Stress happens when a dog feels some external pressure. Maybe your pup is scared of going outside. Perhaps the thunder stresses your dog out. Either way, stress for pets can be challenging, so you need to recognize stress in your dog early. Some signals are subtle as the tension builds, and others are much more obvious.
The Subtle Hints of Stress in Your Dog
Dogs yawn because they’re tired, but they can also yawn when they are feeling stressed. Yawns seem more intense and longer than a typical yawn. It’s a subtle sign that is easy to miss, but if it’s there, you might want to figure out what is stressing your pet.
If you see more whites in their eyes than usual, that’s also an indication of stress. They might blink quickly or open their eyes wide. These subtle signs can also indicate that you need to check on your pup and see if any stressors exist.
Shedding is also a sign of stress, but you may not be around to see this one. Pets shed more in a stressful situation, and for a dog, that could mean when you’re not around. As soon as you come home, you might not see anything different, but your pup could have been stressed the whole time. To help your dog cope with separation anxiety, give them something that smells like you to provide them with a sense of security.
Do you have a dog that pees when they see new people? If so, you have probably heard that your pup is just excited, and that’s what happens. Sorry to say that excitement is far from the truth. Loss of bodily functions like that is a common sign of stress in your dog.
Sometimes, dogs hide behind their owners. It’s not because they are shy like owners are inclined to say. The reality is that when a pet hides, it’s because he’s stressed about the situation. Forcing them in front of you is not a healthy way to cope with your dog’s stress. Instead, you need to be sensitive to your dog’s situation and respond in kind.
More Obvious Signs of Stress in Your Dog
Pacing or shaking can signal that your dog is stressed. Dogs can pace back and forth just like people do, so if you catch your dog doing this, something is causing him stress. You may need to pull your dog away from the situation to reduce his anxiety. When this behavior happens at the vet’s office, your dog could use some loving reassurance when it’s over that he’s okay, too.
Excessive barking or whining, and growling could also indicate that something is wrong. After all, that is a dog’s only means of vocalizing what is happening to them. When a dog is under stress, they bark for more than one reason – they’re trying to soothe themselves or need your attention. When that’s the case, it’s up to you to discover the cause of the stress to fix it and make it better. If nothing appears physically wrong, there may be something happening internally.
Postural changes also indicate that your dog is under stress. If he cowers or puts all of his weight on one set of legs, that’s a sign that something is going on. Tails can also become rock hard as a sign of stress. These are behaviors you might see in a new setting or around other animals, so be aware to respond appropriately to your dog’s needs.
How to Help Your Dog Cope With Stress
To recognize stress, first, you need to tell the difference between normal behavior and abnormal behavior in your dog. If your dog is typically very vocal, anything different from that behavior should strike you odd.
Pay attention to how your dog acts when you know he’s relaxed and comfortable. His body should be stable between all four paws with a soft mouth and normal eyes without excessive white areas showing.
If you notice that your dog is stressing over a situation, it is your job to get him to a safe space to feel better. Don’t coddle your pup, but you can use learned commands with treat rewards to give your dog some normalcy. Exercise can help, too, so spend some time walking or playing with your dog to get him to stretch his legs.
Final Thoughts on Recognizing Stress in Your Dog
Recognizing stress in your dog makes life easier for both of you. If you catch the subtle signs, you can keep your dog’s anxiety from getting progressively worse. When you see your dog showing more apparent signs of stress, it’s essential to take steps to reduce your dog’s stress. Pay attention to your dog’s typical behaviors. You’ll be ready to recognize when your dog needs you to help him cope.
