No one likes feeling anxious — including your dog. But unfortunately, your pooch can’t speak up to tell you when he’s stressed, so he may just have to suffer in silence. Show
Canine stress and anxiety may seem harmless, but they can cause serious health issues and behavior problems if left unchecked. So, it’s important to treat your stressed out pooch promptly, to ensure he remains healthy and happy. Discover the signs of canine anxiety with us below and see how you conquer it.
The Importance of Addressing Dog Stress and AnxietyYour dog experiences the same highs and lows that you do when he’s stressed or anxious. His heart may race, he might have an upset tummy, or his fight or flight instinct might shoot through the roof. Leaving this stress unchecked can have serious ramifications, as the body undergoes radical changes during stress or anxiety episodes that you can’t see. While your doggo may not look very bothered on the outside, inside it could be a different story, with physical responses such as:
These internal changes can cause physical side effects, including:
Because stress and anxiety can take a serious toll on your pupper, you must learn to spot the signs of stress to prevent long-term discomfort and health issues. 28 Signs That Your Dog Is Stressed or AnxiousWhile your doggo can’t pull up a chair and tell you what’s bothering him, he can hint at how he’s feeling through his body language and behavior. Keep an eye out for these signs of dog anxiety: 1. Inability to Settle and RelaxIf your pooch can’t wind down and always seems on edge, he might be stressed out or anxious. Doggos that can’t settle may flinch at every sound or wake frequently from sleep. Even while lying down, a stressed pooch may have wide, alert eyes and a tense body posture. 2. PacingAnxious dogs may pace the house or yard endlessly, whether they trot aimlessly or check the same points repeatedly. Your stressed out pooch may also check his favorite window more than usual or wander the perimeter of the house more than he normally does. 3. ShakingAnxiety and stress can sometimes manifest in the form of shaking or full-body tremors. This can be alarming, but note that dogs tremble from excitement too — any rush of emotion can elicit a shaking reaction. Because it can be difficult to distinguish excited trembling from anxious trembling, discuss any shaking with your vet to rule out medical issues. 4. Freezing in PlaceSometimes, you may notice your dog walking along without a care, before suddenly freezing solid with a rigid body. Sudden stillness is a sign that your dog feels the need to be overly cautious, which can indicate stress or anxiety. If your dog suddenly stops walking and won’t move, he’s probably not being stubborn or dramatic – he might just be really freaked out! This is your dog cluing you in that he doesn’t feel safe or confident. 5. Unusual PosturingSimilar to freezing, an anxious pupper may sit or move with a hunched or awkward posture. He might look tense or contorted, as some dogs try to shrink down in a defensive posture. Strange posturing can also be a sign of injury or illness, so keep an eye out for signs of pain like yelping or limping. 6. Showing His GumsOften described as snarling or even smiling by some, stressed dogs might curl their lips up to reveal their gums and teeth. This is also a precursor to nipping or biting, so give your dog plenty of space if he exhibits this behavior. Just note that dogs may also reveal their teeth while happily wagging their tail, too (which usually isn’t a sign of stress). 7. Flattened or Rigid EarsBody language is a powerful tool at learning how your dog is feeling, and ears are like turn signals that can indicate your dog’s mood. If your pooch has his ears straight back, he may be trying to tell you he’s stressed or upset. 8. HidingHiding under furniture or bedding can be a telltale sign of anxiety. This is a self-preservation method where your dog is hiding from a perceived threat. Hiding can also be a sign of illness or injury, so pay close attention to your dog’s overall condition, as it may be time for a vet appointment. 9. Sweaty PawsDogs don’t sweat much, but they do sweat from their feet. And when stressed, they may sweat much more than normal. If you notice your pooch leaving sweat tracks around the house on a cool day, he might be stressed. Sweaty paws can also be a sign of an increased body temperature, however, so you may want to take his temperature and contact your vet to rule out illness. 10. Strange or Frequent VocalizationsNuisance barking is prevalent with canines suffering from separation anxiety, but whining, growling, and howling can also indicate that your dog is feeling stressed. It may be hard on the ears, but this is how your dog is voicing his displeasure to the world, and he’s counting on you to listen. 11. Tucked TailYour pooch’s tail tells you a lot about how he’s feeling. A tucked tail is a sign that your dog is scared or uncertain. If your dog has a tucked tail, proceed with caution, and keep a pleasant tone to help soothe him. 12. Destructive ChewingDogs suffering from separation anxiety often express it through destructive behavior like chewing. This is your dog expressing his frustration and relieving the built-up stress. Destructive chewing is not only pricey in terms of the repairs you’ll face, but it can also be dangerous if your pup gets his mouth on something harmful. Some crate training and a tough chew toy can help keep your dog (and home) safe. 13. ScratchingA stressed-out pooch may scratch at himself even if he’s not itchy. It might sound odd, but like chewing, scratching releases some of the trapped stress that’s driving him bonkers. Excessive scratching can lead to hair loss and skin irritation, and it may also be a sign of skin issues, so giving your vet a call isn’t a bad idea. 14. Seeking AttentionWhen you’re feeling down, you want a little extra love, and your dog is no different. A stressed out pooch may start jumping into your lap or leaning against you constantly. This is his way of seeking comfort. 