Introduction
As dog owners, we want what’s best for our furry companions. We want them to be happy, healthy and stress-free. But sometimes, it’s hard to tell if our dogs are stress. They can’t tell us in words how they’re feeling, so we have to be extra vigilant in recognizing the signs.
Here are some common signs of stress in dogs:
• Panting or heavy breathing
• Trembling or shaking
• Licking their lips or yawning excessively
• Ears back or flattened against their head
• Tail between their legs or tucking it under their body
• Hiding or trying to escape
• Aggression or other changes in behavior
BUT HERE ARE 5 SIGNS OF STRESS IN YOUR DOG YOU MIGHT NOT EXPECT
1. Your dog seems more anxious or agitated than usual.
2. Your dog is panting more than normal or has an increased heart rate.
3. Your dog is shedding more than usual.
4. Your dog is losing interest in activities he used to enjoy.
5. Your dog is having trouble sleeping or is restless at night.
Shedding
When a dog is under stress, they may start to shed more than usual. This is because their body is trying to release the excess tension and anxiety that they are feeling. If you notice that your dog is shedding more than normal, it may be a sign that they are stressed out. Try to take note of other changes in your dog’s behavior as well, such as increased panting or pacing, which can also be indicative of stress. If you think your dog is experiencing stress, talk to your veterinarian about ways to help them relax and feel more comfortable.
Yawning
Yawning is often thought of as a sign of fatigue, but in dogs it can be a sign of stress. If your dog is yawning excessively, it may be trying to relieve anxiety. Dogs may also yawn when they feel threatened or uncomfortable. If you notice your dog yawning more than usual, take a closer look at its body language and see if there are other signs of stress present.
Pacing
When it comes to stress in dogs, one of the most important things to look for is changes in behavior. This can include anything from pacing back and forth, whining or howling, hiding, shaking or trembling, chewing on objects, and more. If you notice any of these behaviors in your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions. There are also a number of things you can do at home to help relieve your dog’s stress, such as providing them with a comfortable place to sleep, plenty of toys and chew bones, and daily exercise.
Hiding
While it’s normal for dogs to want to hide from time to time, it can be a sign of stress if your dog is constantly trying to find places to hide. If your dog is hiding more than usual, it’s important to try to figure out why. Some possible reasons for increased hiding include:
– Fear or anxiety: If your dog is afraid of something, they may try to hide from it. This could be due to a traumatic experience, such as being attacked by another animal, or due to general anxiety about things like loud noises or strangers.
– Illness or pain: If your dog is feeling sick or in pain, they may try to find a quiet place to rest and heal.
– Stress: Just like humans, dogs can get stressed out by things like changes in their routine, moving to a new home, or the addition of a new family member.
If you think your dog may be stressed, look for other signs in addition to increased hiding. These can include panting, pacing, shaking, drooling, and refusal to eat. If you’re concerned about your dog’s stress levels, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you identify the cause of the stress and make recommendations for how to help your dog feel better.
Drooling
If your dog is drooling more than usual, it could be a sign that they’re feeling stressed. While some dogs may drool when they’re excited or nervous, excessive drooling can indicate that your dog is experiencing a high level of stress. If you notice your dog drooling excessively, it’s important to take note of other signs of stress and consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes.
HERE ARE 3 WAYS TO HELP YOUR STRESSED-OUT DOG
1. Give your dog plenty of exercise: A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is less likely to be stressed out. Make sure to give your pup plenty of opportunities to run around and burn off energy every day.
2. Keep them socialized: Dogs are social creatures, so spending time with other dogs or people can help reduce stress levels. If your dog doesn’t have many opportunities to socialize, consider taking them to a doggy daycare or arranging playdates with friends’ dogs.
3. Help them relax: Just like humans, dogs can benefit from relaxation techniques like yoga or massage. There are even classes you can take together! If you think your dog might particularly stressed, consider talking to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication or other treatment options.
Remove the stressor or remove your dog
If you’re struggling to manage your dog’s stress, it may be time to reevaluate the situation. If the cause of your dog’s stress is a particular person or animal. It may be best to remove them from the equation entirely. If that’s not possible, try to minimize your dog’s exposure to the trigger as much as possible.
On the other hand, if your dog is stressed due to a change in routine or environment, you may need to make some changes of your own. Consider hiring a dog walker or doggy daycare provider to help take some of the pressure off of you. Dogs are social creatures, so providing them with regular opportunities to interact with other dogs can also be helpful in reducing stress levels.
Provide Comfort
When furry friends stressed, they may exhibit a variety of different behaviors. It’s important to be able to recognize these signs so that we can provide comfort and support.
Some common signs of stress in dogs include:
Panting or heavy breathing
Drooling or excessive licking
Trembling or shaking
Hiding or cowering
Changes in appetite or energy level
If you notice any of these behaviors in your dog, it’s important to stay calm and provide them with reassurance. Try offering a favorite toy or treat, giving them some extra attention and petting, or taking them for a walk. Sometimes just being there for them is the best thing you can do.
Implement interventions
There a number of interventions that can implemented in order to help a dog who is showing signs of stress. The first step is to identify the source of the stressor and, if possible, remove it from the dog’s environment. If the source of the stress cannot removed, then other measures can taken to help the dog cope with the stressor. For example, providing the dog with a safe place to retreat to when they are feeling stressed (such as a crate or quiet room), using positive reinforcement training to teach the dog coping mechanisms, and/or providing anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a veterinarian. It is important to work with a professional (such as a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist) to create a customized plan for your dog based on their individual needs.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR DOG’S SIGNS OF STRESS?
When it comes to stress, every dog is different. Some dogs may become more vocal when they’re stressed, while others may start to pant or pace. And just like humans, some dogs may try to self-soothe by licking their lips or pawing at their face.
The best way to know if your dog is stressed is to pay attention to their body language and overall behavior. If you notice your dog starting to exhibit any of the following signs, it’s a good indication that they’re feeling stressed:
-Excessive panting or pacing
-Lip licking or excessive yawning
-Pawing at their face or head shaking
-Ears down or back
-Tail tucked between their legs
