Signs of Stress in Dogs: What to Look For and How to Help
Dogs, like humans, experience stress—but they express it in very different ways. As responsible dog guardians, recognising the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of canine stress is crucial for their wellbeing. With the help of modern science and behaviour research, we now have a clearer understanding of how dogs communicate discomfort and what we can do to support them.
Why Dogs Get Stressed
Stress in dogs can be triggered by a variety of situations, including:
Changes in environment (e.g., moving house, new people or pets)
Loud noises (e.g., fireworks, thunderstorms)
Social conflict (e.g., rough handling, punishment-based training)
Inconsistent routines or lack of mental stimulation
Illness or pain
Understanding what stresses your dog is the first step toward helping them feel safe and secure.
Common Signs of Stress in Dogs
Many stress signals in dogs are subtle and can easily be mistaken for bad behaviour or disobedience. Here are some of the most common indicators:
1. Panting and Drooling (when not hot or exercising)
Dogs pant to regulate temperature, but when they pant excessively in a cool environment or at rest, it can be a sign of anxiety or fear.
2. Yawning and Lip Licking
These are often “calming signals” dogs use to de-escalate tension or communicate discomfort—especially in social situations or during training.
3. Whale Eye (Showing the whites of the eyes)
When a dog turns its head away but keeps its eyes on a person or object, exposing the white of the eye, it often signals unease or fear.
4. Tucked Tail or Crouched Body Posture
A low body posture, with the tail tucked between the legs, is a clear sign of fear or insecurity.
5. Pacing or Inability to Settle
Restlessness, repeated pacing, or difficulty lying down can indicate elevated arousal or stress.
6. Excessive Shedding or Dandruff
Acute stress can cause a dog to shed more than usual, especially during vet visits or grooming.
7. Avoidance or Hiding
A stressed dog may try to remove itself from the situation—hiding under furniture or refusing to interact.
8. Aggression or Reactivity
Stress lowers a dog’s tolerance levels, making them more likely to react aggressively. This is often a last-resort communication when subtler signals are ignored.
How to Help a Stressed Dog
Modern, science-based dog training emphasises empathy, observation, and positive reinforcement. If your dog is showing signs of stress:
Create a safe space: A quiet area with familiar scents can help dogs decompress.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward calm behaviours and avoid punishment, which can increase fear and stress.
Stick to routines: Consistency provides a sense of predictability and security.
Provide mental enrichment: Puzzle toys, scent work, and training games help redirect nervous energy.
Consult a professional: For ongoing or severe stress, work with a qualified, force-free behaviourist to create a plan.
Final Thoughts
Recognising the signs of stress is the first step toward helping your dog live a more comfortable and emotionally secure life. With a compassionate approach rooted in modern animal behaviour science, we can build stronger, more trusting relationships with our canine companions.
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