Just like humans, dogs can experience stress but unlike us, they can’t vent to a friend or book a weekend getaway. Instead, our furry companions show their anxiety in ways that can easily be overlooked or mistaken for “quirky” behaviour.
So how do you know if your dog is stressed? While some signs are obvious (think: pacing, whining, or destructive chewing), others can be surprisingly subtle or just plain strange. Below are 7 unusual signs your dog might be secretly stressed and what you can do to help.
1. Yawning… a lot
Sure, a yawn here or there is totally normal. But if your dog is yawning excessively especially in situations where they’re not tired it could be a calming signal. Dogs yawn to self-soothe during moments of uncertainty, nervousness, or conflict. Pay attention to when the yawns happen: during car rides, vet visits, or when strangers enter the house? That might be stress talking.
2. Licking their lips or nose when there’s no food around
This subtle gesture often goes unnoticed, but frequent lip or nose licking in non-food settings is another calming signal. Dogs do this to manage their emotions like when they’re trying to avoid confrontation or feeling uneasy about their surroundings.
3. Sudden shedding or dandruff flare-ups
If your dog starts shedding like it’s summer in the middle of winter, or you notice a sudden flurry of flaky skin, stress might be the culprit. Just like us, dogs’ bodies can respond to emotional stress with physical symptoms. You might even see fur come off in clumps during stressful moments like car rides or grooming appointments.
4. Unusual bathroom habits
Accidents in the house, loose stools, or even holding in their business during walks could be signs of anxiety. The gut-brain connection is strong in dogs and stress can affect their digestion just as it does in humans. If your dog is suddenly having poo problems, don’t just chalk it up to diet alone.
5. Panting or pacing for no clear reason
Dogs pant to cool down or after exercise but if your pup is panting when the weather’s cool and they haven’t moved much, it might be nervous energy. The same goes for restless pacing around the house, especially if it becomes a daily pattern.
6. Avoiding eye contact or turning away
Dogs are social creatures, but when they’re uncomfortable, they may look away, turn their back, or even walk out of the room. While it can seem like they’re ignoring you, this is actually a common de-escalation tactic in dog body language. They're not being rude they’re telling you they’re not okay.
7. “Zoomies” that seem more frantic than fun
We all love a good case of the zoomies but if your dog’s zooms feel frantic, frequent, or include barking, crying, or circling objects obsessively, it could be a sign of overstimulation or stress. It’s their way of burning off anxious energy.
So… What Can You Do About It?
- Helping your dog cope with stress doesn’t have to be complicated. Try these simple steps:
- Create a safe space: A quiet bed, crate, or corner where they can retreat and reset.
- Stick to a routine: Predictability helps dogs feel secure.
- Exercise daily: Walks, sniffing, and play help burn off stress naturally.
- Try calming supplements: Vet-formulated options can support the nervous system and ease anxiety.
- Talk to your vet: If your dog’s behaviour changes suddenly or worsens, rule out medical causes.
Help Is Here
At VetShopAustralia, we stock a wide range of calming chews, and supplements designed to support your dog’s emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s the thunder, the vacuum, or just the chaos of daily life, we’re here to help you calm the storm and keep tails wagging.
