Imagine your dog neck-deep in deadlines, bills, rent and the occasional existential crisis. Okay, this may be difficult to imagine. But imagine your dog after a long day of guarding the house from those pesky squirrels or having to wear a tutu or a Santa hat the whole day for their human’s amusement.
These may look funny instances, and they are. But there are many other things and situations that can get a dog stressed. And a spa day won’t be enough to get them stress-free.
Here’s everything you need to know about dogs and stress.
Can Dogs Get Stressed?
Yes, dogs can absolutely get stressed because of various reasons. When dogs got domesticated from wolves, the evolution made them a certain way. For example, they feel the need for a master, they like to maintain a routine, they need a certain level of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day, etc. The absence of any of these factors can make them feel anxious which can lead to stress in dogs.
Here are the most common reasons for stress in dogs –
Change in routine
Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms or even appliances like vacuum cleaners
Separation from their owners for a long time
New environments like a new house, new owner, vacation, etc.
Introduction of a new pet or family member in the house
Health issues as they cause pain and discomfort
Confinement
Previous traumas such as abuse or abandonment
One interesting study shows that you (the owner) may also be the reason why your dog is stressed. A dog’s stress levels are greatly influenced by their owners’ stress levels. Dogs can sense what their humans are feeling and react accordingly. The stronger the bond, the stronger the connection of stress levels in both, the human and the dog. (2)
On top of that, some of your behaviors also might be causing stress in your dog. These include – (3)
Wearing sunglasses or a hat for a long time as dogs rely on people’s eyes to understand what they’re going to do.
Moving the furniture around as it disturbs the mental map of the house in your dog’s head
Staring at them even if all you’re trying to do is catch some cute moments
Making them wear pet outfits as they don’t feel natural to them
Smoking near your dog
Signs of Stress in Dogs
Some of these may seem like momentary stress that will go away in a bit. But at times, it can be severe and lead to harmful effects on your dog’s body. Hence, it is important to know the signs of stress in dogs. They include – (2)
Pacing or shivering
Whining or barking
Prolonged and intense yawning
Excessive drooling and licking
Tucking tails or having a rigid body posture
Increased shedding
Panting without being tired
Lack of appetite
Irregular bowel movements
Avoiding interaction with strangers
Hiding or escaping (some even try to prompt their owners to move along)
How to Relax a Stressed Dog
Dogs who feel stressed may not be able to communicate directly with us about it but they tend to show it via different behaviors. Sometimes, these behaviors can even be aggressive like snapping, growling, showing teeth or even biting.
Here are some ways you can help calm a stressed dog – (1)
Identify the stressor and remove it if possible (shut the windows in case of loud music, etc.)
Exercise or play with your dog (this will work for you too when stressed)
Use physical contact such as cuddling, petting, etc.
Massage the dog starting from the neck and then downwards with long strokes
Play some light music (you can try ‘Through A Dog's Ear’ by pianist Lisa Spector and psychoacoustics researcher Joshua Leeds)
Give them some alone time in a safe space
You can even use some calming pet-safe diffusers. However, if you notice stress-related behaviors quite often in your dog, you must take them to the vet immediately. There must be an underlying medical condition causing it.
Is Drooling a Sign of Stress in Dogs?
Yes, stressful situations can cause your dog to drool excessively. Drooling can be caused by various reasons such as dental problems, poisoning, heat stroke, etc. as well.
Is Panting a Sign of Stress in Dogs?
A dog usually pants when it is feeling excited or hot. However, stressful situations can also make them start panting excessively.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Stress can lead to poor brain health in dogs which in turn affects their endocrine (hormone) system and enteric nervous system. Prolonged stress can cause multiple hormones and digestive tract-related diseases. (4)
Stress can also be a sign of an underlying severe medical condition. In some cases, your dog may even need a behavioral therapist or alternative treatments to overcome stress. The costs may get you worried here but you can save up to 90% of them with Spot Pet Insurance.
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
McKendry, N. (2019, April 3). 7 Proven Ways to calm your anxious Dog – Central California SPCA, Fresno, CA. https://ccspca.com/blog-spca/education/anxious-dog/
Signs Your Dog is Stressed and How to Relieve It | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it
Mitrokostas, S. (2024, January 19). Veterinarians share 11 ways you could be stressing out your dog without realizing it. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/ways-youre-making-your-dog-stressed-and-why?IR=T#older-dogs-may-not-like-being-petted-unexpectedly-11
Bethany. (2023, November 23). Can stress cause my pet’s disease? My Pet Nutritionist. https://mypetnutritionist.com/post/can-stress-cause-my-pets-disease/
