When your dog is stressed: symptoms & anti-stress tips

Every dog is different – and therefore reacts differently to unpleasant situations and circumstances. As a result, there are a number of possible stress symptoms that can occur, many of which appear simultaneously. Among the most common are:

• Barking: A barking dog – that sounds normal at first. However, conspicuous howling, whimpering and whining, in combination with other complaints, can also mean that your dog is anxious or stressed.

• Restlessness: Running back and forth nervously and being unable to sit still and relax – this can also indicate that your dog is uncomfortable. Especially if he also whines or pants.

• Ears laid back: Another symptom of stress is when your dog pulls its ears back and lays them flat against its head. If your four-legged friend displays this behaviour consistently, you should investigate.

• Noticeable tail: It's not just the animal's ears you need to pay attention to; its tail can also be an indicator. If your dog is happy and healthy, it will wag its tail noticeably. If there is a problem, it will tuck its tail between its legs or it will hang limply down.

• Panting: Whether after lots of exercise or in hot weather, dogs pant to regulate their body temperature. However, they also sometimes pant when they are stressed, as this causes their heart rate to increase.

• Trembling: If your pet starts trembling for no apparent reason, it is probably nervous or feeling anxious. This sign of stress in dogs is usually accompanied by other noticeable symptoms.

• Destructive behaviour: Is your four-legged friend normally well-trained and easy to control, but has suddenly started displaying destructive behaviour? This could also indicate psychological problems.

• Loss of appetite: Most dogs look forward to a bowl full of food every day. However, if your pet suddenly starts turning its nose up at its food, this is also a warning sign.

• Stress diarrhoea: Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea or vomiting can also manifest themselves in your dog when it is stressed. That is why many preparations aimed at calming stressed dogs contain soothing ingredients such as valerian or chamomile.

• Hair loss: You should not take this sign of stress in your dog lightly either. Excessive hair loss is usually a reaction to a prolonged uncomfortable situation such as moving house.

• Red eyes: If your dog suddenly has red eyes, it may be suffering from stress. As this symptom can also be linked to diseases such as conjunctivitis, it is advisable to have it checked out.

• Runny nose: If your dog's nose is running, this may also be related to stress. A short-term clear discharge is a particularly strong indication of this.

• Bladder infection: Bladder infections caused by stress are also not uncommon in dogs. This is because stress and anxiety weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to bacterial infections.

• Blood in the stool: If you suspect this, it is advisable to examine your companion's faeces – blood in the stool can also be caused by stress in your dog and may indicate intestinal inflammation, which is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhoea or abdominal pain.

• Seizures: Although stress is not usually the sole cause of seizures, it can trigger them.

Stress symptoms in dogs can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other causes. Therefore, pay close attention to any changes and observe whether several signs occur at the same time.

Anti-stress tips for dogs are one thing – but it's even better if you get to the root of the cause. The most common triggers include:

• New or unfamiliar people, animals or places

• Changes in daily routine (moving house, travelling, long car journeys, crowds of people, etc.)

• Fireworks and other sudden noises

• Separation from caregivers

• Intrusion into personal space

• Lack of exercise or mental stimulation

• Insufficient socialisation

• Pain, illness or visits to the vet

Anxiety and stress can have many causes in dogs. If your pet suddenly seems stressed, you should first consider what happened in its immediate environment shortly before. Did an unfamiliar person enter the room? Were loud noises frightening the dog? Or did someone pull on its ears?

If there is no obvious trigger in the time leading up to this, consider whether anything fundamental has changed in the dog's life in the days or weeks before. Have you moved to a new flat? Have you had less time to walk the dog? Have the neighbours had a baby who cries early in the morning? All of these things could have thrown your dog off balance.

It is best to discuss this with a vet to rule out any medical causes for the behaviour and to take the right long-term measures.

Constant stress can affect your dog's well-being. Too many stress hormones weaken the immune system in the long term and put strain on the circulation, digestion and metabolism. This can result in a variety of pains, illnesses and allergies. Behavioural problems such as irritability, uncleanliness or anxiety can also become entrenched. It is therefore important to recognise symptoms and signs of stress in dogs at an early stage and work with experts to find the right support.

Stress has become a buzzword among us humans – or rather, a word that is losing its buzz. That's because it literally robs us of our energy and zest for life. It's no different for your dog. Four-legged friends can also suffer from stress. But there is a lot you can do to help your companion and support them in reducing their stress levels. Observe them closely, respond to the first signs and help them to find peace again. If you are unsure, always consult a vet.