Have you ever owned a dog? Can you tell if your dog is stressed? Understanding a dog’s body language to determine stress levels can be challenging, especially for new dog owners. Here are 10 surprising ways your dog might be saying, “I’m stressed.”
Dogs and Stress
Dogs might not worry about deadlines or traffic, but they can still feel overwhelmed by various factors. They don’t fret over uncompleted tasks at work or school, but they experience stress in their way. Understanding these signs can help you support your furry friend.
Excessive Yawning
Does your dog yawn more than usual, even when not tired? This could be a sign of stress. Just like humans, dogs yawn to calm themselves. For instance, frequent yawning during a vet visit could indicate anxiety due to the unfamiliar environment and people.
Over-Grooming
While normal grooming is healthy, excessive licking or chewing of their paws might signal stress. Dogs often resort to this behavior to soothe themselves. If your dog starts biting their paws after a loud thunderstorm, it’s likely a stress response.
Loss of Appetite
A sudden loss of appetite, especially in a dog that usually gets excited about meals, can be a sign of stress. If your dog stops eating after a move, the stress of the new environment could be the cause.
Excessive Shedding
Shedding is natural, but an increase in shedding could indicate stress. Anxiety can disrupt the normal shedding cycle, leading to more fur around the house. This might be a sign of stress from being left alone for long periods.
Avoiding Eye Contact
Dogs use body language effectively, and avoiding eye contact is a subtle way they express discomfort. If your usually friendly dog suddenly avoids looking at you or turns their head away, they might be feeling stressed, perhaps due to a negative experience at the park.
Excessive Panting
Panting is normal for dogs to cool down, but excessive panting, especially when not hot, can indicate stress. If your dog pants excessively during a car ride, it could be a sign of anxiety.
Changes in Bathroom Habits
Dogs can develop routines, and stress can disrupt these habits, leading to accidents indoors or changes in frequency. For instance, a new pet might cause your dog to start having accidents inside due to stress.
Restlessness
Dogs usually enjoy relaxing, so constant restlessness can be a sign of stress. Pacing, whining, or acting unable to settle, especially in new or stressful situations, can indicate anxiety.
Destructive Behavior
Dogs might chew furniture, dig holes, or tear up pillows to cope with stress. If your dog becomes destructive when left alone, it could be a sign of separation anxiety.
Excessive Barking or Whining
While barking and whining are normal communication methods for dogs, excessive noise can indicate stress. If your dog barks or whimpers more than usual in situations that didn’t previously bother them, they might be feeling anxious.
Every dog is unique; what might stress a German Shepherd might not affect a Rottweiler. Differences in genes, traits, breeds, and training play a role. By spending more time with your dog and observing their behavior, you can spot these signs of stress. Over-stressed dogs can become aggressive, so it’s crucial to monitor their stress levels to ensure their well-being.