{"id":17069,"date":"2025-05-30T09:22:50","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T13:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/?p=17069"},"modified":"2025-08-18T10:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:46:12","slug":"is-your-dog-stressed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/is-your-dog-stressed\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Dog Stressed? Signs, Causes, and Expert Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Stress can creep into a dog\u2019s life for many reasons\u2014changes in routine, new environments, loud noises, small humans, or even subtle shifts in their home life. Recognising the early signs of stress is key to helping your dog feel safe, relaxed, and happy.<\/p>\n<p>At Company of Animals, we\u2019ve spent over 40 years at the forefront of dog behaviour and training. Founded by Dr. Roger Mugford, a world-renowned animal psychologist, our Pet Centre in Chertsey, Surrey, has been a hub of expertise, research, and hands-on training. From developing industry-leading products like Baskerville Muzzles and Halti Headcollars to running our on-site hydrotherapy, Behaviour Consultations, Training, Agility, legal representation and grooming services, we\u2019ve helped thousands of dogs overcome behavioural challenges and stress.<\/p>\n<p>In this blog, we\u2019ll explore how dogs show stress, what triggers it, and how you can support them using expert-backed methods and the right training tools.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How Do Dogs Show Stress? Warning Signs to Look For<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While some stress signals in dogs are obvious\u2014like panting and pacing \u2014others are more subtle. Dogs often try to self-soothe or communicate their discomfort long before their behaviour escalates. Recognising these cues early can prevent stress from turning into anxiety or unwanted behaviours.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Changes in Body Language<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dogs express stress through their posture, facial expressions, and tail position. Watch for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Yawning and lip licking (tongue flicks)<\/strong> \u2013 Common signs of stress or discomfort. Often referred to as a \u201ctongue flick\u201d, this behaviour happens when a dog quickly extends and retracts their tongue.\n<ul>\n<li>Melms (lots of little licks with the tongue inside the mouth) \u2013 In contrast, a dog doing soft, repeated \u201cmelms\u201d is often relaxed and happy, especially during positive interactions like belly rubs, greetings, or just before sleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pinned-back ears<\/strong> \u2013 A sign of unease or nervousness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lowered body posture<\/strong> \u2013 A defensive stance indicating fear or submission.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Whale eye (seeing the whites of their eyes)<\/strong> \u2013 A clear indicator that a dog feels anxious or threatened.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Body and facial stiffness<\/strong> \u2013 A tense, rigid posture or a hard mouth is a clear sign that a dog is not comfortable. A relaxed body, soft eyes, and natural posture signal a happy, at-ease dog. Think about how we might tense up if we hear a strange noise in the house at night or how fear can physically make us feel \u201crooted\u201d in place.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lifting a front paw<\/strong> \u2013 This can indicate that a dog is not feeling confident, especially in uncertain situations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Heavy panting\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Appeasement licking<\/strong> \u2013 this is often an attempt to politely ask to you \u201cplease stop\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-26018\" src=\"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Apeasment-licking-1024x768.webp\" alt=\"Dog licking girl\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tail wagging isn\u2019t always a sign of happiness \u2013 Many assume a wagging tail means a dog is friendly, but it\u2019s not that simple. Pay attention to:\n<ul>\n<li>Tail position \u2013 A tail held high can indicate alertness or arousal, while a low or tucked tail signals fear or submission.<\/li>\n<li>Wagging speed and stiffness \u2013 A fast, loose wag usually signals happiness, but a slow or stiff wag can mean uncertainty, tension, or even aggression.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-26019\" src=\"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Stressed-Dog-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Stressed dog\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Stressed or Playful? What Do You Think This Dog Is Feeling?