All of our canine companions face stressors each and every day. Some of those may be things we notice, like the presence of another dog, person, or child in the home. You might even see signs of stress in your dog yourself.
Ones that we don’t think about because our dogs seem to handle everything so well. Well, it’s these stressors that are often culprits in a dog developing a stress disorder, and sometimes lead to ailments even we can see.
There are certain signs of stress in dogs that owners should be on the lookout for sure.
Identifying Physical Symptoms of Stress in Dogs
Pay attention to your dog’s body language. Look for signs such as panting, yawning, licking their lips, or a stiff body posture. Pay attention to changes in their eating habits, sleeping habits, or activity level. If your dog is having accidents in the house or is urinating or defecating more often, this could be a sign of the common causes of stress.
If you notice any of these physical symptoms in your dog, it is important to take action to help them relax and feel more comfortable. Panting is a normal way for dogs to cool down, but if your dog is panting excessively, it could be a sign of stress. Yawning is another normal behavior for dogs, but if your dog is yawning excessively, it could be a sign of stress.
Behavioral Changes in Your Dog
One of the best ways to identify stress in dogs is to pay attention to changes in their behavior. If your dog is suddenly more active or less active than usual, or if they are starting to exhibit destructive behaviors, it could be a sign of stress. Anxiety in dogs may start them to bark or whine more than usual.
Dogs may start to avoid certain people or situations when they are stressed. If you notice any of these behavioral changes in your dog, it is important to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes. Once any medical issues have been addressed, you can work with your veterinarian to develop a stress-management plan for your dog.
Unusual Barking and Panting Patterns
One of the telltale signs of stress in dogs is unusual barking and panting patterns. When dogs are stressed, they may bark excessively or in a different tone than usual. Panting can also become more frequent, even when the dog hasn’t engaged in physical activity.
These behaviors can indicate that something is causing stress or anxiety in your furry friend. It’s crucial to observe these signs and provide comfort and support to help your dog relax and feel safe.
Addressing Common Causes of Stress in Dogs
Excessive barking, destructive behavior, and attempts to escape are common signs of stress in dogs. While some treatments can be addressed at home, if your pet continues to show these signs of stress, its best to contact your veterinarian for a health check-up to ensure your pup stays happy and healthy.
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