Signs of Stress in Dogs: How to Recognize and Address Them

Stress is our reaction to irritants or threats. This feeling triggers complex processes in the body, which can even be useful in the short term. The body releases hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol, which allow us to mobilize our resources and be more active, faster, and more focused. However, in the long run, this has a detrimental effect on the body.

We know about the dangers of stress on the human body and the side effects, and we know how to deal with it. And what about animals? Are there any critical signs of stress in a dog that we can manage? Imagine that you cannot sort out your emotions or ask for support, using only instinctive methods of struggle. Not very pleasant, right? Today, we will learn what stress is in dogs and how to deal with it.

Why Is My Dog Stressed? Common Causes of Dog Anxiety

Stress negatively affects the dog's body, taking away resources and vitality. For them, the nature of stress is the ability to avoid danger, using their additional strength quickly. However, in conditions of cohabitation with a person and a daily routine, stress only suppresses the activity and natural desires of the dog. Here are some reasons why your pet may show you signs of stress in dogs:

• Separation from the owner. Your four-legged friend is used to you being there every day to feed, play, or walk. And then you suddenly disappear, and another person takes over their leisure time. Scary! Even if another familiar person is nearby, the pet may experience severe anxiety.
• Dramatic changes in the environment. Dogs adapt to our routine, getting used to the daily schedule: walking at 8 am, food at 9, and games, for example. However, if you change the environment or routine, this can negatively affect their psychological state and cause signs of a stressed dog due to adaptation.
• Lack of activity and exercise. Most dog breeds are active and unsuitable for living in apartments and short walks. They require active games, running, outdoor activities, and mental activity. Stress loves boredom because it is a springboard for more difficult feelings.
• Dietary imbalance. Food allergies, vitamin deficiencies, food intolerances, or monotonous diets can cause stress and anxiety in dogs. Unpleasant physical sensations always lead to stress, so monitoring your pet's diet is important.

When discussing why my dog has anxiety, listening to yourself is best. Human stress can be triggered by anything: interactions with unpleasant people, social problems, a bad daily routine, and even boredom. Dog reactions are no different at this point, so it is important to monitor the pet's comfort and maintain its condition at a high level.

Critical Signs a Dog is Stressed: What to Watch For

Some moments or situations can trigger critical conditions. Dogs cannot have panic attacks, but some reactions to acute stress should be eliminated as quickly as possible. Here are some signs that a dog cannot cope with stress on its own:

• Aggression and destructive behavior. If a dog damages furniture or what is around, barks, rushes at the owner, or even tries to bite something, this sign of dog anxiety, discomfort, and stress. This can also be a reaction to pain, so if this behavior begins suddenly, check your pet.
• Physical manifestations. Excessive breathing without physical exertion, increased salivation, trembling, and tremors are signs of stress in a dog. It can be caused by fatigue, hunger, or anxiety.
• Loss of appetite, changes in toilet habits, compulsive behavior. Licking paws and chasing tail can be red flags indicating that the pet is trying to make itself comfortable.

If you notice these manifestations of stress, it is better to watch your pet's behavior. If the reactions are repeated, you must visit a veterinarian, conduct an examination, and understand the reasons for the discomfort in your four-legged friend.

Dog Stress Signals: Understanding Body Language

“Why is my dog anxious all the time?” you may ask. Stress can be acute and chronic. The first option is a reaction to external irritants that are easy to eliminate. The second is more complex and requires the intervention of a veterinarian because it can indicate mental problems or regular discomfort. You can notice dog stress signals by external manifestations:

• Pressed ears: the ears are laid back or pressed against the head.
• Tail tucked: especially if the dog usually holds it high.
• Frequent yawning: if the dog is not tired but yawns often, this is a sign of anxiety.
• Licking lips, especially when there is no food, often signals stress.
• Hair loss: increased shedding in stressful situations.
• Dilated pupils or “whale eye”: the dog shows the whites of the eyes and avoids contact.
• Tense posture: a rigid, frozen body, readiness to escape or defend.
• Jumping or excessive activity: the dog behaves hyperactively to cope with anxiety.

