Dogs are often considered to be man’s best friend. They are loyal, loving, and always happy to see us when we come home. However, dogs can also get stressed out just like people do. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs that your dog is stressed and what you can do about it. If you notice that your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, don’t wait – take action!

Sleeping a Lot More Than Usual

Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day and that is a healthy and normal duration for them to get enough rest. But if your dog is sleeping beyond this time limit, it could be a sign of stress or depression or even other health-related issues.

Puppies sleep slightly more than adult dogs since they are hyperactive all the time and need more rest to recharge. Normal pups sleep for about 18 to 20 hours a day, more or less depending on your dog’s size and breed.

If you notice your dog is sleeping way more than it should, it is important to check on their mental health and make necessary changes in their routines as well as diet.

Not Being Excited to Play or Go for Walks

It is no news that all kinds of dogs love to play and go out for walks. Playing with them not only keeps them active and happy but it is also great for their physical and mental health.

If your dog is not excited to play or go for a walk, you may want to check up on them to see if anything is wrong. And if you take them for a walk but they’re tired sooner than usual, it may be a sign of stress.

Most dogs love to interact with other pets and people when they go for a walk. If you find that your dog seems disinterested in playing with other dogs or greeting humans, it may be a sign of stress or depression.

Decrease in Appetite

A decrease in appetite is one of the top signs that your dog may be stressed or not feeling their best. If your pup is not eating as well or is less excited about food when you serve it to them, it is important to monitor their mental and physical health.

If you find that your dog is also puking after eating and there is no known physical reason for it, it could be a sign of stress or depression. If your dog is exhibiting this behavior, it may be worth taking them to the vet for further evaluation.

A decrease in appetite could also mean that they are lacking in vitamins and minerals.

Much like humans, dogs also need proper nutrition for a happy and healthy life.

Whining and Barking

If your furball is whining a lot, this could definitely be a major sign of stress and shouldn’t be ignored. There are many reasons for whining but stress is a major reason so it is crucial to monitor it.

Howling or whining can also be signs of anxiety and anger so if you think your dog is going through any kind of anxiety, be sure to provide them with some comfort by maybe feeding them their favorite treat or getting them a new toy.

Hiding

If your furball is hiding behind the couch or curtains, it could mean there is something wrong with your dog. Maybe someone got angry with your pet and your dog went into hiding because they felt offended or scared.

Whatever the reason may be, if your dog goes into hiding it should be considered a sign of stress and action should be taken if you notice this. Try to cheer them up by taking them out for a walk or playing with them or even giving them more attention than usual by calling out their name to make them feel special and wanted.

Recent Trauma or Incidents

Any traumas or shocks including the death of a family member or another pet in the house, or a kid moving away for college can mentally affect dogs a lot. If anything has recently happened which could be a big change in your dog’s life, be sure to comfort them as this could induce anxiety or stress in your pup.

Help them cope this trauma by spending more time with them and giving more treats than usual. One way to help them cope is to take their mind off things. You can do this by taking them for a road trip, a hike, or even doggie daycare to socialize with others.

Final Thoughts

All in all, if your dog is showing any of these signs, be sure to check on their health and if you think there is anything concerning be sure to make an appointment at your local veterinarian. Making sure they are in good mental health is important since they cannot speak up for themselves. Dogs and other pets are just as sensitive as us humans, neglecting these signs can result in poor health and an unhappy pup, so be sure to keep them happy in one way or another because at the end of the day, dogs are our best friends.