Do you have a furry companion who occasionally experiences chronic stress, or perhaps you’re fortunate to share your life with a relaxed, easygoing canine friend? Stress is a universal human and animal experience, serving as a survival mechanism for our ancestors and their wolf counterparts. In essence, stress is an inherent aspect of life.
However, the way we and our dogs respond to stress varies widely. Some individuals, both human and canine, appear unfazed by life’s challenges, akin to “The Dude” from “The Big Lebowski.” In contrast, others tend to veer towards panic mode at the slightest provocation, much like my dog Cooper.
Chances are, your dog falls somewhere along this spectrum between Cooper and The Dude. You, too, probably find your place on this stress spectrum. Prolonged exposure to stress isn’t healthy for our dogs or ourselves. Acute stress, the kind we experience in response to genuine and immediate threats, serves a purpose—it keeps us safe. Chronic stress, however, is detrimental.
Why is that?
Well, chronic stress carries severe consequences for both our dogs and us. Stress negatively impacts nearly every aspect of well-being, affecting sleep, cardiovascular health, immune responses, digestive systems, and studies even suggest that it accelerates the aging process.
Here’s an additional tidbit that might add a touch more stress (apologies!) to your plate: research has shown that “Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners,” and “Long-term stress in dogs is related to the human–dog relationship and personality traits.”
My husband and I have distinct approaches to handling stress, and these differences influence how we manage Cooper’s stress. These findings don’t intensify my stress levels or make me feel guilty; instead, they emphasize the significance of my bond with Cooper and the responsibility I bear in assisting him in managing his stress. It starts with understanding what triggers his stress and how to alleviate it.
The same applies to you and your dog.
As the person in charge, it falls on you to identify signs of stress in your furry companion and intervene before stress takes its toll. We’re all familiar with some prominent stress indicators in dogs, such as diarrhea, increased barking or growling, trembling, and so on.
However, here are 5 less obvious signs of stress in your dog that you might not expect:
- Shedding: While dogs naturally shed, periods of heightened stress can lead to noticeable clumps of fur coming loose.
- Yawning: Dogs yawn, often accompanied by a squeak or whine, when they’re stressed. It’s a self-soothing mechanism to calm themselves down.
- Pacing: Stressed dogs may engage in repetitive pacing, akin to the expectant father pacing in a waiting room. This behavior helps them release nervous energy.
- Hiding: If your dog seeks refuge behind you, under the bed, or behind furniture, it’s a sign of feeling insecure. Offer comfort when needed, but if your dog hides in a confined space, it’s okay to leave them be.
- Drooling or Panting: If your dog is drooling or panting without having exerted themselves physically, it’s a clear indication of stress. This parallels how shallow breathing can occur in humans during stressful times.
In Cooper’s case, panting is his telltale sign of stress. When I notice him panting excessively, I know it’s time to step in and help him. His stress manifests through this exaggerated panting, often accompanied by a tense facial expression.
Keep an eye out for these subtle signals and take proactive steps to alleviate your dog’s stress before it escalates.
Here are 3 ways to support your stressed-out dog:
- Remove the Stressor or Remove Your Dog: If something (like fireworks, a bicycle, crowded sidewalks, or hot air balloons) triggers acute stress in your dog, either eliminate the stressor or remove your dog from the situation. This isn’t about avoiding the issue indefinitely; it’s a short-term strategy to help your dog in the moment.
- Provide Comfort: It’s essential to offer comfort when your dog feels frightened or stressed. Recently, someone remarked that they didn’t want to “coddle” their dog when they were scared. Imagine saying the same about a frightened child. Comfort is vital for anyone—human or canine—experiencing fear.
- Implement Interventions: For daily anxiety management, consider giving your dog a dose of CBD. We’ve had success with Veritas Farms CBD. Additionally, for unexpected or acute stressors like fireworks or thunderstorms, you can explore options like the Thundershirt or hormone diffusers like ADAPTIL. For anticipated stressors like vacuuming or visits from guests, you can use a combination of interventions, such as CBD paired with a Thundershirt or relocating your dog to a cozy corner with a stuffed Kong or a snuffle mat to distract from their nerves.
By recognizing these signs of stress in your dog and taking action, you can help your furry companion navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and comfort.
