Support A Calmer Vagus Nerve Response In Dogs

Healing the vagus nerve is not just about relaxation – it’s also about nurturing the foundation for physical, behavioural and emotional health for your dog. The most common methods for healing the vagus nerve include relaxation solutions, predictable and enjoyable routines, calm and positive training sessions that include self-control exercises, healthy nutrition and quality rest and sleep. For a complete guide to canine nutrition see my book entitled Dogs Examined.

Relaxation solutions such as canine enrichment options, pressure wraps, light massage or Tellington T Touch can help. Holistic anxiety supplemental aids are another option and include CBD oil (used with expert guidance), calming music, dog TV, calming scents, pheromone diffusers and safe natural supplements (R6). For more information about holistic stress supplements see my article Stress & Anxiety – Protecting Your Dog’s Health & Happiness.
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When a dog learns how to calm itself, the vagus nerve will heal and be able to work efficiently again. Understanding and healing the vagus nerve is not about interfering with a dog’s natural instincts or not allowing it to have fun, instead it’s about nurturing self-control through good physical and emotional wellbeing. By following the vagus nerve healing practices, you will reinforce your dogs health both physically and emotionally resulting in a calm, happy dog with superior self control.

Check List To Healing & Supporting A Calmer Vagus Nerve Response

• Predictable daily routines (consistent feeding, walks, rest times, etc.)
• Regular quiet rest periods with minimal stimulation
• No high-intensity exercise
• Canine enrichment options including natural foraging and sniffing walks
• Gentle, positive training with no pressure
• No verbal or physical corrections
• Soft, steady human interaction (calm voice, slow movements)
• Relaxation solutions including pressure wraps, light muscle massage or Tellington T Touch, gentle touch or calming contact if the dog enjoys it
• Safe, quiet spaces for decompression
• Reduce constant background noise and overstimulation at home
• Support rest after excitement (structured “wind-down” time)
• Avoid over-scheduling social interactions or training sessions
• Allow the dog choice and space in interactions (autonomy)
• Consistent sleep environment and undisturbed sleep
• Gradual exposure to stressors instead of flooding using desensitization and counter conditioning
• Protect the dog from stressors it should not have to tolerate (R18)

For more information about canine enrichment see my article Canine Enrichment For Dogs. For more information about autonomy see Why Dogs Need Freedom Of Choice and Autonomy & A Well Behaved Dog. For information about desensitization and counter conditioning see our book Blueprint To A Happy Dog.

FAQs – Vagus Nerve Support in Dogs

What is the vagus nerve in dogs?
The vagus nerve is part of the nervous system that helps regulate stress, digestion and heart rate, and helps the body shift between stress and calm states.

What are signs of vagus nerve imbalance in dogs?
Signs of vagus nerve imbalance include stress and anxiety, difficulty settling and sleeping, behaviour problems, gastrointestinal dysfunction, respiratory and physiological arousal, cardiac, immune and inflammatory issues.

How do I calm my dog’s nervous system?
To calm the vagus nerve follow a consistent routine, maintain calm, low stress environments and interactions, relaxation after excitement, gentle touch and massage, canine enrichment, a natural, balanced diet and additional therapies.

Can stress affect a dog’s nervous system long-term?
Yes. Chronic stress can make it harder for dogs to return to a calm baseline and can lead to long-term health and behaviour problems.

Does exercise help regulate the vagus nerve in dogs?
Yes, but it should be balanced with rest and not over-stimulating activity.

What is the fastest way to calm an anxious dog?
A quiet space, reduced stimulation and calm human presence with someone they know and trust.

Can routine improve a dog’s behaviour and stress levels?
Yes. Predictable routines help dogs feel calmer and safer.

Do dogs need downtime to stay calm?
Yes. Downtime is essential for nervous system recovery and balance.

Can overstimulation make dogs anxious?
Yes. Too much stimulation can keep dogs in a heightened state of arousal.

Does sniffing help calm dogs?
Yes. Sniffing activities support relaxation and help lower arousal.

Summary

​Healing the vagus nerve offers a powerful, scientifically proven pathway to helping dogs regulate stress, recover from anxiety, return to good health and a balanced emotional state. By supporting the body’s natural parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” nervous system, we can shift our dogs out of the chronic fight-or-flight pattern and into calmer, more resilient behaviour and emotional wellbeing. This approach changes the way we look at reactivity, not as disobedience, but as a physiological state that can be gently and humanely guided back to equilibrium.
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Through carefully applied techniques, guardians can help strengthen a dog’s vagal tone over time for improved quality of life. Healing the vagus nerve is not a quick fix, but instead a compassionate program for restoring nervous system balance and helping our dogs feel safe and calm in our human-centric world.

