Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Dogs
Updated: Aug 11
Just like people, dogs can experience stress and anxiety. While occasional stress is a normal response to unfamiliar situations, ongoing or severe anxiety can affect a dog's physical health, behaviour and overall quality of life.
Because dogs can't tell us how they're feeling, they communicate through body language and behaviour. Learning to recognise these signals allows you to respond early, reduce your dog's stress and create an environment where they feel safe and secure.
In this guide, we'll explore the common signs of stress and anxiety, what can cause them, and practical ways to support your dog's emotional wellbeing.
Important: If your dog shows sudden or severe behavioural changes, or if their anxiety is affecting their daily life, speak to your veterinary practice or a suitably qualified, reward-based behaviour professional.
Contents
What Is Stress in Dogs?
Common Causes of Stress and Anxiety
15 Signs Your Dog May Be Stressed
How to Help a Stressed Dog
When to Seek Professional Help
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Stress in Dogs?
Stress is the body's natural response to a challenging or unfamiliar situation. A small amount of short-term stress can help a dog react to potential danger or adapt to new experiences.
Problems arise when stress is frequent, intense or prolonged. Chronic stress can affect a dog's behaviour, immune system, digestion and overall wellbeing.
Understanding your dog's body language is one of the best ways to identify stress before it escalates.
Common Causes of Stress and Anxiety
Every dog is different, but common causes include:
Loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms
Being left alone (separation-related problems)
Moving house
Changes in routine
Visits to the vet or groomer
Travelling
Meeting unfamiliar people or dogs
Pain or illness
Lack of socialisation
Boredom and insufficient mental stimulation
Punishment-based training
Busy or unpredictable environments
Sometimes, there may be no obvious trigger, particularly if an underlying medical condition is contributing to the behaviour.
1. Panting When They Aren't Hot or Exercising
Panting is normal after exercise or in warm weather, but excessive panting in a cool environment may be a sign of stress or anxiety.
Watch for panting that occurs alongside other stress signals, such as pacing or trembling.
2. Lip Licking
Dogs often lick their lips after eating, but repeated lip licking when no food is present can be a subtle sign of discomfort or stress.
This is known as a calming signal and may appear during situations your dog finds overwhelming.
3. Yawning
A tired dog yawns before settling down to sleep, but yawning during training sessions, veterinary visits or unfamiliar situations may indicate stress rather than tiredness.
Repeated yawning without another obvious reason is worth paying attention to.
4. Trembling or Shaking
Dogs may shake due to fear, anxiety, excitement, pain or cold temperatures.
If your dog trembles during particular situations, such as fireworks or car journeys, anxiety may be the underlying cause.
5. Pacing
Repeatedly walking back and forth can indicate that a dog is struggling to relax.
Pacing may occur before a stressful event or continue while the dog remains anxious.
6. Hiding or Withdrawing
Some stressed dogs try to remove themselves from situations they find overwhelming.
They may:
Hide under furniture
Retreat to another room
Avoid family members
Sleep more than usual
Allow your dog access to a quiet, safe space where they won't be disturbed.
7. Excessive Barking or Whining
Vocalisation is another common response to stress.
Some dogs bark excessively, while others whine, howl or make unusual noises when they feel anxious.
Consider whether the behaviour occurs during specific situations, such as being left alone or hearing loud noises.
8. Loss of Appetite
Stress can affect digestion and reduce a dog's interest in food.
A dog experiencing anxiety may:
Eat less
Ignore treats
Refuse meals
If your dog stops eating completely or the loss of appetite persists, seek veterinary advice.
9. Destructive Behaviour
Chewing furniture, scratching doors or digging indoors can sometimes be signs of boredom or frustration, but they may also indicate stress or separation-related issues.
Understanding why the behaviour occurs is important before attempting to address it.
10. Excessive Licking or Grooming
Some dogs repeatedly lick their paws or other areas of the body when they're anxious.
Over time, this can lead to skin irritation, hair loss and secondary infections.
If excessive licking develops suddenly, it's important to rule out medical causes as well.
11. Changes in Body Posture
A stressed dog may display:
A tucked tail
Flattened ears
Lowered head
Crouched posture
Leaning away from something
Weight shifted backwards
These subtle body language changes often appear before more obvious signs.
12. Dilated Pupils and Wide Eyes
Dogs experiencing fear or anxiety may have enlarged pupils and wide, alert eyes.
You may also notice the whites of the eyes becoming more visible, often referred to as "whale eye". This can indicate that a dog is feeling uncomfortable or threatened.
13. Restlessness
Some anxious dogs struggle to settle.
They may:
Frequently change sleeping positions
Wander around the house
Constantly follow their owner
Appear unable to relax
14. Avoiding Interaction
A normally social dog may suddenly avoid:
Being touched
Playing
Greeting visitors
Interacting with other dogs
Respect your dog's need for space and avoid forcing interactions.
15. Changes in Toileting
Stress can sometimes cause:
Accidents indoors
More frequent urination
Digestive upset
Diarrhoea
If these symptoms continue or occur alongside other signs of illness, consult your vet.
How to Help a Stressed or Anxious Dog
The best approach depends on the cause of your dog's stress, but some general strategies include:
Identify and, where possible, reduce the trigger.
Maintain a consistent daily routine.
Provide plenty of mental enrichment through puzzle feeders, scent games and training.
Ensure your dog gets appropriate physical exercise.
Give them access to a quiet, safe place where they can retreat.
Use calm, reward-based training methods rather than punishment.
Introduce new experiences gradually and at your dog's pace.
Avoid forcing interactions with people or other dogs if your dog appears uncomfortable.
Remember that every dog is an individual. What helps one dog may not be effective for another.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Contact your veterinary practice if:
Your dog's behaviour changes suddenly.
Anxiety seems to be getting worse.
Your dog injures themselves or others.
Your dog stops eating or drinking.
Stress is affecting their daily life or quality of life.
You suspect pain or illness may be contributing to the behaviour.
Your vet can rule out underlying medical conditions and, if appropriate, refer you to a qualified behaviour professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my dog is stressed?
Common signs include panting when not hot, lip licking, yawning, pacing, trembling, hiding, excessive barking, changes in appetite and altered body posture.
Can dogs develop anxiety?
Yes. Dogs can develop anxiety due to genetics, past experiences, lack of socialisation, medical conditions or changes in their environment.
Is it normal for dogs to be scared of fireworks?
Many dogs find fireworks frightening because of the loud, unpredictable noises. Preparing in advance and providing a safe, quiet environment can help reduce stress.
Should I comfort my dog when they're anxious?
You can offer calm reassurance and a safe presence. Avoid forcing interactions or unintentionally reinforcing fearful behaviour by becoming anxious yourself. Focus on helping your dog feel secure and, if needed, seek guidance from your vet or a qualified behaviour professional.
Can stress make dogs ill?
Chronic stress can affect a dog's wellbeing and may contribute to digestive issues, behavioural problems and reduced quality of life. It can also make existing medical conditions more difficult to manage.
Final Thoughts
Recognising the signs of stress and anxiety is an important part of responsible dog ownership. Many dogs show subtle body language long before they display more obvious behaviours, giving owners the opportunity to step in early and help them feel safe.
By understanding your dog's individual signals, providing appropriate enrichment, maintaining a predictable routine and using positive, reward-based training, you can support both their emotional and physical wellbeing.
If you're ever concerned that your dog's stress is severe, persistent or accompanied by signs of illness, don't hesitate to seek veterinary advice. Early support can make a significant difference to your dog's confidence and quality of life.
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