Signs of Stress in Dogs: What to Watch for and What to Do

Have you noticed something different in your dog’s behavior? You know something is off, but you’re not sure what it might be. Maybe your dog has been tucking her tail between her legs, her ears are pinned back, and she starts to shake—especially when someone new stops by your house, or her routine has changed, or even at a loud, sudden noise.

Though your dog may be healthy and overcome challenges every day, these are a few signs that your dog might be stressed. There are steps you can take to help your dog during these times. And VetriScience®, with over 40 years of experience, has strategies you can try to help support your dog through these stressful moments.

This article will cover the different signs and signals that your dog shows when stressed, as well as steps to take to support them. Also discussed in this article:

• What causes stress in dogs
• A note on Separation Anxiety
• Which dogs are prone to stress
• And what to do to help your dog when stressed

What are the common signs of stress in dogs

Signs of stress show up in your dog’s behavior and in her body language. It’s important to watch for both types of signals.

Some of the subtle body language signs that many owners miss include:

• Yawning
• Lip licking
• Whale eyes
• Pinned ears
• Tucked tail

And other displacement behaviors like:

• Sniffing the ground
• Shaking off for no reason
• Excessive barking

There are also behavioral signs of stress that owners do notice right away. Such as:

• Whining
• Destructive behaviors (chewing, digging)
• Pacing
• House accidents in house-trained dogs
• Escape attempts
• Hiding
• Excessive licking or self-grooming

There are also signs of severe stress that owners should also watch out for. These include:

• Inability to eat
• Self-injury from escape attempts
• Withdrawal or hiding
• Unexplained GI discomfort
• Aggression

Many of these signs of severe stress signal that home management isn’t enough; these signs of severe stress alert you to seek the guidance of a veterinarian when your dog shows these behaviors.

What causes occasional or everyday stress in dogs

After noticing what signals your dog is showing that alert you that they are stressed, it’s good to be aware of what the triggers and causes of what their stress might be. These causes range from loud noises—like thunderstorms and fireworks—to exposure to new people, animals, or places.

Here are other common causes and triggers for stress:

• Separation from their owner
• Veterinarian or groomer visits
• Changes in routine
• Prior bad experiences
• Aging or cognitive challenges

Other medical conditions, such as pain, illness, and cognitive dysfunction, can also present as stress signals, but only your veterinarian can rule out these potential issues. If you have concerns, please consult your veterinary team to rule out pain or physical challenges.

A note on Separation Anxiety

There is another form of stress that is a bit different than the normal stress that has been talked about so far, which may arise from many different situations. Your dog may be experiencing Separation Anxiety.

Separation Anxiety is a specific behavior in which a dog experiences distress when separated from their favorite person or when left alone.

Dogs with Separation Anxiety often bark or howl excessively, pace, drool, and have accidents despite being house-trained, or may engage in destructive chewing and scratching shortly after their owner leaves.

Recognizing these signs early is important because timely intervention can slow the progression and improve your dog’s emotional well-being.

Early support through training, environmental management, and guidance from a veterinarian and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer give dogs the best chance of developing confidence and comfort when left on their own.

LEARN MORE: 6 Ways to Help Manage Pet Separation Anxiety When Returning to Work

Which dogs are prone to stress

There are certain dogs, such as herding breeds and companion breeds, that may be more susceptible to stress due to a combination of inherited traits and life experiences. Certain breeds may be naturally more sensitive or energetic.

Also, puppies that miss positive early socialization and senior dogs coping with sensory or cognitive changes can be especially vulnerable.

Past trauma in such dogs as rescue dogs or those who stayed in a shelter for some time, and have been through neglect or frightening events, may have lingering emotional effects that heighten their reaction to stress.

Underlying conditions causing pain, discomfort, or other health issues can make a dog appear unusually fearful or reactive. Recognizing these individual factors helps you seek the right kind of support from veterinary or behavior professionals.

Though some dogs are more prone to stress than others, any dog can experience stress and may need help managing its effects.

How to help a stressed-out dog

Though it’s alarming to see your dog distressed, there are many things you can do to help your dog. Most benefit from a multifaceted, gentle approach. Behavior modification techniques, introduced gradually and consistently, can help your dog build confidence and form calmer associations with previously upsetting situations.

