Recognising Stress in Your Dog Before It Escalates

As loving dog guardians, we all want our dogs to feel safe, secure, and happy. However, dogs can experience stress just like humans, and when left unnoticed, it can escalate into more serious behavioural or health issues. The key is learning to spot the early signs so you can take action before your dog reaches a tipping point.

Why Dogs Become Stressed

Stress in dogs can be triggered by a variety of factors. Common causes include unfamiliar environments, loud noises, changes in routine, social pressure from other dogs, or even pain and illness. For some, seemingly small things from a human perspective, such as visitors in the home or a new piece of furniture, can also be really unsettling for our dogs.

Subtle Signs to Look Out For

Dogs rarely go from calm to highly distressed without warning. Early signs of stress are often subtle, so it’s important to pay close attention to your dog’s body language and behaviour:

• Lip Licking or Yawning - When not related to food or tiredness, these can signal discomfort.

• Turning the Head Away - Avoidance behaviour shows your dog is trying to disengage from something they find worrying.

• Excessive Shedding - A sudden increase in moulting can be a stress response.

• Pacing or Restlessness - Difficulty settling often indicates an inability to relax.

• Pinned Ears or Whale Eye - Ears held back and the whites of the eyes showing are signs of unease.

  
  

Escalating Stress Signals

If early cues are missed, stress may progress into more obvious signs such as barking, growling, snapping, or destructive behaviours. By this stage, your dog is already struggling to cope. Acting earlier helps prevent these situations and supports your dog’s wellbeing.

How to Help Your Dog

1. Create a Safe Space: Provide a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can retreat without being disturbed.

2. Maintain Routine: Predictability helps dogs feel secure, so keep feeding, exercise, and rest times consistent.

3. Identify and Reduce Triggers: If certain situations consistently cause stress, try to manage or avoid them while you work on gradual desensitisation.

4. Offer Positive Outlets: Enrichment activities such as scent games, chewing, or gentle training can help reduce anxiety.

5. Stay Calm: Dogs often mirror our emotions. Your calm presence can help reassure them.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s stress levels remain high despite your efforts, or you notice sudden changes in behaviour, it’s best to seek guidance from a qualified ethical canine professional or your vet. Persistent stress can impact both emotional and physical health, so early intervention is vital.