5 Ways To Tell If Your Dog Is Stressed
As a pet owner, there may come a time when you start to notice your pet acting differently. Whether it be that they acquired a new habit of barking incessantly or perhaps they seem to be keeping to themselves a bit more than usual. You may start to wonder, “Is my dog stressed out?”
Surprisingly, stress in dogs is actually a bit more common than you think. Unfortunately, high levels of stress for long periods of time can start to negatively impact your pet’s health. Here, we are going to share the common signs of stress in dogs to help you identify what your pet may be going through.
Decreased Appetite:
Unlike humans, dogs don’t make elective diet changes. They don’t choose to fast or cut down their food intake just cause. Therefore, if you start to notice that your pet has lost interest in food or has stopped eating completely- be sure to contact your veterinarian. This could be in relation to high-stress levels or perhaps an underlying health condition.
Isolation:
We all know that dogs are social creatures- especially towards their people. If you notice that your dog has suddenly started to isolate itself from others, your pet could be suffering from stress, anxiety, or an illness. You may want to consult your veterinarian to rule out any possible sickness.
Aggression:
It can be confusing when an otherwise friendly pup starts to act aggressively towards others. Whether the aggression is towards people or to other animals in the home, it could be a sign that your dog is experiencing some stressful feelings. You don’t want them to get stuck in the habit of thinking aggression is okay, so be sure to check with your pet’s vet to assess their behavior changes.
Body Issues:
Unfortunately, dogs cannot speak to us directly. Yet, if we pay attention to the signs of their body- it may give you subtle hints about what is taking place. A stressed-out animal can undergo a variety of different physical changes. They may be behavior related such as incessant licking, scratching, or panting. Or it could be taking place internally, such as diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. Although these can also be signs of illness, they may be a side effect from experiencing or undergoing feelings of stress and/or anxiety.
Increased Sleeping or Depression:
If you start to notice that your pet is sleeping much more than usual or they have an overall sad demeanor- they may be experiencing stress. An overall lethargic pet could also be a sign of illness. But if a vet rules out medical issues, then it could be a side effect of stress or anxiety.
If you have started to notice any of the listed characteristics, you may be wondering what you can do to help them out. First and foremost, consult your veterinarian. You will want to make sure that there are no major health concerns taking place. Once any issues like that are ruled out, then you can check out our post that highlights some different ways to help your pet manage stress and/or anxiety.
In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our impressive collection of Dog Calming Products. Our team at TRUE LEAF is proud to offer a variety of dog calming options including calming chews and calming oil. Created with high quality and natural ingredients, our TRUE LEAF Calming Support collection is a great option to support your pet’s mental health throughout the day. They can be incorporated as a daily treat or as needed when higher stress situations are anticipated.
