Stress can creep into a dog’s life for many reasons—changes in routine, new environments, loud noises, small humans, or even subtle shifts in their home life. Recognizing the early signs of stress is key to helping your dog feel safe, relaxed, and happy.
At Company of Animals, we’ve spent over 40 years at the forefront of dog behavior 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, Behavior Consultations, Training, Agility, legal representation and grooming services, we’ve helped thousands of dogs overcome behavioral challenges and stress.
In this blog, we’ll explore how dogs show stress, what triggers it, and how you can support them using expert-backed methods and the right training tools.
How Do Dogs Show Stress? Warning Signs to Look For
While some stress signals in dogs are obvious—like panting and pacing —others are more subtle. Dogs often try to self-soothe or communicate their discomfort long before their behavior escalates. Recognizing these cues early can prevent stress from turning into anxiety or unwanted behaviors.
Changes in Body Language
Dogs express stress through their posture, facial expressions, and tail position. Watch for:
- Yawning and lip licking (tongue flicks) – Common signs of stress or discomfort. Often referred to as a “tongue flick”, this behavior happens when a dog quickly extends and retracts their tongue.
- Melms (lots of little licks with the tongue inside the mouth) – In contrast, a dog doing soft, repeated “melms” is often relaxed and happy, especially during positive interactions like belly rubs, greetings, or just before sleep.
- Pinned-back ears – A sign of unease or nervousness.
- Lowered body posture – A defensive stance indicating fear or submission.
- Whale eye (seeing the whites of their eyes) – A clear indicator that a dog feels anxious or threatened.
- Body and facial stiffness – 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 “rooted” in place.
- Lifting a front paw – This can indicate that a dog is not feeling confident, especially in uncertain situations.
- Heavy panting
- Appeasement licking – this is often an attempt to politely ask to you “please stop”
- Tail wagging isn’t always a sign of happiness – Many assume a wagging tail means a dog is friendly, but it’s not that simple. Pay attention to:
- Tail position – A tail held high can indicate alertness or arousal, while a low or tucked tail signals fear or submission.
- Wagging speed and stiffness – A fast, loose wag usually signals happiness, but a slow or stiff wag can mean uncertainty, tension, or even aggression.
Stressed or Playful? What Do You Think This Dog Is Feeling?
This dog is showing several signs of stress or discomfort:
- Ears pinned back – often a sign of uncertainty or anxiety
- Stiff body posture – tension in the muscles can indicate the dog feels threatened or unsure
- Tail tucked under the body – a classic sign of fear or submission
- Leaning away / body weight shifted back – trying to create distance from the object
- Side glances – whites of the eyes visible (“whale eye”) – suggests the dog is feeling anxious or uneasy.
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—and may be close to reacting.
It’s important not to punish these behaviors. Growling, freezing, or trying to move away are your dog’s way of saying, “I’m not okay.” When we listen and respond calmly, we help build trust and prevent escalation.
As our in-house behaviorist Fiona Whelan at the Pet Centre in Chertsey, UK puts it:
“Punishing a dog for growling is like taking the batteries out of your smoke alarm—it removes the warning”
What Causes Stress in Dogs?
Understanding what triggers stress can help prevent or reduce it. Some common causes include:
- Changes in routine – Dogs thrive on consistency; sudden changes can be unsettling.
- New environments – Moving house, boarding, or even visiting the vet can cause anxiety.
- Loud noises – Thunderstorms, fireworks, or household appliances like vacuum cleaners.
- Grooming stress – Many dogs find bathing, brushing, nail trimming, or grooming sessions overwhelming, particularly if they’ve had a negative experience before.
- Social stress – Meeting new dogs or people, or tension between pets in the home.
- Separation from their owner – Some dogs struggle with being left alone, leading to separation anxiety.
- Underlying medical conditions or pain – Dogs experiencing discomfort from arthritis, dental issues, digestive problems, or injuries may show stress signals. If your dog’s behavior changes suddenly, consult a vet.
- Mobility issues and recovery from injury – Dogs recovering from surgery or dealing with joint pain can become stressed due to restricted movement or discomfort. At our Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy Centre, we work with dogs who need gentle, supportive exercise to regain strength and confidence.
Can you spot the 5 subtle signs of stress in this picture?
How to Help a Stressed Dog
Helping a stressed dog requires patience, awareness, and a thoughtful approach. Here’s how you can support them:
1. Remove Your Dog from the Stressful Situation
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.
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.
2. Maintain a Normal Routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. Keeping to their usual feeding, walking, and playtimes provides much-needed reassurance.
Dogs are also highly attuned to our emotions. If we remain calm and confident, they are more likely to feel secure.
3. Recognize Your Dog’s Coping Style
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.
4. Use Calming Techniques
There are several ways to help dogs relax:
- Slow, gentle petting – Many dogs find touch reassuring.
- Coachi Calming Treats – Expertly created by Company of Animals to nurture your dog’s 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.
- Pheromone diffusers or sprays – These mimic natural calming signals that mother dogs use with their puppies.
- Calming music or white noise – Gentle sounds can help mask triggers like fireworks or thunderstorms.
- Puzzle toys and scent games – Engaging your dog’s mind can redirect nervous energy.
- Physical exercise – Regular walks and play sessions help burn off stress hormones and promote relaxation.
- Providing a den or safe area – particularly useful with noise or during visits from scary strangers.
5. Encourage Positive Outlets for Energy
- 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’s coping style can help them decompress in a way that feels natural to them.
Avoid Punishment
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.
Rethinking Muzzles: A Tool for Safety, Not Shame
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—particularly in unpredictable situations like vet visits, busy walks, or behavioral training.
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.
Far from being a sign of a “bad dog,” a muzzle can be a sign of a responsible owner—one who’s thinking ahead and putting safety first. It’s time to break the stigma and reframe muzzles as what they are: a practical, compassionate tool.
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.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing stress in dogs isn’t always straightforward, but understanding the warning signs can make a big difference.
With over 40 years of expertise, Company of Animals is a trusted leader in dog behavior and training. From Baskerville Muzzles to Coachi Calming Treats, our products are designed with science and compassion in mind.
Want to learn more about dog behavior? Explore our expert guides and training solutions today!
Want to learn more about your dog’s behavior?
At the Company of Animals Pet Centre in Chertsey, UK, we offer expert-led behavioral consultations (by veterinary referral only) to help identify and address the root causes of stress—including any underlying medical issues.
Looking for practical tools to support your dog at home?
Explore our trusted training and wellbeing solutions:
- Baskerville Muzzles – designed for safety, comfort, and peace of mind
- Coachi Calming Treats – a gentle way to support your dog’s emotional wellbeing
- Find out more about the Pet Centre 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.
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