5 Signs Your Dog Is Stressed Out

Since canines can not talk, they communicate to their human parents using their body language, so it’s vital to understand what they are trying to tell behind their gestures. Learning the way your dog communicates can aid in minimizing their anxiety and prevent unwanted circumstances from happening.

Are you worried that your dog might be stressed? We’ll talk about several warning signs to look out for to help you act proactively.

Could Your Pet Be Stressed?

Like people, our furry friends can also become anxious and stressed out. As a dog parent, it’s your responsibility to identify the signs of anxiety in your pet so you can respond immediately and make them feel comfortable and secure in their environment. Often, the symptoms of stress in pets can be subtle, so it’s important to be observant.

Below are five common indications of stress in dogs:

1. Drooling and Licking Lips Repeatedly

Dogs might drool excessively and repeatedly lick their lips when feeling dehydrated, hungry, or nervous about veterinary visits. Once you know the obvious causes of why your pet keeps licking their lips, it can be a sign that they’re feeling stressed and uncomfortable about something. If this behavior goes on for days and is making you worried, take your companion to the veterinarian for a pet wellness exam.

2. Pacing and Shaking

Like humans, dogs repeatedly pace or move in a wide circling manner when feeling stressed. This is an indicator of anxiousness or panic in general. You may also notice your dog trembling or shaking, which often stops when a stressor is gone.

3. Aggression

Aggressive behavior towards other animals and individuals is a typical sign of sickness or stress in canines. If you observe your dog becoming agitated, this may signify an underlying condition. This is generally accompanied by angry, tense facial expressions and fearful body posture.

Puppy fear often results in aggression, which can be fixed with punishment-free obedience training and positive reinforcement. Addressing this behavior in young pets is essential to prevent stressful veterinary visits when you take them for preventive care. A puppy veterinarian can provide tailored instructions if your companion keeps showing aggressive behavior. You may view page of kitten and puppy vets to learn more about what they do.

4. Loss of Appetite

Dogs love to eat, so it can be concerning when we notice their lack of appetite during mealtime. Sudden weight loss can sometimes indicate anxiety, stress, or underlying health problems. If your pet continues to exhibit this sign, take them to a vet diagnostics lab immediately to identify and treat the condition behind their lack of appetite.

5. Barking or Whining

Most dogs can’t manage their whining when stressed, and it’s like their automatic response due to their nature. This might also indicate that something in their environment might be causing their anxiety. Barking is similar. Although they can’t always control it, they’re trying to tell you they might be feeling stressed about something. However, it would still depend on the situation, as dogs might bark or whine for other reasons.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read the common stress signs in dogs, you’ll be aware of when they’re feeling irritable or uncomfortable. Being familiar with your pet’s regular temperaments can significantly differentiate stress signs from normal habits. If your companion keeps showing these indicators despite your efforts, it’s always a good idea to take them to the vet for a quick checkup and suggestions on how to make them feel better.