Is My Dog Stressed?

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I have been trying to decide what my first blog post should be about. Having been a little stressed myself while trying to get this website finished, I decided to write about signs your dog is showing that he or she may be stressed. Dogs can’t tell us verbally when they are in distress, so we need to know what to look out for if we suspect they might be overly anxious. We should also take into consideration when and in what situation the dog appears stressed. For example, it is normal for a dog to be anxious when going to the groomers, traveling, or when in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Here is a list of some of the signs that could be easily missed or not normally associated with stress.

1. Lip or Nose Licking – Dogs do this naturally but when combined with other behaviors or symptoms from this list it may be a clue
2. Drooling – Drooling in dogs who don’t normally drool and excessive drooling in dogs that do when combined with other symptoms.
3. Sweaty Paws – A definite sign the dog is stressed.
4. Yawning – Excessive yawning with or without other signs.
5. Panting – Panting when it is hot or after exercise is normal. Panting at other times is a red flag for stress.
6. Tail Tucking – Dogs carry their tails low or tucked under if they are showing submission, are scared, or stressed. If the tail tucking is combined with other signs, such as vomiting or diarrhea it may indicate illness.*
7. Trembling/Shivering – This is a definite sign of stress and may also indicate pain. *
8. Ears Pulled Back or Drooping – When combined with other signs, can be a good indicator.
9. Vomiting – All dogs vomit occasionally, however, if combined with other signs is a sign of stress and also of possible illness. *
10. Diarrhea – Stomach upsets happen sometimes but can also be a sign of severe or prolonged stress.
11. Cowering/Hiding – If your dog is not normally fearful or prone to hiding away on its own, the chances are he or she is stressed or ill or both.*
12. Whining, Howling, Whimpering, or Barking – These are all normal behaviors on their own but when exaggerated or happening out of the norm, can be a definite red light.
13. Depression – Depression is a symptom of illness and or stress.*
14. Shedding – Excessive shedding in a dog that doesn’t normally shed too much is a definite signal the dog is stressed.
15. Scratching – All dogs scratch. Scratching without a specific cause such as fleas, dry skin, or allergies may be a sign of stress if being employed as a displacement behavior.
16. Reduced Appetite – If your dog refuses its favorite treat, has decreased appetite, or will not eat anything at all, your dog could be ill and may also be feeling stressed*

Several of these signs are normal behaviors being exhibited either at inappropriate times, to excess or as a displacement behavior. Others may be signs of underlying illness and should be checked out by your Veterinarian as soon as possible.

So what triggers stress in dogs? Here are a few of the causes:

1. 1. Illness
   2. Sudden Loud Noises – Fireworks, explosions, low-flying aircraft, thunder.
   3. Family Discord – Arguments, divorce, new baby, new relationship, new dog or cat.
   4. Harsh Punishment.
   5. Moving House.
   6. Attacked by another dog/s.
   7. Separation Anxiety.
   8. Lack of Socialisation.
   9. Inability to engage in breed-related behaviors.**
   10. Death of an owner, canine, or feline friend.

*Should be checked out by your Veterinarian.

** Breed-related behaviors such as retrieving, herding, running or guarding.

Next time I will write about some of the steps you can take to minimize stress in your dogs.

Rhiannon West
10/01/2017