Is Your Dog Stressed? Know the Signs and What You Can Do to Help

Dogs feel stress and even go grey just like humans do, based on the study of Northern Illinois University. Stress and anxiety in dogs manifest in different ways and can have some serious effects on their health. If you’re looking for ways to help your dog live longer and de-stress, you will need to keep a sharp eye out for the signs. So what sort of signs can you expect to see when your dog is feeling stressed?

Signs of A Stressed Dog

Stressed dogs eat less and are prone to diarrhoea so they experience dehydration and significant loss to their weight. Dogs are social creatures so if they suddenly withdraw and isolate themselves, that’s a good sign that something could be off. Other visible signs include abnormal amounts of shedding, sweating, constant panting, and excessive drooling. Once you’ve found signs that your dog is stressed, what can you do to help?

Use Treats and Toys

Pet owners often use treats to reinforce positive behaviour in dogs but they can also be used to affect their moods. Use treats with ingredients like chamomile to relax smooth muscles and the digestive tract in your dog’s body to promote ease in a dog’s overall mood. You can incorporate the use of toys to promote physical activity like going on walks and play time. Around 41% of dog owners that take their dogs out for a walk with toys report their pets were more relaxed. 93% of them report that their dogs are de-stressed, according to the statistics in PetBacker. These are only temporary solutions and what you’ll need to find is the root of the problem.

Find the Cause

It helps to take note of potential causes of stress once you do note your dog has signs of anxiety. A lot of different factors can cause stress and anxiety in dogs like new environments, loud noises, confinement, and lack of physical activity. Take note of the environment that your dog is in and find if there is anything that may trigger stress and anxiety. If you are uncertain, it helps to consult with your dog’s veterinarian to discuss probable causes. They will be able to provide you with a stronger idea of what changes could be necessary to suit your pet.

There are a lot of benefits that you can reap when you have a dog in your life. So it’s critical that you consider how you can be a benefit for your dog’s well-being. Always keep in mind that you can always use toys and treats to better help your dog cope and conquer their stress.