What are Signs that Your Dog Is Stressed?

Most people who live with dogs recognize some of the “bigger” clues that a dog’s anxious, uncomfortable, or outright scared-cowering, whining, and a tucked tail, to name just three. This article discusses a few more subtle signs. They generally don’t reflect full-blown panic, but they tell you that all’s not quite right in Dogalini World.
  Dogs, like many also get anxious. They also have varying degrees of anxiety levels. Some dogs can easily get restless and nervous with simple things like a car horn or a loud knock on the door. In order to solve the issue, it is important for dog owners to determine the factors causing the dogs to be alarmed. By carefully examining the dog’s body language, one can easily recognize if there is something wrong. In this article, we will discuss the different warning signs that will tell you that your dog is indeed stressed.
  If we can decode our dogs’ body language, we can bail out sensitive dogs before they get overwhelmed. And even boneheaded, happy-go-lucky types may find some situations too much for them. Come to think of it, watching them closely may reveal that they’re not such boneheads after all.

Dog’s Eyes

  From a distance, look at the dog’s eyes. It is normal to see the white part of the dog’s eyes. Nevertheless, if you cannot see the white anymore and you observe that the eyes of your pet are bloodshot red, then you can tell that your dog is indeed stressed. In canine, the adrenaline reflex shows in red eyes. It is part of the reflex known as the fight or flight reaction. Also, dogs that blink and squint deliberately may signal that they are mildly stressed.

Ear Carriage

  Pay attention to your dog’s ear. Know what is normal and abnormal. A dog may be experiencing mild stress if his ear’s carriage is higher than normal. However, this is not applicable to Low ear floppy-eared dogs because their ears are always carried low.

Moist Paw Prints

Some people when they are under extreme stress can have sweaty and clammy hands. This is also evident with dogs. If they get anxious and nervous, they can have damp paw prints. This is unhealthy.

Genital Licking

  You may think that it is amusing to see dogs licking their genitals. Dogs lick their reasons for various reasons. Of course, they lick it for sanitary purposes. Aside from that, the behaviour can turn up as a defense mechanism known as displacement. The dog takes out the frustration and anxiety to a less threatening object like a body part.

Growling

 Do not think of a growl as something negative. Not all growls are bad. We have this notion that bad dogs growl. Possibly, it is because of the terrifying experience we associate with growling. Did you know that your dog may growl because he is actually warning you? Your dog can be very discomforting or probably he is feeling threatened, the only way he can tell you his sentiment is by growling.

Loss Of Appetite

  Lack of interest to food can signify depression. Monitor your dog’s eating habit. Also, consider the recent events that took place, for example, an arrival of a new pup or baby. These incidents can cause the dog’s appetite to subside. Aside from loss of appetite, observe your dogs for symptoms like lethargy and queasiness. It is best to seek medical attention because your dog may not be receiving adequate nutrition and it detrimental for your dog’s health.

Other Signs

• Low body posture
• Weight shifted to back legs
• Excessive shedding
• Excessive whining or other vocalization
• Slow or tense movement
• Refusal of food (especially when normally food-motivated)
• Restlessness or pacing
• Inattentiveness to owner
• Sweating from paws
• Dilated pupils
• Tension around eyes and mouth

Dogs have feelings. They feel stressed and fearful too. It is important that we know the different warning signs that will tell us that dogs are experiencing stress. At times, after the dog has given us several warnings, a bite is imminent. Therefore, these warning signs should not be ignored.