5 Signs Your Dog Is Stressed and How to Help

Dogs experience stress just like humans do, but they cannot express it with words — instead, they rely on subtle behavioral and physical signals. Many pet owners misinterpret these signs or overlook them completely, which can lead to anxiety, behavioral problems, or even health issues for the dog.

Understanding the signals your dog uses to communicate discomfort is essential for maintaining their emotional well-being. Here are five clear signs your dog may be stressed, along with practical ways to help them feel safe and relaxed.

1. Excessive Panting or Drooling

A physical signal that goes beyond normal regulation.

Why This Happens:

Panting is normal after exercise or in hot weather, but excessive panting during calm situations is a strong indicator of stress. Stress triggers the release of adrenaline, raising the dog’s heart rate and body temperature.

How It Shows Up:

Rapid panting even when not active

Thick, sticky drool

Pacing combined with panting

How to Help:

Move your dog to a quiet, cooler area

Offer fresh water

Remove triggering stimuli (loud noise, strangers, unfamiliar pets)

If panting persists, consult a vet

Key Insight:

Panting without physical exertion usually means your dog is overwhelmed or anxious.

2. Tail Tucked or Body Lowered

Dogs communicate emotional discomfort through posture.

Why This Happens:

A lowered body, stiff posture, or tucked tail reflects fear, submission, or stress. Dogs instinctively reduce their physical presence when uncomfortable.

How It Shows Up:

Tail tightly tucked between the legs

Body crouched or leaning away

Avoiding eye contact

Hiding behind you or furniture

How to Help:

Give them space instead of forcing interaction

Speak gently and avoid sudden movements

Remove or distance the dog from whatever is frightening them

Key Insight:

Your dog’s body language is an emotional map — when their posture shrinks, their fear grows.

3. Changes in Eating, Sleeping, or Bathroom Habits

Stress disrupts a dog’s natural routine.

Why This Happens:

Anxiety affects the digestive system, sleep cycle, and overall behavior. Stress hormones like cortisol can lead to loss of appetite, digestive trouble, or unusual bathroom habits.

How It Shows Up:

Refusing food

Restlessness at night

Accidents indoors despite being trained

Diarrhea or constipation triggered by stress

How to Help:

Keep a predictable daily routine

Provide a calm environment during meals

Offer comfort and avoid punishment

Visit a vet if symptoms persist

Key Insight:

When a dog’s habits suddenly change, their emotional state has already been affected.

4. Destructive or Restless Behavior

A dog’s way of releasing built-up anxiety.

Why This Happens:

Dogs that cannot manage stress may turn to destructive behaviors as a coping mechanism. Chewing, digging, barking excessively, or pacing can reflect emotional overload.

How It Shows Up:

Destroying furniture or shoes

Scratching doors or floors

Barking nonstop when alone

Restless pacing or inability to settle

How to Help:

Increase exercise and mental stimulation

Provide chew toys or puzzle feeders

Practice crate training for security

Address separation anxiety with gradual training

Key Insight:

Destructive behavior is rarely “bad behavior” — it’s a cry for help.

5. Excessive Licking, Scratching, or Grooming

Self-soothing that becomes compulsive.

Why This Happens:

Dogs may lick their paws, scratch excessively, or groom repeatedly to soothe themselves. These behaviors can be stress-induced, much like nail-biting in humans.

How It Shows Up:

Constant paw licking

Hair loss or red spots on skin

Scratching without signs of fleas

Repetitive grooming that interrupts normal behavior

How to Help:

Identify and remove stress triggers

Provide calming toys, scents, or weighted blankets

Try anxiety-relief tools like pheromone diffusers

Consult a vet if excessive grooming leads to injury

Key Insight:

Obsessive grooming signals internal distress — not just physical itchiness.

Conclusion

Dogs communicate stress through subtle, consistent behavior changes. Excessive panting, lowered posture, disrupted routines, destructive actions, and compulsive grooming are all signals that your dog is struggling emotionally. Recognizing these signs early allows you to take meaningful steps — creating a calmer environment, adjusting routines, reducing triggers, and offering comfort.

A stressed dog is not misbehaving — they are asking for help. When you respond with patience and understanding, you strengthen the bond and give your pet the emotional support they truly need.