8 Signs Your Dog is Stressed, Depressed or Sad

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1.Reduced Or Absent Appetite

Stressed dog may lose appetite, but medical issues can be a cause too. Vet check important to rule out conditions before blaming stress.

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2.Ears Pinned Or Pulled Back

Dogs may hide signs of stress/anxiety, like pinning ears back, especially in floppy-eared breeds.

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3.Nose And Lip Licking, Yawning, Drooling

Subtle signs of stress/anxiety in dogs: nose/lip licking, yawning, drooling. Context matters. Relaxed dog drooling for treat is okay.

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4.Changes In Body Posture Or Position

Stressed/anxious dogs cower, crouch with tail tucked, become rigid, or avoid looking at perceived threats.

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5.Panting

Dogs pant when excited, hot, out of breath after exercise, or stressed. Stress-related panting accompanies other signs of anxiety.

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6.Trembling And Shaking

Fear/anxiety make dogs tremble. Pain/illness also cause shaking. Vet check needed if symptoms persist after calming down/leaving stress.

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7.Increased Vocalization

Dogs vocalize more under stress. Rule out medical causes before assuming stress as the reason for increased whining, howling, and barking.

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8.Diarrhea

Stressful situations trigger diarrhea in dogs due to norepinephrine release. It usually resolves with a bland diet, but severe or persistent cases need vet attention.