Since dogs can not talk, they communicate to their human parents using their body language, so it is important to understand what they’re trying to tell behind their gestures. Learning the way your dog communicates can aid in reducing their anxiety and prevent unwanted situations from happening.

Are you worried that your dog might be stressed? We’ll discuss several warning signs to look out for to help you act proactively.

Could Your Dog Be Stressed?

Like people, our furry buddies can also become anxious and stressed. As a dog parent, it’s your responsibility to identify the signs of anxiety in your pet so you can respond immediately and make them feel comfortable and safe in their environment. Often, the symptoms of stress in dogs can be subtle, so it’s important to be observant.

Below are five common indications of stress in canines:

1. Barking or Whining

Most dogs can’t control their whining when stressed, and it’s like their automatic response due to their nature. In addition, this might also signal that something in their environment might be causing their anxiety. Barking is similar. Although they can not always control it, they’re trying to inform you they might be feeling stressed about something. However, it would still depend on the circumstance, as canines might bark or grumble for other reasons.

2. Pacing and Shaking

Like humans, dogs repeatedly pace or move in a wide circling manner when feeling stressed out. This is an indicator of anxiousness or panic in general. You might also notice your dog shaking or trembling, which often stops when a stressor is gone.

3. Loss of Appetite

Dogs enjoy eating, so it can be worrying when we notice their lack of appetite during mealtime. Sudden weight loss can sometimes indicate anxiety, stress, or underlying health issues. If your pet continues to show this sign, take them to a veterinary laboratory immediately to diagnose and treat the condition behind their lack of appetite. You may click here to see common vet diagnostics services.

4. Aggression

Aggressive behavior towards other animals and individuals is a typical sign of sickness or stress in dogs. If you observe your dog becoming agitated, this might signal an underlying condition. This is often accompanied by angry, tense facial expressions and fearful body posture.

Puppy fear usually leads to aggression, which can be corrected with punishment-free obedience training and positive reinforcement. Addressing this behavior in young pets is essential to prevent stressful vet visits when you take them for preventive care. A puppy hospital can provide tailored recommendations if your companion keeps showing aggressive behavior.

5. Drooling and Licking Lips Repeatedly

Canines may drool excessively and repeatedly lick their lips when feeling dehydrated, hungry, or nervous about veterinary visits. Knowing the obvious causes for why your pet keeps licking their lips can hint that they’re feeling stressed and uncomfortable about something. If this behavior goes on for days and is making you worried, take your pet to a vet in Citrus Heights, CA, for an examination.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read the common stress signs in canines, you’ll know when they feel irritable or uncomfortable. Being familiar with your pet’s regular temperaments can significantly differentiate stress signs from normal behaviors. If your companion keeps showing these signs despite your efforts, it’s always a good idea to take them to the veterinarian for a quick checkup and suggestions on how you can make them feel better.