Stressed dogs may not eat, or they may have GI upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. Carsickness is often a stress reaction. They may display appeasement signs such as moving slowly, licking the mouths of the higher ranking member of the social group, lowering their body position and exposing their vulnerable bellies, or avoiding eye contact. Some dogs will shut down– avoiding touch and treats. Some dogs will have displacement behaviors. These are behaviors done in an effort to resolve an internal stress conflict for the dog and include fast blinking, nose-licking, chattering teeth, scratching, shaking off (as if wet) and yawning. Many stressed dogs will seek reassurance through human contact. Excessive licking and chewing at the paws, legs, sides, and tail can indicate stress. Frantic behavior seen as “blowing off” the owner or “fooling around”can be a stress response. Sweaty paws, drooling, whining, yawning, trembling, and panting can all be signs of stress in your dog, as can being “mouthy.”Obsessive compulsive disorders like tail chasing and flank sucking are triggered by stress. Stiff movement indicates tension and a dog may even stretch to relax the tension in the muscles. Immune system disorders can indicate chronic stress as well.
While many behaviors may have multiple meanings, the context of the behavior will often tell us what we need to know. Stress, especially chronic stress, is a real drain on your dog. Help her live a long, healthy and happy life by learning to interpret when she is stressed and trying to reduce it.