Stress in Dogs: Signs, Prevention and Relief Techniques

Dogs get stressed when they’re feeling anxious, scared, threatened, frustrated, uncertain, or bored. Possible causes are: 

• Unfamiliar people, places or animals.  
• Loud noises.
• Unpredictable behavior.
• Changes to routine.
• Invasion of personal space or change of environment.
• Lack of exercise or mental stimulation. 
• Illness or pain. 
• Separation from you. 

An anxious or stressed dog might:

• Lower, tuck their tail.
• Tense their face and body. 
• Narrow or widen their eyes. 
• Pin their ears back. 
• Shake
• Stick out their tongue, panting. 
• Lick their lips. 
• Yawn or pant. 
• Pace back and forth.
• Whine, yelp or howl. 
• Be easily startled. 
• Jump on you. 
• Chew or destroy items.
• Have stomach upsets or lack of appetite. 
• Urinate or defecate inappropriately

If the dog is stressed by particular people, animals or objects, they may:

• Fixate their gaze on them.
• Lean or turn away from them. 
• Hide or back away from them. 
• Cower, hide or run from them. 
• Cautiously approach them with a low, crouched body. 
• “Grin” at them or roll on their backs to show they’re not a threat. 

If your dog is extremely stressed and scared, they may become aggressive and show these signs:

• Tense and freeze their whole body.
• Put their weight on the front paws. 
• Hold the tail high. 
• Lunge.
• Growl or snarl. 
• Bare their teeth.
• Give a “warning” snap.
• Bite. 

Dogs often display the more subtle signs of stress long before they resort to aggressive behaviors, but we sometimes don’t realize what they’re trying to tell us until it’s too late. Being able to recognize these signs of stress and anxiety in dogs means that you can spot a problem early and step in to help, keeping your dog and everyone around them safe. It can also help you avoid stressors in the future, preventing them from turning into established fears.

If your dog suddenly appears stressed, consider what was happening in their environment beforehand. Are you visiting an unfamiliar place? Did a specific person enter the room? Did somebody or something startle the dog? Did somebody try to pick them up? 

If there was no obvious trigger in the moments before, consider what might have changed in your dog’s life in the days or weeks prior. Have you gone back to the office after a break? Is your dog going on fewer walks than usual? Is there a new pet or baby in the home? 

Separation anxiety happens when a dog is too emotionally dependent on their caregiver and gets very distressed by their absence or when left alone. Your dog might be excessively clingy while you’re putting on your shoes, for example, urinate in the house while you’re gone, or greet you at the door with uncontrollable crying and jumping. 

In addition to the calming tips we’ll discuss below, you can help your dog to manage separation anxiety by: 

• Teaching them to spend time independently, e.g. short periods in a crate or another room while you’re home. 
• Leave food toys or other types of toys when the dog is alone
• Removing some departure cues, e.g. not saying goodbyes. 
• Playing or walking before leaving to burn off anxious energy.  
• Leaving an item of clothing with your scent. 
• Leaving the radio or TV on. 

Socialization

Exposing your dog to lots of different people, animals and experiences from a young age will get them familiar with their world and give them the confidence to adapt to new scenarios.
 

Routine

Like us, dogs find comfort in familiarity and consistency. Make sure your pup can relax safely in the knowledge that their food, walks and favorite people are never far away.  

Positive reinforcement

Punishment doesn’t work when training dogs; in fact, it’s a common source of stress. Instead, ignore undesirable behaviors and only give attention, treats and other positive reinforcements to your dog when they’re displaying the goal behavior.
 

Keep yourself calm 

Your dog is sensitive to changes in your mood, and raising your voice, rushing to their side, or telling them off can actually escalate stress behavior. To avoid this, always stay calm when dealing with a stressed dog.

Create a soothing environment 

Set aside a quiet, comfortable area of your home just for your dog, complete with cosy bedding and favorite toys. Make sure they have free access and encourage other family members not to disturb them.

Remove stressors

Remove the stressor or take your dog from the stressful environment and let them regroup in a quiet place. Don’t make too much of a fuss; try to act as normal as possible, as the familiarity will be comforting. 

Get them moving

Physical activity can be a great stress reliever. Take your stressed dog out for a walk or a game of fetch. If you’re struggling to squeeze in enough strolls, consider asking a friend or family member to help. 

Provide mental stimulation 

Entertainment can improve your dog’s mood and distract them from stress and anxiety. As well as lots of interactive play sessions with you, provide your dog with puzzle feeders, sensory toys and fun games.

Try relaxation techniques 

Touch can help your dog to relax. If they allow you, stroke or brush your dog with gentle, consistent movements, while talking to them in a steady and reassuring tone. However, if they show any signs of escalating stress, it’s best to back off and give them space instead. 
 

Use calming remedies

If your dog is stressed or anxious, you may first consider a pheromone solution. They can come as diffusers or spray to put around the home, releasing natural pheromones that have a calming effect on dogs. 

There are various herbal, homeopathic and natural remedies available that promise to help stressed dogs. However, some of these can be ineffective or even dangerous for dogs, so be sure to ask your vet for advice if you’re thinking of using them. 
Stress can lead to long-term anxiety and health issues for both humans and dogs. But learning to recognize the signs of anxiety in dogs means you can quickly help your canine companion feel relaxed, happy and healthy again. If you’re struggling to figure out what’s troubling your dog or how to manage the stress, though, be sure to speak to your vet or a behavioral specialist for support. In some occasions, medicines may be required. Your vet will help you find the best solution for you and your dog.