Signs Your Dog Is Stressed: 10 Clear Signs with Expert Tips from
Signs Your Dog Is Stressed shouldn’t be a mystery. Here are 10 clear signs to watch for—and expert-backed tips from Sovelivee to help calm your anxious pup.
Dogs are faithful friends, but when stress enters the picture, it can affect their health and well‑being. Being a pet parent, it is important to be able to evaluate the symptoms of stress at the earliest possible and provide a solution to relieve stress and avoid additional health problems.
Research in veterinary behavior consistently shows that sudden loud noises and being left alone are among the most common triggers of stress and anxiety in dogs (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2021; Animals/PMC, 2022).
This paper will discuss 10 typical indicators of dog anxiety along with insights and real life examples by experts and also will give practical tips on what you can do to help alleviate your dog anxiety.
10 Common Signs of Dog Stress
1. Panting too much
Sarah, who is a dog owner in the city of New York, realized that her Golden Retriever, Max, started panting too much when they were in a car. It was not because of the heat, but was because of anxiety about heading to the vet.
Sarah had consulted her veterinarian who learned that Max was rather afraid of being taken on car trips, and his past experiences only increased this fear.
Professor Advice: Dr. Karen Overall, a veterinary behaviorist, says that excessive panting of a dog may be a sign of anxiety, especially when there is no physical cause.
2. Destructive Behavior
Stress may be a cause of destructive behavior. Through the chewing of furniture or removing their paws, dogs can cope. In a study conducted by PetMD, Percent of dogs that experience separation anxiety have a destructive chewing habit (PetMD, 2024).
3. Drooling
Research in veterinary behavioral science indicates that stress can increase salivation in dogs. If your dog drools more than usual without a medical cause, it may indicate stress.
4. Loss of Appetite
The fear and stress may lead to an apparent decline in the appetite of your dog. It is stated that due to the anxiety caused by stress, dogs can eat less or not at all, which, when unaddressed, can cause weight loss.
5. Shaking or Trembling
Shaking or trembling during stressful events (e.g., thunderstorms) is a common fear/anxiety response in dogs. Guidance from the American Kennel Club describes noise-phobia signs such as trembling and outlines calming strategies.
6. The Overbarking or Whining
Chris is a pet owner based in Seattle and he had realized that his Beagle, Bella, had started whining and over-barking when there was a thunderstorm. The amount of barking reduced greatly after the application of calming solutions such as diffusion of pheromones and the use of anxiety wraps.
7. Hiding or Avoidance
Stressed dogs would retreat or isolate themselves in lonely places. It is a calming down action that helps dogs to avoid what they perceive to be a stressful situation.
8. Changes in Body Language
Stressed dogs usually change their body language. Dr. Though, according to Sophia Yin, a veterinarian, the most common indicators of stress are a tucked tail, pinned ears, or eye avoidance
9. Excessive Chewing or Licking
Chewing or licking too much may also be a symbol of stress. 68% of dog owners observed their pets engaging in self-soothing behaviors like licking when they were anxious.
10. Indoor Urinating or Defecation
Stressful situations and new environments may result in an anxious dog losing bladder or bowel control. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine confirmed the effect of this behavior, stating that it is typical of the dogs that fear separation or experience stress due to fear.
What Causes Dog Anxiety?
It is important to realize the causes of the stress in dogs so as to control anxiety in them. We are going to discuss the most widespread triggers of dog anxiety:
1. Separation Anxiety
Professional Opinion: Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman notes that separation anxiety is among the most stressful behavior issues in dogs. When left alone, affected dogs commonly show crying, persistent barking, pacing, and destructive chewing.
2. Loud Noises
Noise sensitivity is common in dogs—especially to thunderstorms and fireworks—and can manifest as trembling, hiding, vocalizing, or escape attempts. Owner surveys and clinical experience consistently suggest that a substantial proportion of dogs display noise aversion, with fireworks and thunder being leading triggers.
3. Changes in Environment
A change in place or the routine of a dog may be a stressful experience. A study conducted by Stanford University has noted that other dogs which undergo a significant environmental transition are likely to display elements of anxiety as they become accustomed to new environments.
4. Poor Socialization
Dogs, which are not socialized generally become anxious in a social environment. A paper in The Veterinary journal has discovered that those dogs that are not exposed to strangers tend to be anxious when meeting strangers or strangers.
How to Relieve Dog Stress
Now you can work on recognizing your sign of stress in your dog and what causes the stress, now it is time to do something. The following are some of the ways that would help to calm your nervous dog:
1. Provide a Safe Space
Provide a stress-free, safe place that your dog can get when he or she is in distress. This area must be free of disturbance and distractions, which make your dog feel safe.
2. Use Calming Products
Calming products are a variety of products that are used to make the dogs more relaxed. To manage stress, it is possible to use calming collars, anxiety wraps, and natural supplements, such as CBD. According to PetMD, 55 per cent of dogs experience reduction in anxiety symptoms following the use of the calming products.
3. Physical activity and Mental activity
Dogs that are taken for exercise and kept mentally active are less prone to stress according to Pet Health Network. Diverting your dog by using puzzles toys or playing fetch may be a way to use up some of the energy and enhance their mood.
4. Try Calming Music or Aromatherapy
Some of the smells and noises will calm your dog. Studies indicate that dogs respond well to lavender and chamomile, and music that is pet-friendly will also help reduce anxiety.
5. Consult a Veterinarian
When the anxiety of your dog is serious, you should visit a veterinarian. In severe situations, they can prescribe the medications and therapies that could assist your dog in managing stress.
Conclusion: Helping Your Dog Live a Happier Life
Recognizing the signs of stress in dogs is the first step toward helping them feel better. From creating a safe space to incorporating calming products, there are many ways to reduce your dog’s anxiety.
With early intervention and proper care, you can ensure that your dog lives a happy, stress-free life. If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, try these tips, and consult your veterinarian if needed.
We know that every dog has its own unique personality and needs. If you've noticed any of these stress signs in your dog, or if you’ve found effective ways to help calm their anxiety, we’d love to hear your story in the comments! Sharing your experience could help fellow pet parents discover better solutions for their furry friends.
Together, let’s create a calmer, happier life for our dogs. Every comment you share could be the inspiration someone else needs.
