Dogs can't tell us they're anxious, but their bodies do — usually long before the obvious stuff like barking or bolting. Learning to read the early signs means you can step in before stress tips into panic.
Subtle signs of stress
- Lip licking and yawning when not tired or hungry
- "Whale eye" — showing the whites of the eyes
- Panting when it isn't hot and they haven't exercised
- Pacing or restlessness, unable to settle
- Tucked tail, flattened ears, a lowered body
- Excessive shedding or sweaty paw prints
- Turning away, hiding, or shadowing you more than usual
More obvious signs
Shaking, drooling, whining or barking, destructive chewing, toilet accidents from a house-trained dog, or trying to escape. These usually mean stress has built to panic.
What to do about it
- Find the trigger. Noise? Being alone? The car? Visitors? Naming it is half the battle.
- Give them an exit. A safe, den-like space they can retreat to lowers stress fast.
- Add calming support. A pressure wrap for acute moments, a calming diffuser for background calm, and enrichment (snuffle/lick mats) to redirect nervous energy.
- Keep your own energy calm and stick to a predictable routine.
- Exercise and sniff-walks burn nervous energy and build resilience.
When to get help
If stress is frequent, intense, or your dog is hurting themselves, talk to your vet or a qualified force-free behaviourist to rule out pain and build a plan. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
Stress often spikes when a new dog joins the household — if you're introducing a second dog, our guide to keeping the peace in a multi-dog home shows how to prevent the tension before it starts.
Help your dog feel calm and secure — explore our Calm & Anxiety Relief range →