How Dogs Show Stress (and How You Can Help Calm Them)

Dogs may not speak our language, but they’re always communicating, especially when they’re stressed. However, the signs aren’t always obvious, sometimes they’re as subtle as a yawn, a lip lick or turning their head away. Other times, stress shows up as barking, pacing or hiding. Understanding these cues can help you step in early and support your pup before stress becomes overwhelming. Here’s how to recognize when your dog is struggling, what causes that stress, and simple, effective ways to help them feel safe and calm again. Understanding Canine Stress Let's start off with the basics. Dogs experience stress in several forms, including fear, anxiety, frustration and overstimulation. A little stress is normal for dogs and helps them adapt to new situations. However, when stress becomes frequent or ongoing, it can negatively affect their health and behavior. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with digestion, disrupt sleep and even weaken the immune system. The trick is to notice the difference between brief discomfort and ongoing anxiety. A startled reaction to a loud noise is one thing but trembling every time the doorbell rings is another. Subtle Signs of Stress You Might Miss According to PetMD, just like people, dogs communicate through body language. (1) Understanding those signals is key, because dogs rarely “act out” without reason. Most behavior changes are their way of saying, I’m not okay right now. Here are a few subtle signs of stress that you might miss: Yawning When Not Tired - This is a classic stress signal, especially in unfamiliar or tense situations. Lip Licking or Nose Licking - Quick, small licks can mean discomfort or uncertainty. Turning Away or Avoiding Eye Contact - This is a dog’s polite way of trying to de-escalate tension. Paw Lifts or Shifting Weight - This is often paired with uncertainty or nervousness. Shedding or Shaking Off - Some dogs suddenly shed more or “shake off” stress like shaking off water after a bath. All that said, these are early warning signs. Recognizing them helps you intervene before your dog escalates to barking, hiding or destructive behavior. More Obvious Signs of Stress When subtle signals go unnoticed, stress can build and start to appear in more obvious ways, such as: Panting or drooling when it isn’t hot. Pacing or restlessness, unable to settle even in familiar places. Whining or barking excessively, especially when left alone. Hiding or constantly seeking reassurance. Chewing or digging destructively during anxious moments. Changes in appetite or sleep, such as eating less, sleeping more or being restless at night. If these signs become routine, your dog may be dealing with chronic anxiety rather than short-term stress. Common Causes of Stress in Dogs Every dog is different, but some triggers are universal: Loud Noises - Fireworks, thunderstorms or vacuum cleaners. Separation - Being left alone or away from family members. Changes in Routine - New homes, schedules or unfamiliar visitors. Overstimulation - Crowded parks or noisy environments. Lack of Exercise or Mental Stimulation - Boredom can lead to frustration. Conflict or Confusion - Inconsistent training or unclear expectations. Even positive changes, like bringing home a new pet or baby, can temporarily stress your dog until they adjust. How to Calm a Stressed Dog Every dog has a different level of comfort, but there are a few tried-and-true methods for calming their mind and body. Stay Calm Yourself Dogs are sensitive to human emotions. If you act worried or frustrated, your dog will follow suit. Speak gently and steadily, and move slowly to show that there is nothing to fear. Give Them Space Dogs often need a calm, quiet space to relax. A soft bed, dim lighting and gentle background noise like a fan or soothing music can help them feel safe and comfortable. Create a Consistent Routine Dogs thrive on consistency. Regular feeding, walking and rest periods help to lessen uncertainty, lowering stress levels over time. Exercise and Mental Stimulation A tired dog is usually a calmer dog. Try mixing up your walks, adding puzzle toys or playing scent games. Physical exercise helps release built-up energy, while mental challenges keep your dog focused, happy and engaged in a healthy way. Use Gentle Reassurance Provide gentle support rather than excessive coddling. Too much attention might occasionally reinforce stressed behavior. Sit nearby, speak softly and let your dog approach you when they're ready. Train Using Positive Reinforcement Build your dog’s confidence by praising calm and relaxed behavior. Use treats, affection and a gentle voice to reward good responses. Avoid punishment, since it creates fear, increases stress and damages trust between you and your dog. Try Calming Tools Some dogs benefit from pheromone diffusers, snug-fitting anxiety wraps or natural calming supplements (see your veterinarian first). Create the Right Environment Every dog deserves a place to relax and feel safe. At Eva, we offer products that bring that comfort home, from cozy beds and high-quality materials to thoughtful designs made for everyday life. Each product is created to support your dog’s body and calm their mind while fitting beautifully into your home. When your dog feels secure and cared for, every moment together becomes more peaceful, joyful and full of love. When to Seek Professional Help If your dog’s stress seems constant or their behavior changes suddenly, such as showing aggression, hiding or losing interest in food, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. They can check for pain or medical problems and, if needed, connect you with a certified behaviorist for extra support. Chronic stress can sometimes develop into anxiety or other behavioral issues, and getting help early can make a big difference in your dog’s health and happiness. Show Your Dog You Care with Eva When your dog feels stressed, what they really need is safety and love. At Eva, we offer cozy, calming essentials that help them feel grounded, relaxed and right at home again. From soft, supportive beds for better sleep to calming essentials and nourishing food, each item is chosen to help your dog feel their best. Explore our collection to give your pup the comfort and love they deserve! Written By Megan Berry “Dog Anxiety: Signs, Causes, and Treatment.” By Molly Price. PetMD. Referenced from: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/dog-anxiety