How to prevent stress in dogs

In this article you can expect the following contents:

Stress in dogs is a significant issue that impacts dog owners and vets alike. There are many reasons a dog can become stressed. It could be due to environmental changes, social situations or health issues. Learn how to identify the symptoms of stress and find out what management strategies you can use.

How do you spot negative stress?

As human beings we know that not all stress is negative or has an unpleasant reason behind it. It’s the same for our furry friends, dogs also experience positive stress. It's known as "eustress" (as the opposite of "distress") and may happen, for example, when a dog is very happy to see someone, when it's being fed, or when it's excited to go for a walk, or when it's playing with a favourite toy.

There are signs that can indicate negative stress in the dog. There is also positive stress in dogs.

Negative stress, or distress, is sometimes referred to as anxiety and naturally affects the dog's behaviour more than positive stress.

The following can be signs of negative stress in a dog:
  • Restlessness
  • Panting
  • Wide open eyes
  • Tail tucked under
  • Trembling
  • Avoidance
  • Aggression
  • Baring teeth
  • Flight or freeze behaviour
  • Toileting accidents
  • Sweaty paws
  • Raised hackles
  • Increased shedding and/or dull coat
Some dogs may also show signs of hyperactivity. It's important to know what's normal for your own four-legged friend to be able to understand what's going on for your dog. If several of the signs mentioned above appear at the same time, it's likely your dog is experiencing negative stress.

How can you help your dog feel less stressed?

As a dog owner, you want the best for your pet and want to help them through tough times. When a dog is in a stressful situation, it's especially important for them to be able to trust their owner and be able to seek help from them.
The first step in helping a dog in a stressful situation is to identify the cause. If possible, either remove the cause of the stress or take the dog out of the situation and into a safe and familiar environment. This will allow the dog to calm down and will temporarily relieve the stress.
However, this is only a short-term solution. Depending on what triggered the stress, it could come back any time, leading to restlessness, anxiety or extreme stress for the dog. An example of this could be cars passing close by. Of course, as a dog owner you could avoid busy roads, or just walk your dog outside of built-up areas. This could become a bit frustrating for you and for your four-legged friend. You can never completely guarantee a car won't come by and stress your dog.
It’s best to seek professional help to address the cause of your dog’s fear and stress. Working together with an experienced and professional dog trainer, you can create a personalised training plan. Consistent training will help your canine companion to be calmer and more relaxed in the long-term.
External factors aren't the only cause of stress in dogs. If you can't work out why your dog is restless and stressed, your vet may be able to help. Illness and health problems can trigger stress that can usually be helped with the right treatment.
The dog should be quickly led out of a stressful situation and into a familiar environment. Sometimes the cause of stress is not directly visible.

How can you calm a dog?

The key to calming a nervous dog is providing a safe environment. For some dogs, physical contact with their owner can also have a calming effect and reduce stress. This is a matter of personal preference and should be decided by the dog's owner or, if necessary, with the help of a professional.

Depending on the stress level, it may help the dog to be able to leave the situation. If the dog needs to stay in the situation for training purposes, for example, and their stress level isn't too high yet, a food tube with high value wet food may help. If the dog isn't too stressed to eat, this can have a calming effect.

As well as a safe environment, the owner should convey a sense of security. Combined with a calm voice, this can help the dog to relax.

To support the dog in stressful situations, the cause must be identified. In times of stress, it is important for the dog to be able to trust its owner.

Some dogs benefit from being able to run around after a stressful situation to release some of their tension. You should, however, be absolutely sure that the situation has passed and won't happen again straight away. That could have serious consequences and your dog could bolt out of fear or stress and run away.

Bringing a confident second dog into the situation can also help a stressed and agitated dog. This should only be done under professional supervision unless you are absolutely certain that the other dog is not a threat in any way, which could cause additional stress.

Lick mats or food games are also a popular way to distract dogs before stressful situations arise, for example before the owner leaves the house. Over a longer period of training (several weeks or months), small treats with natural additives can help support the dog when it is anxious, nervous or stressed. This is a natural way to encourage the dog to relax. These snacks aren't a substitute for training, of course, but they can be included in the dog's daily training routine to provide valuable natural supplements as well as a tasty treat.

Fit-Bits Relax 1 x 150g

Fit-Bits Relax 1 x 150g

Functional snacks - Relax

For anxious, nervous or stressed dogs

7.90 ₤
incl. VAT, plus shipping costs
Base price: ₤52.67/kg
You can usually see the benefits of Fit-Bits Relax after a week or two - depending on a number of individual factors, like the size and weight of the dog. You can start giving FitBits Relax in advance, for example, if you are planning a long car journey in a few weeks' time that will stress your dog out, or if you're planning a big event that will be stressful for your dog, or before an event like New Year's Eve.

What causes stress or fear in dogs?

Depending on the temperament, training level, socialisation and experience of the dog, different situations can trigger stress or fear. This includes:

  • Illness 
  • Pain
  • Overstimulation 
  • Overwhelm or boredom
  • Other dogs 
  • Unstable environment (e.g. in a shelter or a boarding kennel).
  • Changes at home (e.g. an addition to the family, a new pet, a house move, the death of a family member or pet, etc.).
Another common cause, however, is negative associations where the dog associates certain experiences with stressful or anxiety-provoking events. For example, former street dogs may have gone through traumatic experiences like being trapped on the street, spending time in rescue centres, being bitten or being transported in a crate for a long time in a plane or car. The transition from a lifetime on the streets to a new home with lots of boundaries and unfamiliar rules can also be stressful. Finally, there are also dogs that have had negative experiences with loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks. Sudden and unpredictable loud bangs can frighten some dogs so much that recurrent anxiety can also develop in this type of situation. As a dog owner, one of the most important things you can do is to consider each dog's individual needs and respond appropriately to their stress and anxiety, helping them to feel safe and comfortable.

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The benefits of PLATINUM dog food

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