How do you know if your dog is stressed?

All dogs communicate via their mouth and also body language. It is very important that we get to understand the dogs routine, and learning our dog’s ways of communicating can help reduce stress and anxiety. Dog employ body language and show warning signs to let us know if something is wrong. Barking, Growling, pacing are all signs that something could be promoting your dog to be anxious or stressed. Dog owners need to learn how to identify dog warnings and triggers to help prevent further stress.

1. Barking and whining

Dogs cant control their whining or barking when they feel stressed. It’s a response just like if someone was to throw something at your face you blink without hesitation. A dog is the same, it is their instinct. This is the most primal way to understand what is going on with your dog because you can audible hear it. You know your dog best, don’t get the context of the barking mixed up.

2. Body Language

Body language is something that can be very easily missed. The reason being is because we are all selfish and font always focus on changes in behaviour as a trigger. Anxiety and stress signals you should look for are ears tucked, tail between the legs, excessive lip licking, excessive panting, your dog may coward down to the ground. Don’t forget a dog will work off your body language also so if you are anxious or stressed your passing that onto the animal.

3. Growling

Growling is one of the most common ways to know something is up or your dog is feeling uncomfortable. It can also be a sign that your dog is feeling as do someone is invading their space. This kind of behaviour needs to be closely analysed and only you know your pet. Many people consider growing wrong and discourage this behaviour by giving it out to your dog, but this is the wrong method. Don’t punish your pup for growling, give them space and manage this behaviour better. If they are growling at you over something, try to replace the growl and change the situation the dog is in. Stress and anxiety could be an issue here.

4. Pacing

Pacing is very common behaviour dogs get into. One of the biggest factors is stress and anxiety, not many people would admit it but their owner could be the leading factor to this stress and anxiousness. Your dog will feel your energy levels and try to find a balance here, but it’s impossible for a dog to function this way. If you are able to notice what is causing this pacing or strange behaviour, you should be able to nip it in the bud. In older dogs, pacing could actually be a sign of dementia.

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