Create a safe space

Providing a dedicated safe space—such as a quiet room with familiar smells, their crate if they're well-acclimated to it, or a cozy bed where your dog can retreat undisturbed—offers a sense of security, peace, and control. Also include comfort items in their safe space. White noise might also be helpful for sound-sensitive dogs.

Positive reinforcement and encouraging calm behaviors

Positive reinforcement is also an important component to addressing your dog’s stress. Rewarding relaxed behavior with praise, treats, or play encourages your dog to repeat those calm responses. You can also work with a certified dog trainer to help build new behaviors.

Patience and a predictable routine can help stressed dogs feel understood and supported, making it easier for them to relax and thrive in their homes.

When to talk to your veterinarian

Talk to your veterinarian if your dog’s stress is persistent, worsening, interfering with daily life, or causing behaviors such as self-injury, aggression, or refusal to eat.

For moderate to severe stress responses, prescription medications from your veterinarian can be an appropriate and effective part of management rather than a measure of last resort. Depending on your dog’s needs, a veterinarian may recommend daily medications such as SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Clomipramine), or a situational medication such as Trazadone for predictable stressors like travel or fireworks.

These medications often work best alongside behavior modification and environmental support. Always consult your veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any medication for your dog.

Calming supplements for dogs

Calming supplements can be a valuable element in combination with training strategies and, when appropriate, veterinarian-prescribed medications. They help many dogs feel more relaxed during everyday stressors or specific situations such as travel, thunderstorms, or separation from their favorite person.

For dog parents looking to support their dog’s calm behavior alongside training and routine adjustments, VetriScience® Calm & Confident formulas are designed to support calm behavior without causing sedation. Used as part of a holistic plan that includes behavior modification and guidance from your veterinarian, a quality calming supplement such as Calm & Confident may provide an extra layer of support to help your dog feel secure and at ease.

We have four effective products from our Calm & Confident line that can help your stressed dog. They come in different formats and flavors to appeal to dogs of every age, size, and breed:

Calm & Confident

This is best for situational stress for your dog, from thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, vet visits, and moments with guests. This formula has been scientifically proven to work within 30 minutes. It can be used daily or as-needed.

Long Lasting Calm & Confident

This product is appropriate when your dog experiences separation anxiety, is boarding, or also for extended stressful events, and can be given in combination with training support. This product has been shown to work within 30 minutes and last up to 8 hours. It includes Shoden® Ashwagandha for powerful herbal calming.

Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident

This is a powerful daily support for stress in dogs. Includes L-Tryptophan for added support for calming your dog and promoting relaxation.

Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident

This product is our strongest calming aid. With an advanced calming formula that combines L-tryptophan, a Colostrum Calming Complex®, Thiamine, Suntheanine®, and Bluenesse® to support relaxation, promote balanced behavior, and help dogs better cope with stress.

Some key ingredients in our Calm & Confident line include:

• Colostrum Calming Complex® - Patented biopeptide blend of colostrum proteins shown in research to support calm, balanced behavior and healthy cognitive function in animals. The calming anchor of the formulas.
• L-Theanine - Naturally occurring amino acid that supports serotonin and dopamine production — the neurotransmitters that directly influence mood and relaxation. Decades of research support its calming properties.
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) – This essential B vitamin is critical for healthy nervous system function. Deficiency in this vitamin is associated with increased nervousness and confusion. Supports calm without sedation.
• Shoden® Ashwagandha - Multi-patented, highly bioavailable form of one of the most well-researched adaptogens for supporting feelings of calmness and relaxation. Shoden® Ashwagandha has been shown in testing to remain in the body for up to 24 hours for all-day support, ideal for dogs with separation anxiety.

Can stress in dogs be managed?

A consistent daily routine, positive training, regular exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation can go a long way toward managing stress in dogs. Learning to recognize and, when possible, avoid known triggers—such as overwhelming environments or abrupt changes in schedule—also provides valuable support.

While no strategy can guarantee that a dog will never experience stress, these proactive habits help. Support from our Calm & Confident line helps build resilience and give dogs the confidence and security they need to cope with life’s inevitable challenges.

This article is for informational purposes. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog.