What are signs that may indicate a dog is stressed?
Yadira Muller
2025-05-30 19:35:29
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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. 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. They may open their eyes wide and show more sclera (white) than usual, giving them a startled appearance. 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. Panting. Dogs pant when hot, excited, or stressed. If your dog is panting even though they have not exercised, they may be experiencing stress. Shedding. Show dogs that become nervous in the show ring often “blow their coat”. Dogs also shed a lot when in the veterinary clinic. 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.
Brant Windler
2025-05-19 17:35:33
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: 6
Aggression towards people and other animals is one of the most common signs of stress or sickness in dogs. If you notice your pup is becoming increasingly agitated, this could be a sign of an underlying issue. This symptom is usually accompanied by fearful body posture and tense facial expressions. Isolation can be a sign of Distress. Loss of Appetite can be a big indicator of stress, anxiety or an underlying health issue. Excessive Sleeping is usual one of the first and most common symptoms of stress and anxiety in dogs. Lethargy is usual one of the first and most common symptoms of stress and anxiety in dogs. Gastrointestinal Issues, such as diarrhea and constipation, can also be connected to stress levels.
Opal Wisoky
2025-05-19 14:21:01
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Dog licking lips repeatedly, excessive yawning, dog turning their head from side to side, hunching down or hyperactivity, unusual toilet habits. Owners might only realise there’s an issue when their dog starts responding with aggression or demonstrating unwanted behaviours such as barking, chewing or whining. It can be easy to miss small signs of stress in dogs. Look out for the visual signs of stress that we’ve covered below and pay attention to when and where they occur. Know your dog, it’s important to recognise what your dog looks and sounds like when they are happy and relaxed. Dogs offer lots of early warning signals in relation to stress and mental health issues, so anything that seems unusual should be noted.
Eunice Sawayn
2025-05-19 13:48:40
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: 7
Signs of a Stressed Dog include 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 are also clues for humans that something in the environment is causing anxiety. 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 your dog freezes or gets stiff, they’re often stressed about something they see. Pacing is a sign they can’t settle down because something is stressing them. Note that with all of these signs, it all still depends on the individual dog and the context of the situation.
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