What are common signs of stress in dogs?
Garrett Rippin
2025-06-01 00:45:35
Count answers: 3
Dogs, like people, are susceptible to stress and the illnesses that they can induce. Short-lived stressors can trigger bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior and eating patterns, and chronic stress is known to increase the chances of developing serious and sometimes lifelong disorders, such as heart disease and diabetes. Stress can be as much of a problem for canines as it can in humans, leading to digestive trouble, cardiac disease, and a suppressed immune response.
Aaron Lowe
2025-05-31 21:50:03
Count answers: 3
Pacing or shaking. You have seen your dog shake after a bath or a roll in the grass. That whole-body shake can be amusing and is quite normal — unless it occurs as the result of a stressful situation. Whining or barking. Vocalization is normal self-expression in dogs but may be intensified when they are under stress. Yawning, drooling, and licking. Dogs yawn when they are tired or bored, and they also yawn when stressed. Changes in eyes and ears. Stressed dogs, like stressed people, may have dilated pupils and blink rapidly. Changes in body posture. Dogs normally bear weight evenly on all four legs. If a healthy dog with no orthopedic problems shifts their weight to the rear legs or cowers, they may be exhibiting stress. Shedding. Show dogs that become nervous in the show ring often “blow their coat”. Panting. Dogs pant when hot, excited, or stressed. Changes in bodily functions. Like people, nervous dogs may experience an increased urgency to urinate or defecate. Avoidance or displacement behavior. When faced with an unwelcome situation, dogs may “escape” by focusing on something else. Hiding or escape behavior. An extension of avoidance, some tense dogs move behind a trusted person or behind a nearby object.
Tania Kuhlman
2025-05-31 20:04:19
Count answers: 1
There are several warning signs to look for that will help tell if your dog is stressed. Growling is an obvious way to tell if your dog is uncomfortable. It could mean that someone is in their space, they feel threatened, or that something hurts. Whining or Barking Many dogs cannot control their whining when they feel stressed, as it’s more of an automatic response. Stress signs to look for include whale eye, tucked ears or tail, raised hackles, lip-licking, yawning, and panting. Your dog might also avoid eye contact or look away. When dogs exhibit these behaviors, they’re trying to diffuse the situation or tell you or another dog that they aren’t a threat. Freezing When your dog freezes or gets stiff, they’re often stressed about something they see. Pacing When dogs are pacing back and forth, it’s a sign they can’t settle down because something is stressing them.