About Norma Jeanne

​Norma Jeanne began studying canine training, behaviour and aggression in 1989 while touring North America as a professional rock musician. She founded Puppy Power Dog Training, the region’s first positive dog training school in Kitchener, Ontario in 1992. With more than 7,000 classes taught, many hundreds of behaviour and aggression consultations and decades of hands-on experience, she continues to train dog guardians in the Belleville, Ontario area, through Norma Jeanne’s Dog Training. She is the creator of CCS – Canine Correspondence Studies (1994), an internationally respected professional certification dog trainer career course that has trained over 750 positive dog trainers in 18 countries. She is founder of IPDTA – International Positive Dog Training Association (2002), the global pioneer association that set the international standard for humane, science-based, positive dog training. A published author of six books to date, former conference presenter and editor in chief for CAPPDT – Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers, Norma Jeanne is recognized and respected world-wide for developing and teaching fear-free training systems rooted in canine cognition, motivation and emotional wellbeing. Norma Jeanne emphasizes that true positive training builds self-control, resilience and mutual trust and respect between dogs and their guardians. For more information about Norma Jeanne read her book Dog Hair On My Guitar – Memoir Of A Musician & Dog Trainer.

References

​(R1) Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication and Self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company. Describes how the vagus nerve regulates the autonomic nervous system. Describes how the vagus nerve regulates the autonomic nervous system.
(R2) Dana, D. (2018). The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation. W. W. Norton & Company. A practical guide to applying vagal theory for emotional health and behavior.
(R3) Rosenberg, S. (2017). Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Autism. North Atlantic Books. Offers clear, simple exercises for vagus nerve stimulation.
(R4) Navazesh, M., & Kumar, S. K. S. (2008). Neuroanatomy and Physiology Relevant to Vagal Nerve Function. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 66(4). Summarizes the anatomical pathways of the vagus nerve and its systemic roles.
(R5) Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier Health Sciences. Includes protocols for calming dogs and teaching relaxation to reactive animals.
(R6) Levine, P. A. (2015). Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past. North Atlantic Books. Discusses how body-based calming aids, touch and gentle pressure can support nervous system healing.
(R7) O’Neill, D. G., & Hall, E. J. (2020). Vagus nerve function and dysfunction in dogs. Veterinary Record, 186(7), 217–222. This article explains the vagus nerve’s role in regulating heart rate, digestion, breathing and its dual influence on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in dogs.
(R8) McGonigal, K. (2015). The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You and How to Get Good at It. Avery. Explores how chronic stress impacts health through physiological pathways, including the vagus nerve.
(R9) Porges, S. W. (2017). The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe. W. W. Norton & Company. Explains how the vagus nerve regulates behavior and stress responses in mammals.
(R10) Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B. H., Bernadina, W., van Hooff, J. A. R. A. M., & de Vries, H. W. (1999). Chronic stress in dogs subjected to social and spatial restriction. I. Behavioral responses. Physiology & Behavior, 66(2), 233–242. Shows chronic stress impacts endocrine balance in dogs.
(R11) Landsberg, G. M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2012). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (3rd ed.). Saunders Elsevier. Covers musculoskeletal tension linked to stress and anxiety behaviors.
(R12) Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier. Discusses stress-related gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
(R13) Mormède, P. andanson, S., Aupérin, B., Beerda, B., Guemene, D., Malmkvist, J., Manteca, X., Manteuffel, G., Prunet, P., & Van Reenen, C. G. (2007). Exploration of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal function as a tool to evaluate animal welfare. Physiology & Behavior, 92(3), 317–339. Reviews stress-induced immune suppression.
(R14) Dreschel, N. A. (2010). The effects of fear and anxiety on health and lifespan in pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 125(3-4), 157–162. Discusses cardiovascular strain and related health risks in chronically stressed dogs.
(R15) Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier. Provides a clinical framework for understanding behavioural signs associated with autonomic arousal, stress responses, and regulation difficulties in companion animals.
(R16) Horowitz, A. (2014). Decoding Your Dog. Scribner. Explains how environmental stimulation, arousal states, and learning history influence a dog’s ability to regulate behaviour, settle, and recover from excitement or stress.
(R17) Yin, S. (2009). Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats. Cattle Dog Publishing. Provides behavioural indicators of stress, arousal, and difficulty returning to a calm baseline in dogs.
(R18) Moberg, G. P., & Mench, J. A. (2000). The Biology of Animal Stress: Basic Principles and Implications for Animal Welfare. CABI Publishing. Explains how stress load, predictability, and recovery time influence physiological and behavioural regulation in animals.

​Photo By Norma Jeanne Laurette