Have you ever noticed that your dog looks like he’s stressed? He might be hiding in the corner, refusing to play, or displaying other signs of anxiety. When dogs feel stressed, it can make life difficult for everyone involved. Therefore, reducing your dog’s stress levels is essential so everyone can enjoy a happy home environment. This article will explore ten signs that show that your dog is feeling stressed and give you tips on how to help them feel better again.
1. Whining
Whining is a sign of anxiety and stress. So when you hear your dog whining, please don’t ignore it. Instead, try to figure out what pets are trying to communicate and address their needs as soon as possible.
If your dog is whining, it means they are feeling anxious or stressed about something in its environment. Perhaps something new is happening around the pets, like a new person or animal visiting the house. On the other hand, it could be due to many people visiting. Take note of this behavior if your pup begins to whine more than usual. Then, you can help them feel more comfortable in the situation.
2. Not Listening to You
If your dog is acting out or not listening to you, it could be a sign that they are stressed. Dogs can read body language very well and respond to their owners’ feelings. If you are stressed, they will pick up on this and become stressed themselves.
When a dog feels stressed, it’s vital to feel secure and safe in its environment. Therefore, owners must ensure that dogs know how much they love them. It will help reduce any stress levels in both parties involved.
3. A Drop in Appetite
You may notice your dog is not eating as much food as usual. If this happens, it is vital to figure out why. A drop in appetite could be a sign of many things. For example, it could mean that your dog has some physical problem and needs to see the vet, such as an issue with his teeth or jaw. Or it may be due to stress from something else happening in his life.
If you suspect that your dog isn’t feeling well, take him to the vet for an exam and make sure he gets plenty of rest before getting back on his feet again. Also, always keep some medicine in case of emergencies. These come in handy in giving first aid, which gives some time for your pet to cope up until you reach the vet. There are many online stores like PetCareRx, where there is a variety of required medications. You can order online and get them delivered to you as fast as possible.
4. Destructive Behavior
Destructive behavior, such as chewing and digging, signifies your dog’s stress. It can be caused by separation anxiety or boredom, but it might also indicate your dog needs more activity.
Some dogs may resort to destructive behavior if they are left alone for too long without anything to do while their owners are at work or school. Therefore, it’s essential to find ways to keep them active when you can’t be there with them, so they don’t feel bored. Even a simple walk around the block will help.
5. Pacing
You might not immediately think pacing is a sign of stress, but it’s one of the dogs’ most common indicators of anxiety. If your dog regularly paces back and forth in the same spot, usually around their bed or favorite place, and seems to be worrying about something specific, they could be experiencing stress. If you’ve ruled out physical problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia as the cause, then this type of pacing could be a symptom of anxiety.
The pacing is not bad; it tells the owner that the dog might be bored or having trouble with something. Also, sometimes the dog paces with other dogs while playing in the hope of getting the attention of its owner to come down and play with him to stop getting bored.
6. Excessive Shedding
In the 2021 to 2022 National Pet Owners Survey carried out by the American Pet Products Association, around 90.5 million, or 70% of United States households, own pets. In many of these households, people might notice that their dog is shedding more than usual. It is a sign that your canine companion is stressed out and can be caused by genetics, lack of grooming, or allergies.
A dog with long hair will shed more than one with short hair unless it’s constantly groomed. Also, dogs with thick coats shed more than those with thin. That is because there’s more surface area for dead skin cells to fall off the floor when they move around.
7. Licking and Chewing
One of the most common signs a dog can show when stressed is excessive licking and chewing. They do it anywhere on their body, but it mostly licks on their paws and tails. You can also see dogs frequently nip at their skin when tense.
Dogs lick and chew when stressed because these actions release endorphins in the brain, which helps them relax.
Dogs with separation anxiety are especially likely to engage in this behavior around their owners, exceptionally if they have just returned from work or school. Dogs will also do it when they feel nervous about meeting new people or other animals for the first time.
8. Panting and Drooling
If your dog is panting and drooling, it could signify they are feeling stressed. Panting is a sign of anxiety in dogs. It can occur when they’re feeling anxious or fearful. Dogs may also drool when they are stressed out, as drooling is often caused by stress.
If you notice that your dog’s breathing seems more rapid than usual, it’s crucial to take action immediately. It can mean that something has happened to cause stress: either an event has occurred recently, or maybe there’s something else going on right now that’s causing worry. It could lead to long-term problems if not appropriately addressed.
9. Avoiding Certain Places or Objects
According to a new survey on canine anxiety, reported by Reuters, 57 percent of dog owners said that the pet members of their family are anxious.
Avoiding certain places signifies that your dog is feeling stressed or fearful and may be experiencing anxiety. Hiding is typical behavior in dogs, as they do it when they feel unsafe. If your dog suddenly starts to hide more often than usual, it may be because of something stressful in their environment.
10. Growling and Baring Teeth
Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways. For example, your dog may growl at you or another person when left alone. They might also become aggressive towards other dogs and people when left alone for long periods.
There are many reasons why dogs get stressed out, and being left alone for long periods is one of them. Other causes include being around new people or animals, visiting the vet’s office, and being crated for too long. If you notice any signs that your pup needs extra care from you, try doing whatever it takes to help them relax.
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Recognizing Signs of Stress in Pets Will Help You Calm Them Down
You may have noticed that your dog is acting differently than usual. But do you know if it’s stress or just a bad mood? The signs of stress in dogs can be subtle, so don’t be afraid to ask your vet for advice on how to help your pup relax. They’ll know what kind of treatment is best for your dog and how much time they need to feel better.
