Dogs don't talk, but their bodies say a great deal. Learning to read the signs of stress in dogs is the best way to get ahead of a problem and look after their wellbeing. We often mistake a stressed dog for a «disobedient» or «just highly strung» one, when in fact they're asking us for help. In this guide we explain how to tell whether your dog is stressed, what the most common causes are, and what to do to calm an anxious dog without resorting to drastic measures.
How to tell whether your dog is stressed
Stress in dogs shows up in the body and in behaviour. Not every dog reacts the same way, so it's better to look at the whole picture rather than one isolated signal. These are the most common signs of stress in dogs:
- Panting without having exercised and without being hot.
- Repeated yawning and licking their muzzle when there's no food around.
- Trembling, ears pinned back and tail tucked between the legs.
- Persistently licking or biting their paws.
- Panting with a tense tongue and dilated pupils.
- Hiding, sticking to you or seeking out out-of-the-way corners.
- Barking, whining or destructive behaviour when left alone.
If you spot several of these signs repeatedly, your dog is probably going through a stressful period and needs a change in their routine or their environment.
It's worth distinguishing between one-off stress, which comes on after a specific fright and passes quickly, and chronic stress, which persists over time and wears down the animal's health. The latter is the more dangerous of the two, because it becomes normalised and goes unnoticed until it causes behavioural or physical problems.
The most common causes of canine stress
Understanding what triggers the discomfort helps you put it right. Among the most frequent causes of stress in dogs are:
- Loud noises: thunderstorms, firecrackers and fireworks.
- Changes at home: moving house, a new baby or a new pet.
- Long periods alone and a lack of stimulation during the day.
- Too little exercise or chronic boredom.
- Trips to the vet, travel or unfamiliar environments.
- Chaotic routines with no clear times for meals and walks.
Most of these situations can be resolved with patience and small day-to-day adjustments.
What to do if your dog is stressed
Once you know what's going on, it's time to act calmly. These pointers will help you work out what to do if your dog is stressed:
- Keep a steady routine for meals, walks and rest.
- Provide daily exercise suited to their age and breed.
- Create a safe retreat, a quiet corner they can withdraw to.
- Avoid telling them off when they show fear: you'll only increase the tension.
- Give them mental stimulation with scent games and chewing activities.
Enrichment is key: a dog that uses its brain releases tension and relaxes. An anti-stress lick mat helps a lot here, making use of the calming effect of licking while slowing mealtimes down at the same time. If you're looking for more ideas for their wellbeing, our pet products store has accessories designed to keep them occupied and settled.
Consistency matters more than intensity: small gestures repeated every day calm a dog more than one big effort. Give them time to adapt and celebrate their progress with a fuss or a treat.
How to calm an anxious dog in the moment
When there's a sudden spike of anxiety, here's how to calm an anxious dog:
- Lower your voice and move slowly; your calm is contagious.
- Take them somewhere quiet, away from the noise or trigger that's overwhelming them.
- Offer a licking or chewing activity to redirect their attention.
- Don't force them to socialise or to stay where they don't want to be.
When to see the vet
If the stress is constant, appears for no apparent reason or comes with physical symptoms (loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, compulsive licking that causes sores), consult your vet. A sudden change in behaviour can have pain or a health problem behind it. A professional will rule out medical causes and, if needed, refer you to a trainer or a canine behaviourist.
Calm is built day by day
Recognising the signs of stress in dogs in good time makes the difference between a problem that grows and one that's resolved quickly. With routine, exercise, a safe retreat and mental stimulation, most dogs get their calm back. Watch your companion, respect their pace and give them the tools to relax: they'll repay you with a happier, more balanced life at your side.