If your dog could talk, what would they be trying to tell you?
Dogs communicate through sounds, posture, movement and facial expressions. Reading the whole dog, alongside what is happening around them, can help you notice when they are uncomfortable.
If your dog looks worried or tense, stop adding pressure and create distance where you can do so safely. Avoid grabbing or physically moving a dog who may bite.
Stress can affect a dog’s wellbeing. Recognising possible signs gives you a chance to reduce pressure, offer space and seek help. No single behaviour on this list proves that a dog is stressed or tells you their hormone levels.
Did you know that your dog may be showing signs of stress if they do some of these things ‘out of the blue’ or out of context?
Read on below for some of the more common signs of stress in your canine companion.
Licking their Lips
Without any obvious physical explanation (such as heat, exercise, tiredness, or the presence of food), your dog may be fearful or anxious if they lick their lips, pant, or salivate. Many of these behaviours are typically thought to represent various possible stressors.
Yawning
Yawning can occur when a dog is tired or in an uncomfortable situation. A yawn on its own does not tell you why it happened.
Look for a pattern, such as repeated yawning during handling alongside turning away, tense posture or attempts to leave. Pause the interaction and give your dog a choice to move away.
Tail Between the Legs or Tucked Down Tightly
The phrase ‘tail between their legs’ that is used to describe people was inspired by canine behaviour.
But, if you observe your dog acting oddly or having their tail between their legs, it most likely indicates that they are fearful and or worried.
Whale eye (when they show the whites of their eyes)
Another sign that is often missed is whale eye, which can indicate, uncertainty, worry or anxiety. Frequently, when a dog looks away slightly, the whites of its eyes take on the appearance of a half-moon.
A sideways glance needs to be read alongside the dog’s whole body and the situation. Our guide to whale eye in dogs explains what to look for and when to give your dog space.
Stretching
Stretching is often normal, especially after resting. Do not label it as stress on its own. Repeated unusual stretching, a hunched posture or signs of discomfort warrant veterinary advice.
Excessive Licking /Grooming
Persistent licking or chewing deserves attention, particularly if the skin becomes sore.
Itching, pain and other medical problems can cause this behaviour. Arrange a vet check rather than assuming it is anxiety or diagnosing a compulsive disorder yourself. Behaviour support may also be useful after medical causes have been considered.
Pacing
Pacing can occur with anticipation, anxiety, discomfort or other problems. Notice when it starts, how long it lasts and whether your dog can settle. New, persistent or unexplained pacing needs a vet check.
Noticing when this behaviour occurs can help you to identify any anxiety triggers.
Whining
Whining can be a sign that your dog is feeling scared or anxious. Sometimes this can be combined with trembling which can be a sign they are fearful.
Keep in mind, some dogs may whine a little if they crave your love and attention, or some of your food!
Abnormal Shedding
Some dogs shed noticeably during an unsettling event, such as a vet visit. Shedding alone does not establish stress or excessive cortisol.
Bald patches, persistent hair loss, itching or skin changes need a vet check. Do not assume they are simply a response to stress.
Expressing Anal Glands, Anal Gland Release
Some dogs release strong-smelling anal gland fluid when frightened. Scooting, persistent licking around the bottom, swelling or pain warrant a vet check rather than being dismissed as stress.
Ears Tucked Back or Tight
Ear position can add useful information, but its meaning depends on the dog’s normal ear shape, the rest of their body and the situation. Ears alone cannot tell you a dog’s intentions.
Moreover, a dog with its ears pinned back may be sick, hurt, or under stress.
Freezing – Stiff Body Posture
A dog who suddenly freezes or becomes stiff during an interaction may be uncomfortable. Stop approaching or touching them and allow space. Stiffness can also reflect pain, so persistent or unexplained changes need veterinary advice.
Raised Hackles
Like the stiff body posture, raised hackles can also indicate fear or anxiety. Raised hackles show arousal and can occur in different situations. They do not, on their own, tell you whether a dog is frightened, excited or likely to bite.
Read the whole body and the situation, and create distance if the dog appears uncomfortable.
Drooling
Drooling can accompany anxiety, but it can also have medical causes. Sudden, heavy or unexplained drooling, particularly with other signs of illness, needs prompt veterinary advice.
This can be from separation anxiety when their owner leaves the home, car sickness or a noise phobia from thunderstorms or fireworks. Our guide to storm phobia in dogs explains how to prepare and when to involve your vet.
Avoidance
If a dog feels a bad situation is imminent, they may retreat and seek comfort away from the threat or thing that is worrying them.
Although these are all common signs of stress in a dog, it also depends on the individual dog and their individual personality, just because a dog licks their lips or yawns does not mean that they are stressed, you must also take into account the context of the situation and the individual personality of the individual dog, for instance some dogs are naturally vocal, with some dogs raised hackles can simply be a sign of arousal when the dog is excited in play, yawning may be because the dog is actually tired.
Always talk to your dog’s vet or a professional dog trainer if you are in any way concerned about your dog’s behaviour to identify the root cause of the stress and create a strategy to help with it.
Some dogs also mount when excited or anxious. Read our guide to why dogs mount other dogs before assuming a single cause.
When you are interpreting behaviour during an absence, footage of the whole dog can be more useful than a barking notification alone. Our independent information article on Furbo pet cameras explains practical monitoring and the limits of AI alerts.
What to do when your dog looks uncomfortable
Pause the activity and give your dog space. Avoid forcing a greeting, holding them in place or punishing a growl. Keep children away from a dog who is stiff, hiding, guarding something or trying to leave. Repeated distress, sudden behaviour changes or any risk of biting call for veterinary advice and an individual behaviour plan.
Further reading: VCA: Signs Your Dog Is Stressed and How to Relieve It.
