Just like humans, dogs experience stress – and they often try to communicate their discomfort long before they bark, growl or bite. Learning to recognise early signs of stress in dogs is one of the most important steps in preventing behavioural issues and creating a safer, more understanding relationship with your pet.
Why Recognising Stress Matters
Stress can impact your dog’s emotional wellbeing and physical health. Dogs experiencing chronic stress may develop behavioural problems, gastrointestinal issues, or even become reactive. By learning to read your dog’s subtle body language cues, you can intervene early, reduce triggers, and help your dog feel safe and secure.
Common Signs of Stress in Dogs
Body Language Changes
Tucked tail – A classic sign of fear or anxiety.
Flattened ears – Ears pinned back or held low can signal unease.
Crouched body posture – A lowered body with a tense stance often shows submission or discomfort.
Lip licking – Especially when there’s no food around, this can indicate nervousness.
Yawning – While yawning can be normal, repeated or exaggerated yawning in unfamiliar situations is often a calming signal.
Panting – Dogs pant to cool down, but excessive panting in a cool environment may point to stress.
Facial Signals
Whale eye – When a dog shows the whites of its eyes (often looking away while keeping the head still), it’s often a sign of stress or unease.
Dilated pupils – Wide, dilated pupils can be a response to fear or excitement.
Behavioural Signs
Avoidance behaviours – Turning the head away, walking off, hiding, or refusing to make eye contact are ways dogs try to escape a stressful situation.
Freezing – A sudden stillness is a warning sign that your dog is overwhelmed.
Pacing – Repetitive movement, especially in confined spaces, may indicate anxiety.
Destructive behaviour – Chewing furniture or digging at doors can be a dog’s way of relieving stress.
Excessive barking or whining – Vocalisation may increase when a dog is distressed or insecure.
What Causes Stress in Dogs?
Stress can be triggered by a wide range of things, including:
Loud noises (e.g. fireworks, thunderstorms)
New environments or people
Unpredictable routines
Conflict with other pets
Invasive handling or restraint
Illness or pain
Every dog is different — what causes one dog stress might be completely fine for another. That’s why it’s important to understand your dog’s individual triggers and comfort zones.
How You Can Help
Observe and respond early: Don’t wait for extreme behaviours. If your dog is showing early signs of stress, remove them from the situation or give them space.
Create safe spaces: Ensure your dog has access to a quiet, secure area where they can retreat when overwhelmed.
Use positive reinforcement: Encourage calm behaviour and reward your dog when they cope well with a situation.
Avoid punishment: Punishing a stressed dog often worsens the issue and can lead to fear-based behaviours.
Seek professional help: If your dog regularly shows signs of stress, working with a qualified animal behaviourist can help get to the root of the issue.
Understanding your dog’s stress signals is key to building trust and helping them thrive emotionally and behaviourally. With patience, awareness, and the right support, even the most anxious dogs can learn to feel safe and confident.
If you’re unsure whether your dog’s behaviour is related to stress, reach out to a behaviour professional who can assess and guide you in creating a calmer, happier life for your dog.