Unlike humans, dogs majorly communicate via body language. Therefore, it becomes critical for humans to understand what they are trying to say through gestures. Additionally, learning about our dog’s body language will help them feel less anxious and avoid dangerous situations.
When it comes to stress, dogs show it subtly. Generally, aggressive behaviors indicate the dog is stressed. However, there are other signs as well that can be identified to certainly know whether your dog is stressed or anxious.
First, let’s look at what causes stress in dogs.
The Cause for Stress
Many common situations can lead to causing stress in your pet. While we can identify some we may pass on situations that seem normal to us but can be a cause of stress for your pet.
They include:
- Having people over
- Movements
- Loud noises, including construction
- You leaving the house
Signs of Stress in Dogs
- Whites in their eyes
Dogs communicate through their eyes. The whites of dogs’ eyes are bared to signify tension. Their eyelids pull back, and their eyeballs are sometimes described as exploding out. When they gaze side to side, you may notice a white crescent form. They’re attempting to communicate with you that they’re worried about something.
2. Over Licking or Grooming
It’s a symptom of stress if your dog licks his lips when there’s no food or goodies available. For dogs and cats, licking is a peaceful, self-soothing behavior. As a result, if you notice your pet combing constantly or licking their lips around their nose and mouth, it might be a symptom of discomfort. This is something that dogs frequently do when they go to the vet or when they are in a stressful circumstance.
3. Excessive Vocalization
Vocalization is a frequent technique for pets to express how they feel or that they require assistance. Growling is an easy method to know whether your dog is in pain. It might be an indication that they are intimidated because their personal space is being invaded or that something is bothering them. Although it may look like aggressive behavior, it need not be. Dogs may be excessively vocal if they are feeling uneasy.
When dogs are agitated, they often can’t control their whimpering, which is more of an instinctual response. It is, however, a sign that something in the environment is producing worry in individuals. Barking is similar in that sense but it’s also a means for them to communicate that they’re worried about something.
How to Help Them in Stressful Situations?
Making sure your dog gets adequate exercise is the most important thing you can do to protect them from being upset. An indoor agility kit or a basic fetch toy are possibilities if you can’t go out and around for walks. For dogs, chewing is a natural sedative. Dogs de-stress by chewing on objects they aren’t permitted to chew on, such as your furniture or floors. You may redirect destructive chewing to a long-lasting chew instead by giving them chew-able toys.
If your dog is showing these or any other symptoms of anxiety, you can visit the experienced veterinarians at San Antonio Spay and Neuter Clinic.