What are the first signs of stress in dogs?
Danyka Dickens
2025-10-03 02:25:48
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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.
For example, the shake off that dogs often do after they descend from the veterinarian’s exam table is likely triggered by stress.
Some dogs pace when they are agitated or frightened.
Some dogs walk a repeated path around the exam room while waiting for the veterinarian to come in.
Whining or barking.
Vocalization is normal self-expression in dogs but may be intensified when they are under stress.
Dogs that are afraid or tense may whine or bark to get your attention, or to self-soothe.
Yawning, drooling, and licking.
Dogs yawn when they are tired or bored, and they also yawn when stressed.
A stressful yawn is more prolonged and intense than a sleepy yawn.
Changes in eyes and ears.
Stressed dogs, like stressed people, may have dilated pupils and blink rapidly.
Gay Ferry
2025-10-03 02:08:41
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Yawning – A stress yawn is often longer and more intense than a tired yawn.
Nose- or lip-licking – Another of the more subtle signs a dog may be in distress.
Tense body posture – A dog’s body may become rigid, and the ears may be pinned back, against its head.
Baring of the teeth –This is usually accompanied by a fixed, hard stare.
Growling or snapping at you – These signs are often used to indicate, “I feel threatened – and I am prepared to protect myself if necessary.”
It can be helpful to know an aggressive dog may try to make themselves bigger – with ears up, back hunched, and hair standing on end – while a fearful dog might look like they’re making themselves smaller, crouching, with their tail tucked between their legs.
Reed Halvorson
2025-10-03 01:30:38
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Slowing down is a sign that dogs are unsure about something, they tend to slow down as they try to learn more about it.
Leaning away and lip-licking can be signs that a dog is intimidated.
A crouched body is another sign, as some dogs may cower and tuck their tail under to make themselves look as small and insignificant as possible.
Dogs might stop and look towards something that is causing them fear or anxiety, which is known as a paw lift.
A dog might approach a person, animal, or object to interact or investigate, but show signs they are feeling worried at the same time, which is known as approaching with a lowered body.
A dog might show an ‘appeasement grin’, also referred to as a ‘submissive grin’ or ‘smile’.
You might see your dog give a full-body shake, which is a sign that they found something challenging and are now ‘shaking it off’.
Panting can also be a sign that a dog is feeling anxious.
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