Dogs are often seen as a symbol of relaxation and stress relief. However, just like humans, dogs can experience stress in their lives. And while it may not be as obvious as it is with someone in human form, there are some things to look out for that can tell you whether or not your dog is dealing with issues in their life, leaving them feeling uneasy. And by the end of this article, you’ll know several different signs of stress in a dog. That way, you can better recognize them in your own furry friend!
The Damage Stress Can Do To A Dog
Simply put, stress can be extremely harmful to a dog’s well-being. Constant, unchecked stress has been linked to a bevy of medical issues. These issues range from digestive and circulatory problems to changes in behavior, such as heightened aggression or irritability. Additionally, prolonged and excessive stress has been known to weaken a dog’s immune system, which can leave them vulnerable to common illnesses and even more serious afflictions.
In extreme cases, stress can even lead to heart disease and dementia. And while the symptoms of these issues may not be evident at first, if your dog is dealing with constant and uncontrolled stress, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential warning signs that they are suffering from something more serious.
Signs Of Stress In A Dog
As scary as the previous section may seem, there are some signs that you can watch out for when it comes to stress in dogs. These signs will vary depending on the individual dog and as well as the cause of the stress. So it’s important to keep an eye out for a combination of these behaviors:
Pacing
Pacing in a dog can be seen as more than just a sign of boredom or restlessness. It can also be an indication of underlying stress, especially if the pacing is happening on a daily basis. Constant fidgeting and constantly wandering from area to area is a telltale signs of anxiety in a pup – they just don’t know how else to manage all the excess energy they have. Even though some dogs appear to happily wander around your house, if it becomes an everyday habit, it might mean that something deeper is bothering them.
Shaking
Along with pacing, a common sign of stress in a dog is shaking or trembling. Again, this can sometimes just be seen as an innocent bodily reflex, but it can also indicate something more serious – especially if the shaking is accompanied by breathing difficulties and extreme agitation. Typically when a dog is shaking due to stress, they will be doing so in the presence of what’s causing them to feel stressed. So if you notice your dog trembling in response to something specific, such as loud noises or a stranger entering their space, it’s likely due to their stress level at that moment.
Hiding
Sometimes a dog will try to escape their stress by hiding in another room or corner. This is especially common for dogs that are scared of strangers, loud noises, or other situations that create anxiety. They may just be looking for some peace and quiet away from the cause of their stress, but if they’re continuously retreating to this same space several times a day, it could mean that their stress level is at an all-time high.
Flattened Ears
Another way that dogs may manifest stress is by flattening their ears back in an attempt to look smaller. This could be a sign of fear, especially if your dog does this whenever someone new walks into the room. However, it could also be a signal of aggression – so make sure to keep an eye out for any other aggressive behaviors in tandem with ear flattening. But if this action is caused by stress, it may be accompanied by other behaviors, such as pacing or shaking.
