Would you know if your dog was chronically stressed? Chronic stress in dogs can lead to negative effects within most systems of the body including the immune system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and can even lead to faster aging in dogs. Some dogs have appropriate stress, like when they are at the vet or when there is a loud thunderstorm, but others can be stressed for things that should not be scary. Just like humans, dogs have different propensities for stress and how they react to stressful situations. If your dog is chronically stressed, this could affect their quality of life. There are medications that your veterinarian can prescribe to help if behavioral training is not helping alone.
5 Signs that your dog is Stressed:
Pacing. A stressed dog will not be able to settle. They will pace back and forth. They will lay down and then quickly stand back up to keep moving. Senior dogs who pace at night often have dementia.
Yawning. I often see dogs in my exam rooms that are yawning. A common response by owners is to say they must be tired, but it actually is a sign of anxiety.
Hiding, cowering in corners/tight spots. Often dogs will hide behind their owners, which provides them with comfort of having protection from someone they trust. Dogs will hide under beds/couches, in bathtubs or bathrooms, or in their crates to get comfort. This is why crate training is something I always recommend for puppies, it is a safe spot for them in times of stress.
Panting. They may also drool or lick more frequently.
Gastrointestinal changes. Dogs that are stressed will often not want to eat. They may have diarrhea or urinate more frequently.
How decrease the stress in your dog's life:
First you need to identify what is causing the stress and anxiety. Once the trigger is identified you can try to avoid the situation. Training, often with a behaviorist, can be implemented to start to desensitize your dog to that particular situation. In cases where the situations are acute or sporadic, medications may be needed to help calm them down. Medications are also helpful when you begin desensitization, with the plan to decrease them as they become more used to the situation. Some of the hardest to control stress-inducing situations are thunderstorm/firework anxiety, nail trim anxiety, and separation anxiety. Treating these anxieties and stressors often require a multimodal approach including but not limited to: thundershirts, CBD products, pheromone products (Adaptil), prescription medications (trazodone, clomipramine), and behavioral training.
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