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>This dog is showing several signs of stress or discomfort:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ears pinned back <\/strong>\u2013 often a sign of uncertainty or anxiety<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stiff body posture<\/strong> \u2013 tension in the muscles can indicate the dog feels threatened or unsure<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tail tucked under the body<\/strong> \u2013 a classic sign of fear or submission<\/li>\n<li><strong>Leaning away \/ body weight shifted back<\/strong> \u2013 trying to create distance from the object<\/li>\n<li><strong>Side glances &#8211; whites of the eyes visible (&#8220;whale eye&#8221;)<\/strong> \u2013 suggests the dog is feeling anxious or uneasy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>These cues, some more subtle than others, often appear well before a dog reacts in a more obvious way. Ears pinned back, tongue flicks, whale eyes, and a stiff or frozen posture are all signs that your dog is feeling uncomfortable\u2014and may be close to reacting.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important not to punish these behaviours. Growling, freezing, or trying to move away are your dog\u2019s way of saying, \u201cI\u2019m not okay.\u201d When we listen and respond calmly, we help build trust and prevent escalation.<\/p>\n<p>As our in-house behaviourist Fiona Whelan at the Pet Centre in Chertsey, UK puts it:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPunishing a dog for growling is like taking the batteries out of your smoke alarm\u2014it removes the warning\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Causes Stress in Dogs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding what triggers stress can help prevent or reduce it. Some common causes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Changes in routine<\/strong> \u2013 Dogs thrive on consistency; sudden changes can be unsettling.<\/li>\n<li><strong>New environments<\/strong> \u2013 Moving house, boarding, or even visiting the vet can cause anxiety.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loud noises<\/strong> \u2013 Thunderstorms, fireworks, or household appliances like vacuum cleaners.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Grooming stress<\/strong> \u2013 Many dogs find bathing, brushing, nail trimming, or grooming sessions overwhelming, particularly if they\u2019ve had a negative experience before.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social stress<\/strong> \u2013 Meeting new dogs or people, or tension between pets in the home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Separation from their owner<\/strong> \u2013 Some dogs struggle with being left alone, leading to separation anxiety.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Underlying medical conditions or pain<\/strong> \u2013 Dogs experiencing discomfort from arthritis, dental issues, digestive problems, or injuries may show stress signals. If your dog\u2019s behaviour changes suddenly, consult a vet.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mobility issues and recovery from injury<\/strong> \u2013 Dogs recovering from surgery or dealing with joint pain can become stressed due to restricted movement or discomfort. At our Hydrotherapy &amp; Physiotherapy Centre, we work with dogs who need gentle, supportive exercise to regain strength and confidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-26020\" src=\"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/05\/Stress-at-groomers--1024x683.webp\" alt=\"dog stressed whilst at the groomers\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Can you spot the 5 subtle signs of stress in this picture?<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How to Help a Stressed Dog<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Helping a stressed dog requires patience, awareness, and a thoughtful approach. Here\u2019s how you can support them:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Remove Your Dog from the Stressful Situation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If your dog is feeling overwhelmed, remove them from the situation. Short-term stress (like a sudden noise) typically resolves in a few days, but chronic stress can take weeks or months to dissipate. Stress hormones linger, keeping dogs in a heightened state of alertness.<\/p>\n<p>Dogs may also associate stressful events with specific locations. If they seem uneasy in a particular area, avoid it for a few days before gradually reintroducing them in a controlled, positive way.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Maintain a Normal Routine<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dogs thrive on predictability. Keeping to their usual feeding, walking, and playtimes provides much-needed reassurance.<\/p>\n<p>Dogs are also highly attuned to our emotions. If we remain calm and confident, they are more likely to feel secure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Recognise Your Dog\u2019s Coping Style<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Every dog processes stress differently. Some seek comfort by staying close to their owner, while others prefer space to decompress. Forcing interactions can increase stress, so let your dog decide how much reassurance they need.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Use Calming Techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are several ways to help dogs relax:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Slow, gentle petting \u2013 Many dogs find touch reassuring.<\/li>\n<li>Coachi Calming Treats \u2013 Expertly created by Company of Animals to nurture your dog\u2019s peace of mind, these delicious treats are infused with Chamomile, Lavender, and L-Tryptophan, offering a gentle solution to help your dog relax and unwind. Whether easing anxious moments or promoting restful sleep, these treats provide soothing relief and help strengthen the bond between you and your pet.