You're probably all too familiar with your own responses to stress. And you can probably tell when your closest friends or family members are feeling anxious, too. But what are the signs of a stressed-out dog?
As their pet parent, you are your dog's best ally when it comes to defeating stress, so it's important to be able to identify when they're stressed and to know how to help them relax.
Here's everything you need to know to understand, identify and relieve dog stress.
Causes of Stress in Dogs
Your dog can feel stressed for a number of reasons. According to the American Kennel Club,the three most common causes of anxiety in dogs:
- Confusion and memory loss associated with aging.
- Fear (of loud noises, new environments, large or strange objects and big groups of people)
- Separation
Additionally, recent studies indicate that your own emotional health and stress levels could impact your dog's stress. According to research published in Scientific Reports, "dogs, to a great extent, mirror the stress level of their owners."
Common Real Life Situations That Can Stress a Dog Out
Below are some of the more common situations that may stress a dog out with resources to help you guide your dog through each of them.
- Loud noises: Dogs have super sensitive hearing, so a loud noise to you is only amplified to them. Learn how to help your dog around loud noises like fireworks.
- Moving: Whether it's moving houses, rehoming a dog after the loss of a loved one, or just bringing home a dog for the first time after adoption, new places can leave any dog anxious. What you might see as a dog acting out (such as peeing or throwing up in the home), might just be a dog stressed about their new environment.
- Leaving Your Dog at Home: There are a variety of reasons why you have to leave your dog at home alone for extended periods of time: new job, going back to work after the birth of a child, day trip out to go shopping and so on, but for a dog that is used having company at home may act out from separation anxiety. Here are some helpful tips for leaving your dog home for the first time.
- Introducing Your Dog to New People: Despite the old phrase of "dogs are man's best friend," not every dog likes being introduced to every human. Whether because of mistreatment from past owners or being territorial, your dog may need time to warm up to new people. The best thing to do is to go slow and do not force it. Give your dog plenty of time and space to become comfortable with the new person.
Tasty Tips
Signs & Symptoms of Dog Stress
According to the American Kennel Club, there are a number of ways your dog may display their stress, including:
- Destroying objects in your home
- Peeing or pooping inside despite being housebroken (incontinence)
- Sudden aggression
- Repetitive behaviors
- Pacing or restlessness
- Panting
It's important to note that many of these behaviors could easily be confused with backslides in training or accidents. If you notice your dog engaging in behaviors that could be stress-related, first consider your dog's unique personality and situation, as well as your own emotional state. Speak to your veterinarian if the situation persists. If the issue is stress-related, scolding your pet may only exacerbate their stress and make the situation harder to address.
How to Help Your Dog Relax
There are a number of ways you can help prevent your dog's anxiety and help an already stressed out dog:
- Feed them healthy meals and give them plenty of exercise: High-quality nutrition and lots of movement are critical to your dog's mental health. Make sure your canine companion gets plenty of exercise and playtime, and be sure to feed them the right amount of high-quality food.
- Consistent Training: Good training creates a platform for communication between you and your pet, and sets expectations that you can deliver on, eliminating uncertainty for an anxious dog.
- Avoid bringing them into stressful situations: For some dogs, certain situations will always be too overwhelming to handle. If you know your dog responds poorly to loud noises, for example, don't bring them anywhere where loud music will be playing and keep music at a comfortable volume at home. This way, you can help your dog keep their cool. If the situation is unavoidable, do everything you can to ease the situation. This can vary based on the situation, but things such as giving them their favorite toy or an old sweatshirt that still smells like you can go along way at easing your dog's stress levels.
- Practice self-care: Science has spoken; your mental health affects your dog's. Ensure that you're able to manage the stressors in your own life so you can be fully present for your best furry friend.
It's true — dogs can get stressed! But luckily, there's a lot you can do to support your pup. By paying attention to their behavior, you can identify the signs and causes of their stress and help your pooch chill out.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight with Joint Support Large Breed Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Entrée Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Related articles
The Advantages of Wet Dog Food
Learn how today's wet dog food blends have gotten a face lift, and how you'll provide your dog the nutrition he needs in the form he loves.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog's Teeth Clean & Healthy
Discover how common dental disease is in dogs and what you can do to help prevent it happening to your dog.
Essential Medical Supplies for a Dog First-Aid Kit
Learn what essential medical supplies are must-have items in a dog first-aid kit, and learn how to prepare an emergency kit in case of a natural disaster.
Tips for Leaving Your New Dog Home Alone
Check out these helpful tips on how to housebreak your puppy and feel confident in leaving him alone while you're at work.
Frozen & Fun Dog Treats for Hot Summer Days
Learn how to make frozen dog treat recipes that can help keep your pup cool in the summer heat, including which ingredients work best to keep him hydrated.
All About Cancer in Dogs
Cancer affects one out of three dogs in a variety of ways. Learn about the types of dog cancers, warning signs to look for, and treatments that can help.
Anemia in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, Prevention & More
Discover the clinical symptoms of anemia in dogs, why the condition occurs, how its diagnosed & treated, and how you can help with prevention in your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Learn whether dogs can eat eggs, including special concerns for dogs & raw eggs, and potential ways to prepare them safely.
Do Dogs Sweat? How Your Dog Keeps Their Cool
Learn if your dog sweats like you do, how hot dogs keep themselves cool and signs that your dog might be overheated.
Odd Behaviors of Dogs: Running in Their Sleep and More
Learn all about your dog's odd sleep behaviors, including snoring, twitching, running in his sleep, and what they all mean.
Getting Rid of Your Dog's Ear Mites
Ear mites in dogs can cause your pup irritation & pain. If you think his ear scratching might mean he has mites, learn what to do for treatment.
Fact or Fiction: Can Dogs Smell Cancer?
Learn about dogs' ability to smell cancer in humans before even traditional screenings, including amazing real life stories demonstrating this ability.
Why Is My Dog's Stomach Making Noises?
Why is my dog's stomach making noises? If you're concerned about the sounds coming from your pup's stomach, read on to learn what might be causing it.
Changing Dog Food for Your New Pup
Changing dog food isn't something you should rush into. Learn how doing so slowly can help your dog avoid digestive problems and adjust to his new home.
What to Look For in Food for a Mature Dog
Learn about choosing the right food for your mature or older dog, ensuring he receives the correct balance of nutrition.
How to Make Your Own Dog Obstacle Course
Learn how to make a DIY dog obstacle course at home with items you already own. Follow these instructions and you & your pup will be training in no time!
Does My Dog Like to be Petted?
Does your dog really like to be petted? Learn the best spots to pet a dog, especially for new puppy owners, as well as areas to avoid when petting.
Brain Aging in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn what causes brain aging, behavioral changes and alertness in your aging dog. Discover what you can do to help prevent some of these dog diseases.
The Challenges of Walking Your Dog in Winter
Wondering whether walking your dog in winter weather is a good idea? Discover some safety tips to keep your pup safe in the colder winter conditions.
What to Do if Your Dog is Lost or Missing
Realizing your dog is missing or lost can be extremely stressful, but learn useful tips for handling this crisis and helping you track down your pup.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.