Has your dog not been acting like its normal, playful, and carefree self lately? Do they seem anxious or even depressed? If this is the case, your dog may be experiencing some form of stress. Stress is very common in dogs and this can be due to a variety of different things. Although stress is common among animals, it can negatively impact their health if not taken seriously. Luckily, there are various warning signs to signify that your dog may be stressed.
Here are 5 ways to recognize the signs of stress in your dog:
Digestive Issues (diarrhea, constipation, etc.)
Most of the time, digestive issues are attributed to food intolerance or disease, but in some cases, this can be a sign of stress. If these digestive issues continue for an abnormal amount of time, make an appointment with the vet. Visiting the vet will ensure that your dog’s health is in the best hands and will help prevent the situation from worsening.
Decrease In Appetite
If your dog suddenly loses their appetite or stops eating altogether, this is a sign to call your veterinarian immediately. Unlike humans, dogs never go on diets or watch their weight so it is crucial to get your dog the proper care and attention that they need. This can be due to stressors in their life, medical health conditions, or anorexia. Visiting the vet will help determine the cause.
Isolation
It is completely normal for your dog to enjoy some alone time ever so often, however when it becomes a daily occurrence this is when an underlying issue could be present. When your dog isolates itself from people or other animals constantly, this could be a sign of stress or illness. By visiting the veterinarian, you can determine the cause.
Increased Sleeping
We all know that dogs love to sleep, but when your dog constantly sleeps more than their normal hours this could be due to underlying health conditions. Lethargy is usually the first sign that your dog is ill, stressed, or injured and can even be symptoms of serious illnesses. Some of these include diabetes, tumors, heart problems, liver problems, etc. If your dog’s sleeping schedule has changed drastically in this way, consult your vet to determine the cause.
Aggressive Behavior Towards People or Other Animals
If your dog suddenly starts to exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other animals this could be a sign of stress or illness. If the behavior gets worse, talk to your vet to determine what factors may be triggering this behavior. Training and behavior management courses are great solutions to help tame your dog’s aggressive and anxious behavior.
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