White Frame Corner
White Frame Corner

Signs Your Dog is Stressed, Depressed or Sad

Multiple Blue Rings

#1 Reduced Or Absent Appetite

A dog's appetite might be decreased by stress or anxiety, but physical conditions can also be to blame. Before blaming stress, a vet check is advised.

Burst

If your dog is agitated or anxious, they could pull or pin their ears back. With breeds with floppy ears, this is not usually visible.

#2 Ears Pinned Or Pulled Back

Multiple Blue Rings

#3 Nose And Lip Licking, Yawning, Drooling

Dogs who are under stress may lick their lips or noses, yawn, or drool. Interpret within the context of any underlying medical conditions.

Burst

Dogs who are stressed or anxious may cower, hunch with their tails tucked or grow stiff, avoid eye contact, or turn their heads away from potential threats.

#4 Changes In Body Posture Or Position

Multiple Blue Rings

#5 Panting

When agitated, sweaty, out of breath after exercise, or excited, dogs pant. Stress-related panting frequently coexists with other anxiety- and stress-related symptoms.

Burst

A dog may quiver while experiencing strong emotions like fear, worry, or pain or disease.  If shaking continues after settling down or being relieved of tension, consult a veterinarian.

#6 Trembling And Shaking

Multiple Blue Rings

#7 Increased Vocalization

When stressed, dogs vocalise more, but before assuming stress, medical factors should be eliminated.

Burst

Dogs may experience diarrhoea as a result of stressful events because norepinephrine is released.  Normally goes away in a few days, but if it doesn't, consult a veterinarian.

#8 Diarrhea

Multiple Blue Rings

#9 Inappropriate Elimination

Dogs may urinate indoors as a result of stress or health problems. It won't help to punish them.  To determine the cause and take the proper action, consult a veterinarian.

Burst

Dogs with long-term stress may engage in compulsive activities including chasing their tails, licking their limbs, or sucking their flanks. Injuries should be ruled out as the cause.

#10 Repetitive Or Compulsive Behaviors

Multiple Blue Rings

#11 Low Activity Levels

When active dogs become lethargic or sleep more than usual, this may be a sign of depression or a painful ailment like osteoarthritis, especially in elderly dogs.

Burst