What are the signs of stress in dogs?

Stressed-dog-under-bed

Stress is a familiar sensation of strain or pressure. For people, causes of stress can be mixed. You might feel overworked, nervous when meeting new people, or uncomfortable when dealing with the unexpected.

To relieve stress and anxiety, humans might seek out the company of a friend. They may also turn to exercise for an endorphin boost, or find comfort in familiar routines, such as cleaning.

Like us, dogs also feel stress. Various things can trigger stress in dogs, such as boredom, frustration, and anxiety. Common causes of tension may include loud noises, a change of routine, or even visiting a new place.

Protecting your furry friend

We understand how stress feels, which is why we want to help our furry friends as best we can. Stress in dogs can be subtle, but it may present itself in different ways. We need to familiarise ourselves with our dogs’ usual behaviours. This way, we can recognise the signs and avoid situations they find it hard to cope with.

By learning to avoid the things that worry our dogs, we can help them steer clear of triggers. This will stop your dog developing established fears so that they (and the person holding the lead) can feel safe.

A calm dog has forward-facing ears, round eyes, and a relaxed mouth. He will stand on all four paws, distributing his weight evenly.

His demeanour will shift when he is afraid or stressed. He may slow down as he approaches something that worries him. Signs of stress may include:

Whining, barking or growling

Dogs regularly express themselves using sounds, but these will change if they feel stress. Tense or frightened dogs may seek your attention or self-soothe by whining, barking, or growling.

Whale eye

Like us, a stressed dog may blink rapidly and dilate their pupils. By opening their eyes wide, they appear startled. This is ‘whale eye' and it's when dogs reveal the whites of their eyes.

Pacing

If your dog can’t settle, they may pace as they feel unable to stay still. They may be easily startled and particularly jumpy.

Hiding, backing away or cowering

To avoid a situation, a tense dog may move behind their owners to hide from whatever is worrying them. If they nudge you, they’re signalling that they want to move along. Dogs might also choose to avoid the situation completely. They'll do this by turning away, digging, circling, or hiding behind something to try and escape.

Tucking ears in or putting their tail between their legs

The ears of stressed dogs will naturally pin back against their heads. When scared, they may also tuck their tails between their legs and their bodies become quite rigid.

Shaking, trembling or full body shaking

A dog will shake off excess water after a bath or rolling in wet grass, which is normal. However, their whole body can also tremble or shake if they sense they’re in a stressful situation. Full body shakes may also signal relief as they shake off the stress.

Lip-licking

If your dog feels anxious, they may show it by licking their lips. Don't confuse this with the lip-licking they'll also do when they’re after a treat.

Panting

Dogs will pant when they’re hot, and also when they’re excited. They’ll pant when they feel stress, too. If your dog is panting even though they haven’t been exercising, he may be stressed. Look for a curled tip of their tongue, as this is a stress indicator.

How can I help my dog tackle a stressful situation?

When you notice your dog is stressed, stop what you’re doing immediately and remove him from the situation.

Take him somewhere quiet so he can recover. You may feel the urge to comfort him, but try not to overdo it. Before stroking him or giving him a treat, get him to sit first or ask him for his paw. Routine commands help to restore normality and can be comforting.

People often release tension by exercising. Walking and playing can help your dog reduce their anxiety. Making sure your dog has a safe space at home will also help him escape from stress-inducing situations. Like you, he deserves somewhere he can retreat to and relax.

When to visit the vet

The cause of stress for some dogs can be medical. If your pup appears to be stressed quite regularly, book a visit to the vet. They may recommend:

  • anti-anxiety medication
  • some training
  • a visit to a behaviourist

Stress isn’t always the enemy

Stress triggers a response which helps us to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Like many things in life, stress can protect us and it’s something we can learn to cope with.

Sources

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/signs-your-dog-may-be-stressed

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/behaviour-and-training/stress-in-dogs

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