While not all dogs experience daily anxiety, the large majority of dogs will experience nervousness at some point in their lives. Unknown experiences or encounters, loud noises, new environmental settings, and new faces can all cause short bursts of stress and anxiety, which can make dogs uncomfortable and sometimes can contribute to unwanted behavioral issues during those situations. 

To hedge against these bouts of stress, preventative actions can be taken. Reinforcing positivity during thunderstorms or car rides can help ease your dog into viewing these activities as non-threatening. Or simply removing your dog (when possible) from the situations altogether can keep him from stressing out. For example, when you have house guests that your dog has never met before, putting him in his crate or a separate room can save him the grief of trying to become acquainted with all the unfamiliar faces. 

Another great option is a quick-acting herbal supplement. While many calming supplements are geared for long-term usage, some products contain mild sedative qualities (such as the herb valerian) that will help to calm your dog before the anxiety even begins.