You may notice that your dog gets stressed every now and then. It’s normal for them to get stressed out or nervous during loud events like fireworks. But sometimes, your furry family members may have to deal with too much stress or be under constant stress. If this happens, it can lead to behavioral issues or chronic anxiety. Long term stress can also cause various physical illnesses such as gastrointestinal issues.

The possibility of these types of stress-related conditions makes it very important to identify the signs of stress in dogs. If you know what to look for, you can identify these signs and prevent stress from developing any further.

How to Spot Signs of Stress in Your Dog

Dogs have their own unique way of communicating. They let you know how they are feeling through their body language. Looking at your dog as a whole, and not just a single sign will help you understand what they are trying to tell you. For example, if your pup is happy, they will give you some signs like relaxing and wagging their tails, ears hanging naturally (in a neutral position and not pinned back or tense), and they will be eager to interact with you.

However, if your dog is stressed, they may exhibit one of these signs:

• Yawning even though they are not tired.
• Licking their lips or nose.
• Tucked or low hanging tail.
• Panting, even though they are not warm.
• Pinned back ears.
• Stiff or tense body language.
• Whale eye, or keeping their eyes on one thing while turning their head away so you can see the whites of their eyes.
• Turning away when they are approached.
• Withdrawing from company.
• Not eating.
• Lower than usual energy levels.
• Fixing their gaze on someone or something.

No one knows your dog better than you do. If you notice any sudden or drastic change in their behavior, contact your vet and get them in for a checkup. Taking quick action can help prevent more serious effects of stress such as aggressive behavior.

What Causes Stress in Dogs?

There are a lot of things that can cause dogs to become stressed. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of them being bored, scared, anxious, or frustrated. It may just be due to a change in their normal routine. Something as simple as taking a new walking route. Even these subtle changes in their routine can induce stress, which is why it’s so important to look out for signs of stress in your dog. That will help you find out what caused it.

It can be helpful if you notice a pattern of when you notice your pup gets stressed out. For example, you may notice they are more stressed at home, or maybe while taking a walk.  Think about when it is more noticeable such as when they are interacting with other dogs or left alone. If you are worried about your dog’s stress level, contact your vet. They can help you create a way to support them, reduce stress, and prevent stress from developing into anything more serious.

Tips for Preventing Stress in Dogs

There are a lot of things you can do to help prevent your dog from becoming stressed.

Remove them from a stressful situation.

If you notice your dog being scared or anxious, try to get them out of the situation that is causing stress. Try to avoid interactions that cause them stress or discomfort. By respecting their boundaries, it allows them to safely retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

Stick to your routines.

Maintaining a regular feeding and exercise routine as much as possible can help reduce stress in dogs. If you need to make big changes to their routines, try to make them gradually, allowing your pup time to adjust.

Keep dogs entertained.

Dogs are a lot like humans when it comes to the need of being physically and mentally stimulated. If they do not get enough of the right types of stimulation, they can become stressed. Make sure they are fulfilled and that they have the opportunity to do things they enjoy. This can also be influenced by their breed traits. Give them companionship by taking them out for walks, playing with them, and doing a lot of reward-based training.

Find activities that encourages them to be independent and keep them entertained, especially when you are busy. Vet-approved toys, snuffle mats, and puzzle feeders are all fun options. And don’t forget to allow them the downtime they need. Activity and rest work together to keep your dog be less stressed.

Create a safe space for your pup.

Everyone and every pup needs their own space where they can relax and chill out. Make sure to create a space for your dog that is quiet, has a comfortable bed, and where they have access to clean water. Various breeds need different amounts of sleep, but some need 12 to 16 hours of rest every single day.

Remind everyone in your household not to disturb the pup when they have retreated to their safe space. This is particularly important when your pup has bene finding things too stressful or hectic. Teaching them the “settle: command using positive reward-based training can be helpful if they have difficulty relaxing on their own.

Stay calm yourself.

Dogs are very intelligent, and they respond to your emotions. Try to not panic or raise your voice as this can stress them out. Even if your dog has done something wrong, try not to overreact. Giving them rewards when they do something you want them to do helps give them confidence when they choose to act a certain way.

Your vet is your ally and can help you determine what is causing your dog to stress out, and how you can prevent stress in your pup. They can create a plan for reducing stress and point you toward an approved, professional trainer who can help.  At BrilliantK9, we want to help you and your furry family members stay safe and as stress-free as possible. Order a custom-fit harness from BrilliantK9 that will help keep your dog safe, comfortable, and in your control while you are on your walks or going to visit the vet.