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Spotting & easing stress in your dog

How to tell when your dog is under pressure – and how to help them calm back down.

Dogs feel stress too. A little excitement is perfectly normal and even good: it keeps your dog awake and alert. Too much of it, though, does your dog no good. That's why it pays to know the signs.

What stress looks like

A stressed dog pants heavily, gets fidgety or suddenly freezes on the spot. Many lick their nose, yawn or scratch themselves even though nothing itches. Some stay noticeably close to you, others withdraw. Important: this is not disobedience. It's your dog asking you for help.

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Frequently asked questions

What is “Spotting & easing stress in your dog” about?

How to tell when your dog is under pressure – and how to help them calm back down. Dogs feel stress too. A little excitement is perfectly normal and even good: it keeps your dog awake and alert. Too much of it, though, does your dog no good. That's why it pays to know the signs.

What else is part of “Spotting & easing stress in your dog”?

A stressed dog pants heavily, gets fidgety or suddenly freezes on the spot. Many lick their nose, yawn or scratch themselves even though nothing itches. Some stay noticeably close to you, others withdraw. Important: this is not disobedience. It's your dog asking you for help.

Does the article “Spotting & easing stress in your dog” replace veterinary advice?

This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.

Who wrote “Spotting & easing stress in your dog”, and how up to date is the article?

The article comes from the DOGSY knowledge team and is written in plain language. Last updated: 9 July 2026.

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This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.