15. HypervigilanceA stressed-out or anxious dog might be on watch 24-7 with no explanation. He may repeatedly patrol the house or bark at every noise as if he’s on guard. Not only can this make living with your pupper policeman tricky, but it can also overly stress your doggo due to the toll hypervigilance takes on him. 16. DroolingAn anxious dog may produce excess saliva, resulting in drooling or foaming at the corners of his mouth. Not only is this a sticky situation around the house, but it can also be a grooming issue with long-haired pooches that may develop mats or hot spots from the excess moisture. Drooling can also be a sign of several health conditions, making a vet appointment a must if it appears at random. 17. Self-Calming BehaviorsA stressed out dog will try to soothe himself however he can. This includes excessive yawning, lip licking, or sneezing. It might look a little funny to us, but these calming signals are your dog’s way of telling a perceived threat that he’s harmless, therefore making himself feel more in control. 18. Intense Displacement BehaviorsDisplacement behaviors are normal behaviors that occur at odd or unusual times. For example, an anxious dog may incessantly groom himself when he’d normally be playing. Like destructive chewing around the home, displacement behaviors are your dog’s way of redirecting his stress. 19. Bathroom IssuesOne of the messiest (and most frustrating) signs of stress can be potty problems. This can include inappropriate urinating or defecating in the house. A stressed-out dog may also suffer from bouts of unexplained diarrhea. Bathroom issues warrant a trip to the vet, especially if diarrhea is involved, as you want to rule out health problems. 20. Sudden SheddingWhile all dogs shed, a change in shedding habits may be a hint that your pup is stressed. A sudden onset may occur apart from his usual shedding season or may include a random uptick in tumbleweeds around the house. An increase in shedding is also a sign of several health conditions, making a vet appointment a good idea. 21. VomitingLike the topsy-turvy feeling you might get in your belly before a big event, your dog may suffer from nausea and vomiting because of stress. This messy situation might occur during a change in routine like a car ride or vet trip, while other dogs may toss their cookies if their environment is changed. Because vomiting can lead to dehydration, and it can indicate an underlying health problem, contact your vet if it’s more than an infrequent event. 22. Learned HelplessnessRepeated exposure to a negative situation can cause a condition known as learned helplessness. Essentially, learned helplessness occurs when your dog feels unable to control the outcome of a situation, so he “shut downs” and refuses to perform a command or skill. This is a fear reaction and may be the result of abuse or harsh correction tactics. 23. AggressionIt can be alarming for your pooch to get snappy or growly with you, but it may be because he’s feeling anxious. Fear aggression arises when a dog loses confidence, which anxiety and stress can compound exponentially. If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s temperament, it’s important to remain calm (to avoid being bitten) and make a vet appointment to rule out a medical cause. 24. Eye ChangesJust like ears, eyes are a major indicator to how your pooch is feeling, and whale eyes go hand-in-hand with anxiety and stress. Whale eyeing is a term to describe when the whites of your dog’s eyes are visible, caused by your dog tilting his head but keeping his eye fixed on an item. Whale eyeing is a warning that your dog is fearful, so proceed with caution to avoid a bite. 25. Change in Sleep HabitsA stressed dog can experience significant changes in his sleep pattern. He may sleep more often or have trouble sleeping. Since sleep is an essential part of your doggo’s routine, the change can be debilitating. Excessive sleeping can lead to stiffness, obesity, and depression, while a lack of sleep can worsen anxiety. You should contact your vet if you notice your pooch suddenly sleeping too much or too little. 26. Low EnergyIf your pup seems to be bowing out early during play or walks, he may be dealing with underlying anxiety. Dogs expel energy internally when stressed, which can leave him feeling fatigued quicker than normal. 27. Withdrawal from InteractionSimilar to depression, stress and anxiety can result in a pooch who resists interaction with family and other pets, including his canine friends. For example, your pooch may suddenly stop greeting you at the door or sitting with you on the couch. Your pup might be less interested in his favorite belly rubs and play sessions, too. 28. Lack of AppetiteDogs experiencing stress or anxiety may suddenly lose interest in food and even turn their nose up to their favorite treats when offered. This reduced appetite may be gradual, with a sudden pickiness, or rapid, with your dog completely refusing food. Since food refusal can also be a sign of medical issues, contact your veterinarian. Common Sources of Stress in DogsTo treat your dog’s stress and anxiety, you’ll need to first identify the cause. Many things can trigger your pup’s stress, including:
How to Reduce Your Dog’s Stress or AnxietyReducing your pupper’s stress and minimizing triggers isn’t as difficult as you’d think. To give your doggo a stress break, you can try a number of things, like:
*** Do you use any of these methods to help your doggo relax? Have any other tricks up your sleeve? Let us know in the comments. |