<\/li>\n<li>Pheromone diffusers or sprays \u2013 These mimic natural calming signals that mother dogs use with their puppies.<\/li>\n<li>Calming music or white noise \u2013 Gentle sounds can help mask triggers like fireworks or thunderstorms.<\/li>\n<li>Puzzle toys and scent games \u2013 Engaging your dog\u2019s mind can redirect nervous energy.<\/li>\n<li>Physical exercise \u2013 Regular walks and play sessions help burn off stress hormones and promote relaxation.<\/li>\n<li>Providing a den or safe area \u2013 particularly useful with noise or during visits from scary strangers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>5. Encourage Positive Outlets for Energy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dogs process stress differently. Some may benefit from chewing a favourite toy, while others may need a quiet cuddle. Offering an activity suited to your dog\u2019s coping style can help them decompress in a way that feels natural to them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Avoid Punishment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Never punish a dog for showing signs of stress. Growling, whining, or pacing are ways they communicate discomfort. Instead, focus on helping them feel safe and supported.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Rethinking Muzzles: A Tool for Safety, Not Shame<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>When supporting a stressed or reactive dog, safety and management are essential. In some cases, a well-fitted muzzle can be part of that plan\u2014particularly in unpredictable situations like vet visits, busy walks, or behavioural training.<\/p>\n<p>Muzzles give owners the confidence to safely support their dog in challenging environments. Used thoughtfully and with positive training, they allow dogs to experience more of the world without risk.<\/p>\n<p>Far from being a sign of a \u201cbad dog,\u201d a muzzle can be a sign of a responsible owner\u2014one who\u2019s thinking ahead and putting safety first. It\u2019s time to break the stigma and reframe muzzles as what they are: a practical, compassionate tool.<\/p>\n<p>A muzzle can be a valuable tool, allowing dogs to experience life they might not get the opportunity to experience otherwise, and give you, the owner the confidence in stressful situations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Recognising stress in dogs isn\u2019t always straightforward, but understanding the warning signs can make a big difference.<\/p>\n<p>With over 40 years of expertise, Company of Animals is a trusted leader in dog behaviour and training. From Baskerville Muzzles to Coachi Calming Treats, our products are designed with science and compassion in mind.<\/p>\n<p>Want to learn more about dog behaviour? Explore our expert guides and training solutions today!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Want to learn more about your dog\u2019s behaviour?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>At the Company of Animals Pet Centre in Chertsey, UK, we offer expert-led behavioural consultations (by veterinary referral only) to help identify and address the root causes of stress\u2014including any underlying medical issues.<\/p>\n<p>Looking for practical tools to support your dog at home?<br \/>\nExplore our trusted training and wellbeing solutions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/brand\/baskerville\/\">Baskerville Muzzles<\/a> \u2013 designed for safety, comfort, and peace of mind<\/li>\n<li>Coachi Calming Treats \u2013 a gentle way to support your dog\u2019s emotional wellbeing<\/li>\n<li>Find out more about the<a href=\"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/uk\/pet-centre\/\"> Pet Centre<\/a> and our full range of services- physical location in the UK but we have plenty of tips online, please do feel free to explore and contact our consumer services team for any advice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Enriching pets\u2019 lives \u2013 devoted to the physical and mental wellbeing of companion animals.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stress can creep into a dog\u2019s life for many reasons\u2014changes in routine, new environments, loud noises, small humans, or even subtle shifts in their home life. Recognising the early signs of stress is key to helping your dog feel safe, relaxed, and happy. At Company of Animals, we\u2019ve spent over 40 years at the forefront [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6051,"featured_media":17073,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-17069","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","content-entity"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17069","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6051"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17069"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17069\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17071,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17069\/revisions\/17071"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/companyofanimals.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17069"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}