It is worth examining the territory if you notice such reactions in your pet on a walk. This is not necessarily something serious, and it could just be a cat, an unfamiliar smell, or any trigger. The street is full of discoveries for a dog, which can affect the pet's behavior without you asking, “How do I know if my dog has anxiety?”.

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs: Symptoms and Behavior Changes

Anxiety and stress typically go together. Research has shown that dogs can experience chronic anxiety, which influences their activity and appetite. To notice and solve this problem in time, regularly pay attention to these signs of distress in dogs:

• Increased vocalization: frequent barking, whining, or howling for no apparent reason.
• Hyperactivity or constant agitation: the dog cannot relax, runs around the house, and rushes about.
• Avoidance behavior: hides under furniture, goes to a far corner, avoids contact.
• Obsessive actions: walks in circles, licks paws until sores appear, bites tail.
• Sleep problems: the dog sleeps less, wakes up often, and is nervous at night.

In addition to body language, anxiety manifests in the animal's behavior and habits. Noticing how to tell if a dog is stressed is 50% of its solution. Next, it is important to identify the source of anxiety and eliminate it or help the pet adapt.

How to Help a Stressed Dog: Practical Tips for Calming

Making your dog calm and comfortable is not about one-time help, doctors, and medications. It is about managing their comfort and a stable standard of living every day. Here are some tips that will make your pet's mental state stable after you find some signs your dog is stressed: 

• Provide a daily routine. Dogs are somewhat like neurodivergent children. Predictability is the key to the animal's stability and comfort, so all changes must be introduced into life gradually and maintain a calm environment.
• Give them enough exercise and time together. You are a source of comfort and activity for your pet. Try to be around more often so the dog feels more confident and can play with you more if you notice any stress signs in dogs. Add new games and puzzles for mental activity.
• Consult a veterinarian. An individual approach will increase the effectiveness of your mental work with your pet. Use calming agents and recommended exercises.

Many dogs are triggered by things they can't control – loud and sharp sounds, unfamiliar people, and new situations. Your job is to teach your friend to adapt to different conditions of stressed dog symptoms. Try to understand their needs to make it effective!

Get to Know Dogs Better With FlatRover

Work and leisure companionship can force you to leave your dog alone, affecting their stress level. It is better to leave your pet at home in a familiar environment to minimize it. FlatRover sitters will help you with this. Here, you can:

• Select candidates for your friend. Browse the work experience of travelers, learn more about their habits and interests, and invite them to sit with your animals for free!
• Save on vacations. Decided to try a new destination but want to reduce the cost of accommodation? FlatRover allows you to travel cheaper in exchange for sitting with pets!
• Become a part of the community. Budget vacations and love for animals unite hundreds of people of the younger generation. Become part of a team of like-minded people and share interests with people worldwide!

We unite thousands of owners and sitters, which allows you to explore new cities and states and save on travel. Each profile has its rating and reviews and is verified by specialists, so you can be sure of safety.

FAQ

What are the critical signs of stress in dogs?

Stress symptoms in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, trembling, destructive behavior, aggression, whining, or loss of appetite. Some dogs may also show compulsive behaviors like excessive licking or tail-chasing.

How can I tell if my dog is stressed or anxious?

Watch for restlessness, pacing, excessive barking, avoiding eye contact, hiding, sudden changes in appetite, or increased clinginess. Some dogs become more irritable or reactive.

Why does my dog seem so stressed or anxious?

How do I know if my dog is stressed, and why? It can be triggered by loud noises, separation anxiety, unfamiliar environments, lack of exercise, changes in routine, or negative experiences. Medical issues can also contribute.

What body language shows that a dog is stressed?

Common signals of stressed dog body language are a tucked tail, pinned ears, whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes), excessive yawning, lip licking, shaking, or rigid posture. Some dogs may also shed more than usual.

How can I calm my dog when they show signs of distress?

Provide a quiet and safe space, maintain a consistent routine, and use calming techniques like gentle petting, mental stimulation, and exercise. Avoid punishment and use positive reinforcement to help them feel secure. If stress symptoms in dogs are still present, consult a veterinarian or trainer.