Is Your Dog Stressed? Here Are the Subtle Signs You Might Be Missing
As much as we wish we knew what our dogs were thinking, they can’t sit you down at the end of a day and say, “I’m stressed out.” Instead, their body does the talking. From extra yawns to sudden shedding, your pup’s actions may be telling you they’re anxious.
The tricky part? Sometimes anxiety sneaks in through subtle behaviors you might overlook. At Calming Pup, we believe pet parents should know how to spot these signals—so you can step in with comfort, routine, and the right calming tools.
Unusual Anxiety Signals in Dogs
1. Yawning when they’re not tired
According to the ASPCA, yawning can be one of several stress indicators that show up alongside trembling or panting. A big, slow yawn outside of nap time is often a canine coping mechanism.
2. Excessive panting without heat or exercise
Panting isn’t always about cooling off. Our dog, Riva, doesn’t like car rides and he showed us this by panting constantly on our drive cross-country to Colorado, even though we kept it exceedingly cool in the car.
3. Sudden or “blowout” shedding
Ever noticed your pup leaving tufts of fur at the vet’s office or in new places? Stress hormones can actually trigger shedding spikes. When we’d arrive in Colorado after our long drive, we couldn’t believe that Riva still had any hair on his body, since there was so much hair in the car.
4. Lip-licking, drooling, and “whale eye”
Quick, repeated lip-licks or eyes wide enough to show the whites are classic anxiety tells. Think of them as your dog’s nonverbal “I’m not okay.”
5. Shaking off when there’s no reason
That big, full-body shake when there’s no water or bath? It’s your pup’s way of “resetting” after a stressful moment. Riva is big on the “shake it off” after barking at a big truck or bus.
How Pet Parents Can Help Ease Anxiety
Once you recognize the signs, you can take steps to create comfort and ease your pet’s stress.
Create a safe space
Set aside a quiet corner with our Calming Dog Bed or Calming Couch Protector. These cozy retreats give your pup a familiar spot to exhale and relax.
Stick to a routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. Feeding, walks, and bedtime at the same times each day can reduce uncertainty, which fuels anxiety.
Use calming supplements
Some pups benefit from extra support. Our Calming Dog Supplements (available with or without CBD) are designed to gently take the edge off stress.
Add movement and play
Exercise helps regulate stress hormones. A long sniff-walk or puzzle toy session can channel nervous energy into healthy outlets.
Practice relaxation training
Simple skills like mat settles, nose-targeting, or slow breathing games can teach your dog how to relax.
When to Call the Vet
If you’re noticing clusters of stress signals, it’s a good idea to check in with your veterinarian. Anxiety looks a lot like medical issues—so it’s always best to rule those out.
Final Thought
Until we can learn exactly what’s going on in those doggie brains, pay attention to their subtle cues.
Your pup doesn’t have the words to say, “I’m overwhelmed.” But if you pay attention to the subtle cues—extra yawns, anxious panting, fur on the floor—you’ll start to hear what they’re really saying. With safe spaces like a Calming Pup Bed, consistent routines, the right supplements, and plenty of love, you can help your dog feel calm, secure, and understood.