Advice for understanding stress and trigger stacking.
Just like us it is normal for your dog to occasionally feel stressed, however, too much stress can lead to long term problems such as anxiety. This, in turn, can lead to problematic behaviours.
Stress in dogs can be caused by a variety of things, from loud noises like fireworks, to new places. It can also be caused by a change in routine.
Spotting the signs of stress
Being aware of your dogs’ feelings means you can quickly identify when they feel stressed and take action to change the situation. Signs of stress can be subtle or very obvious.
Subtle signs your dog might be stressed include:
- yawning – unless your dog is tired
- panting – often with a curled tip of their tongue instead of relaxed
- pacing back and forth
- licking their lips
- ears pinned back
- dilated pupils or red around the eyes
- whites of their eyes showing (whale eye)
Obvious signs your dog might be stressed include:
- loss of appetite
- backing away from someone or a situation
- tail tucked between their legs
- cowering (shrinking down or crouching)
- diarrhoea or increased bowel movements
- trembling or shivering (when they’re not cold or excited)
Some of these signs may also be caused by a health problem and you should speak to a vet if you are concerned.
Why is my dog stressed?
Often dogs can become stressed when they are bored, frustrated, scared or anxious. For many dogs, being around a stressed family member will be enough to affect them, as dogs are often very intuitive.
They can also be affected by a change in routine, such as less exercise. This can lead to excess energy with nowhere for it to go. Or your dog might become stressed when going out to public places.
Trigger stacking is a term used to describe how often short-lived and separate situations that a dog experiences –good or bad – happen one after the other, without time for the dog to calm down in between. We have all been there ourselves where suddenly it all gets too much.
Defensive behaviours
Sometimes dogs who feel worried or threatened may use more obvious signs to show they are stressed or scared. This usually means they urgently want to stop something happening or get something or someone to move away. Some of these behaviours include:
- stiffening and staring
- growling
- flashing or showing teeth
- muzzle punching
- snapping
- biting
This is clearly demonstrated on the Ladder of Aggression.
Dogs do what works for them. Therefore it is very likely that they have shown subtle signs but had no response therefore have had to accelerate their demeanour/behaviour. It is important that you learn to recognise the subtle signs to prevent your dog from having to go “up the ladder”.
How to help calm a stressed dog
Recognising whether your dog is stressed is the first step. There’s lots you can do to help make your pet feel less stressed and more at ease once you know what to look for. Understanding the cause of your dog’s stress will also help you choose the best way to help your dog calm down.
Give your dog time away
Avoiding or removing your dog from a stressful situation will help, whether that’s outside or in your home. You could create a separate space away from excited children with a safety gate or create a homely bed or crate for them to relax where they won’t get disturbed.
Exercise your dog
Most dogs love their walks! Not only are they good for their physical health but walks will help your dog’s mental wellbeing too, having lots of things to sniff, look at and enjoy. Remember that you must keep your dog on a lead if you are walking near livestock.
Stay nice and calm
Many dogs are very sensitive to their owner’s emotions. If your dog is stressed, keep calm and try not to panic or raise your voice as this might add to your pet’s stress levels.
Keep your dog entertained
There are lots of things you can do inside your home to keep your dog entertained. This can help keep their mind focused and distracted from things they find stressful.
Don't tell them off
Don’t punish your dog, especially if they’re showing defensive behaviours as this is likely to make them even more stressed. Telling them off may mean they stop one behaviour, such as growling, but start biting or snapping instead.
When to see an animal behaviourist
If your dog is showing aggression or displaying any other problematic behaviours, talk to your vet and find a professional animal behaviourist to help. They will be able to help identify what’s causing the stress and give you advice on how to manage it.
