Identifying the Critical Signs of Stress in a Dog

In the intricate tapestry of emotions, dogs, much like their human counterparts, experience stress in response to certain situations. While occasional stress is normal for humans and dogs, understanding the critical signs of stress in a dog and distinguishing between fleeting stress and prolonged anxiety is crucial.

This guide is like a roadmap to understanding what your pup might be trying to tell you. We'll uncover the subtle signs, talk about things that might stress them out, and, most importantly, share tips on being their source of comfort.

It's a journey of decoding doggy language, making their world stress-free and happy.

Common Signs of Canine Stress Every Dog Owner Must Know

Dogs rely on body language to communicate distress, self-soothe, and diffuse conflicts. Understanding these signals is vital for assisting your pet in coping with fears.

Subtle Stress Signals

Turning Their Head Away

Signals discomfort and a need for "space" during actions like hugging or picking them up.

Dog Pacing

This is a common stress sign in dogs, characterized by repetitive and restless movement. If your dog is pacing excessively, it may indicate unease or discomfort.

Whale Eye

"Whale eye" refers to a stress sign in dogs where the whites of their eyes become visible, resembling the eye of a whale. This typically occurs when a dog turns its head away but keeps its eyes fixed on a person or object. It signals discomfort or anxiety, indicating that the dog is feeling uneasy or stressed in the given situation.

Ears Back

This calming signal indicates discomfort, fear, or anxiety in response to a particular situation or stimulus. Stressed dogs may retract their ears as a way of expressing submission or a desire to avoid conflict.

Weight Shifted Backward

This dog's behavior is often accompanied by other stress indicators like avoiding direct eye contact or attempting to create distance. Shifting weight backward is a defensive mechanism, signaling the dog's discomfort or unease.

Obvious Dog Stress Signs

• Whining or Barking

Dogs bark for many reasons, but generally speaking, a high-pitched bark indicates distress or frustration. A very low continuous bark indicates a dog is feeling that something of theirs is under threat.

• Growling

A low rumbling growl from a dog is a clear sign they’re unhappy and want more space. If your dog is constantly growling at you/other animals, then it’s time to see a dog trainer.

• Tail Tucked Between Legs

When a dog tucks their tail between their legs, it's a classic sign of anxiety or fear. It reflects a submissive posture as your dog is trying to make themselves appear smaller.

• Loss of Appetite

A sudden reluctance to eat can indicate stress in dogs. Changes in their environment or emotional state may lead to a decreased interest in food.

• Trembling or Shivering

When a dog trembles or shivers in the absence of cold or excitement, it often indicates stress. This physical response reflects heightened anxiety or nervousness.

• Diarrhea

Stress can impact a dog's digestive system, leading to diarrhoea or more frequent bowel movements. Changes in routine or anxiety-inducing situations may trigger this response. Persistent signs of a bad stomach mean it's time to see your vet, as it may be colitis.

Why Do Dogs Get Stressed

Dogs may become stressed for a bunch of reasons, just like us. Changes in routine, sudden loud noises, unfamiliar environments, the presence of new people or animals, and even boredom can induce stress in dogs.

On top of this, separation anxiety, medical issues, and even certain grooming procedures may contribute to their stress levels as well. So, if you’ve already noticed some stress signals in your pooch and have determined the reason, it’s time to resolve the problem.

Ways to Help Your Dog Cope with Stress

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

First, let’s talk about how you can prevent your dog's anxiety and make sure your dog has enough emotional stability and confidence not to be susceptible to stress factors:

• Build a Consistent Routine: Make sure your dog has a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime, as it provides a sense of security.

• Beat Boredom: There are various ways you can provide mental enrichment for your dog, from interactive toys to fun games you can enjoy together!

• Provide a Safe Space: Create a safe and comfortable space where your dog can retreat when feeling anxious. This can be a crate or a designated area in your home.

• Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps release excess energy and promotes mental wellbeing. Both you and your furry friend can benefit from it. It's a great idea to take your furry friend for a walk to a dog park. This reduces the likelihood of stress. Our Woofz app can help you in finding fun activities.

• Quality Food: Ensure your dog's diet is nutritionally balanced to support overall health, as physical wellbeing contributes to mental wellbeing.

• Create a Calm Environment for Both of You: Dogs can easily pick up on your mood, so if you’re under constant stress or fighting with other family members, your dog will likely feel similarly.

• Regular Vet Checkups: Regular veterinary checkups can help identify and address potential health issues early, contributing to your dog's overall wellbeing and confidence.

Let’s see how you can do it in this example of desensitization to loud noise:

1. Prepare a generous supply of treats.

2. Start playing an audio recording of the noise you want to practice with at the lowest volume, immediately giving treats to your dog.

3. If the dog exhibits reactive behaviors like barking or growling, move the object producing the sound further away to decrease volume.

4. As your dog becomes comfortable (no attempts to flee or noticeable reactions), gradually raise the volume while continuing to give treats.

5. Repeat the process with every sound/noise your dog might be afraid of/not used to until they’re okay with it, even with the highest volume.

Deal with Actual Stressful Situation

If stress has already happened (e.g., New Year fireworks or a thunderstorm) and you didn’t have time or the opportunity to prepare for it, here’s what you can do:

• Support your pet by staying calm, gentle, and attentive

Speak to and pet your pooch with a soothing tone, keeping an eye on their preferences that might change in stressful situations. It's crucial not to get anxious yourself; maintain a calm voice and slow stroking. Provide things to chew on for mental stimulation.

• Encourage curiosity

It can lower stress levels and create a healthy distraction. If your dog is scared, your deep breaths can help them cope.

• Avoid leaving your pet alone

Especially confined in a crate or another place. Refrain from making loud noises or demanding too much from your pooch. Instead, focus on being present and providing companionship.

What Can I Give My Dog to Relieve Stress?

Two categories of medications offer relief for anxious pets: general anxiety medications and specific anxiety medications.

• Generalized Anxiety Medications

Examples include Fluoxetine and Clomicalm. Consider this treatment if your pet's low tolerance to triggers hinders training, causing excessive stress. A behaviorist can assess if this is necessary, especially in cases of severe separation anxiety, fearfulness of the outdoors, or extreme anxiety. These medications work gradually over the long term, helping your pet adjust to stress. Combining them with a suitable training plan is advisable, and in many cases, you can eventually taper off usage.

• Specific Anxiety Medications

One example is Trazodone. If your dog experiences context-specific, predictable stress – such as fear of fireworks – a vet may recommend this medication. It can be administered on occasions like any night involving fireworks or New Year's Eve to alleviate stress. If your dog encounters intense stress around specific, non-daily events, discussing this option with a vet is worthwhile.

In Conclusion

In summary, detecting critical signs of stress in a dog is crucial for a healthy bond. Proactively preventing stress, creating a safe environment, and using positive reinforcement contribute to your dog's wellbeing.

Remember, human stress levels differ from your pet's stress level. That's why you should stay attentive to your pet's needs and seek professional advice if distress persists. A happy, confident dog enhances the joy of your companionship.