Dealing with stress is a perfectly ordinary part of life – for you and for your dog. But too much stress can have some worrying consequences for both people and pets.
That’s why it is vital that you’re able to recognise high levels of stress in your furry friend and do what you can to bring them down. Stress in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, such as loud noises like fireworks, unfamiliar places, or a sudden change in routine.
Too much stress can lead to longer term problems with your dog’s behaviour, like anxiety, so it’s important to know how to calm your stressed out pooch.
Here’s everything you need to know about stress in dogs, and how to calm them down.
How to spot stress in dogs
Veterinary behaviorist Gary Landsberg of North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialty Clinic explained on veterinary news website dvm 360 that high stress levels in dogs can be identified with four Fs:
- Fight – active stress or active fear. Your pup may become aggressive to remove the threat in the situation.
- Flight – pets may try to flee the situation, showing signs of avoidance, hiding or a lower body posture.
- Fidget – this is a conflict situation where your pet isn’t sure how to react to the situation. You might notice lip licking, paw raising and other signs of fear.
- Freeze – pets may stay motionless while whatever is happening around them plays out, but they’re panicking on the inside
The effects of high stress levels in dogs
“When stress is intense, recurrent or chronic, then it starts to affect health,” says Landsberg.
The expert explains that immune function can be compromised by excessive stress, meaning the bodies of our pets find it harder to fight off infection. Bladder health can also be affected, and latent respiratory disease can come to the surface, particularly for pets in shelters.
“Dermatologic diseases, gastrointestinal problems, even lifespan can be affected by chronic ongoing stress,” explains Landsberg.
How to calm a stressed dog
The pet charity Blue Cross explains how we can help our pooches when they’re feeling stressed. On their website, they said: “There’s lots you can do to help make your pet feel less stressed and more at ease once you know what to look for. Understanding the cause of your dog’s stress will also help you choose the best way to help your dog calm down.”
Here are their tips on how to ease your anxious pup.
Give your dog time away
“Avoiding or removing your dog from a stressful situation will help, whether that’s outside or in your home”, Blue Cross explains. “You could create a separate space away from excited children with a safety gate or create a homely bed or crate for them to relax where they won’t get disturbed.”
Exercise your dog
“Most dogs love their walks! Not only are they good for their physical health but walks will help your dog’s mental wellbeing too, having lots of things to sniff, look at and enjoy”, continues the charity.
“Remember that you must keep your dog on a lead if you are walking near livestock.”
Stay nice and calm
“Many dogs are very sensitive to their owner’s emotions. If your dog is stressed, keep calm and try not to panic or raise your voice as this might add to your pet’s stress levels.”
Keep your dog entertained
“There are lots of things you can do inside your home to keep your dog entertained. This can help keep their mind focused and distracted from things they find stressful.”
Don’t tell them off
“Don’t punish your dog, especially if they’re showing defensive behaviours as this is likely to make them even more stressed. Telling them off may mean they stop one behaviour, such as growling, but start biting or snapping instead.”
When to see an animal behaviourist
“If your dog is showing aggression or displaying any other problematic behaviours, talk to your vet and find a professional animal behaviourist to help. They will be able to help identify what’s causing the stress and give you advice on how to manage it”, the Blue Cross website finishes.
If your pooch is stressed, following these steps will help get them back to their old self again.