Signs That Your Dog is Stressed Out
As humans, stress is often a daily occurrence in some way or another. Everyone reacts differently to stress. Some people get angry, some get emotional, and others become reclusive and quiet, and the same reactions apply to our pets.
There are a variety of situations that can stress your dog out, and you’re unable to explain to them what’s going on. Certain circumstances, such as introducing a new dog, vacuuming the house, or simply heading out to work, can cause stress in your dog.
So, here is how to tell when your dog is stressed.
1. Barking and whimpering
Your dog will usually be vocal for a reason; they are trying to tell you something. Though dogs may sometimes bark with excitement, it usually means something else. Whimpering will indicate stress and often occurs when your dog is frightened or anxious about something. While some barking is normal, excessive barking might mean your dog is lonely, bored, or scared. Identifying what is causing them to bark will help you address the issue and reduce your dogs’ stress.
2. Excessive pacing
If you notice your dog pacing back and forth, it is likely due to stress. It can be brought on by stress within their environments, such as a storm, or nervousness. When humans are nervous, they also demonstrate the same behavior. If they can’t sit still and are exhibiting constant pacing behavior, then you’ll need to assess their situation to identify the stressor. It could also indicate dementia, so it’s a good idea to take them to the vet just in case.
3. Growling
Growling is a sure indication that your dog is experiencing discomfort. It can be for a variety of reasons, such as if they feel threatened or if they are in pain. Though growling is often discouraged by owners, a pet always growls for a reason. It can be an indication of a more significant issue that needs addressing, so you should not punish them for it. Dogs will growl when they are stressed which could lead to aggression or biting if not dealt with.
How to reduce your pets stress
Once you’ve identified that your pet is stressed, the best thing you can do is figure out why. If you can change the core issue, then your pet will become much more relaxed. If the problem is something out of your control, such as thunderstorms or certain people, then you’ll need to take other measures. Try using CBD to reduce their stress level and help with anxiety. CBD and dogs work well together, and there’s lots of anecdotal evidence showing that.
Another option is to invest in a dog trainer or speak to your vet about how to change your dog’s response to specific issues, Such as, if your dog seems to get stressed out when left alone, discussing how you can change that response. Often with some training and patience, they can learn to become more confident in stressful situations.