Since pets can not talk, they interact with their human parents using their body language, so it’s vital to understand what they’re trying to tell behind their gestures. Learning the way your pet communicates can help in reducing their anxiety and prevent unwanted situations from happening.
Are you worried that your dog might be stressed? We will talk about several warning signs to watch out for to help you act proactively.
Could Your Pet Be Stressed?
Like people, our furry friends can also become anxious and stressed out. As a dog parent, it’s your responsibility to recognize the signs of anxiety in your pet so you can react immediately and make them feel comfortable and secure in their environment. Often, the symptoms of stress in dogs can be subtle, so it is necessary to be observant.
Below are five common signs of stress in canines:
1. Drooling and Licking Lips Repeatedly
Canines may drool excessively and repeatedly lick their lips when feeling dehydrated, hungry, or anxious about veterinary visits. Once you know the obvious causes for why your dog keeps licking their lips, it can be a clue that they’re feeling stressed and uncomfortable about something. If this behavior goes on for days and is making you worried, take your dog to the vet for a checkup. You may visit their website to get more info on the importance of regular pet checkups and preventive care.
2. Aggression
Aggressive behavior towards other animals and people is a typical sign of sickness or stress in dogs. If you observe your dog becoming agitated, this might signal an underlying condition. This is usually accompanied by angry, tense facial expressions and fearful body posture.
Puppy fear usually results in aggression, which can be corrected with punishment-free obedience training and positive reinforcement. Addressing this behavior in young pets is essential to prevent stressful veterinary visits when you take them for preventive care. A puppy vet in Citrus Heights, CA, can provide tailored recommendations if your companion keeps showing aggressive behavior.
3. Loss of Appetite
Dogs enjoy eating, so it can be concerning when we notice their lack of appetite during mealtime. Sudden weight loss can sometimes indicate anxiety, stress, or underlying health problems. If your pet continues to show this sign, take them to a pet laboratory immediately to diagnose and treat the condition behind their lack of appetite.
4. Pacing and Shaking
Like humans, dogs repeatedly pace or move in a wide circling manner when feeling stressed. This is an indication of anxiety or panic in general. You might also see your dog shaking or trembling, which often stops when a stressor is gone.
5. Barking or Whining
Many dogs can’t manage their whining when stressed, and it’s like their automatic response due to their nature. In addition, this may also signify that something in their environment might be causing their anxiety. Barking is similar. Although they can’t always control it, they’re trying to tell you they might be stressed about something. However, it would still depend on the circumstance, as canines may bark or grumble for other reasons.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read the common stress signs in canines, you will know when they feel irritable or uncomfortable. Being familiar with your pet’s regular temperaments can significantly differentiate stress signs from normal habits. If your companion keeps showing these signs despite your efforts, it’s always a good idea to take them to the vet for a quick examination and suggestions on how to make them feel better.
