{"id":29,"date":"2023-03-14T15:52:21","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T19:52:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thegentlevetdvm.com\/blog\/?p=29"},"modified":"2023-04-05T15:52:35","modified_gmt":"2023-04-05T19:52:35","slug":"how-to-calm-a-stressed-out-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegentlevetdvm.com\/blog\/how-to-calm-a-stressed-out-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Calm a Stressed-Out Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Scared<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Your dog\u2019s non-verbal body language communicates how he feels and provides signals of his upcoming actions. Sometimes, these signals have a different meaning than they would in the human world. When you can better understand your dog\u2019s messages, you can better communicate with him. Learning to interpret stressed dog body language is especially important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Body Language of Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several common dog behaviors have specific meanings. Certain behaviors can have multiple meanings. Here, gain some insights on what your dog may really be saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raised Hackles   <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your dog\u2019s raised hackles, or back hair, mean he is emotionally aroused. However, this could mean he\u2019s stressed out or simply excited, so look for other behavioral clues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facial Expressions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your dog\u2019s facial expressions have specific meanings. For example, a yawn can mean he\u2019s stressed out and is trying to relax. Next, he might lick his lips after a tasty meal; but lip licking could also indicate anxiety in dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, your dog\u2019s smiling face could indicate that he\u2019s flashing a submissive grin (if his body is also wiggling with happiness). However, a dog with bared teeth and a snarling growl is clearly not in a happy mood. Steer clear of this dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eye Characteristics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your dog\u2019s eyes have loose lids and a \u201csquinting\u201d look, your dog is likely relaxed. In contrast, a hard, intent stare indicates a negative state of mind. This dog may be a potential threat. If this dog looks away, he\u2019s avoiding eye contact and trying to calm himself down. Finally, if you see the whites of your dog\u2019s eyes, he\u2019s definitely feeling stressed out or anxious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 A Wagging Tail<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A wagging tail means your dog has become emotionally aroused. The tail\u2019s position and speed can help you decipher what\u2019s going on. A higher tail generally indicates a confident dog, whereas a downward-pointing tail can indicate a stressed-out dog. A slow, side-to-side wag indicates a relaxed dog. A faster wag indicates a higher arousal level, possibly in a negative way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stressed Dog Body Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your stressed dog transmits a very specific type of body language. Here\u2019s a snapshot of what each behavior often means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Barking or Whining: Something is triggering your dog and making them anxious<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pacing Back and Forth and\/or Panting Excessively: Your dog is feeling stressed or anxious<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Eyes wide\/Large pupils, Ears pinned back, Tight Mouth\/Lips:  Your dog is feeling fear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Growling and\/or a Fixed Gaze: Your dog is feeling threatened or uncomfortable<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Freezing in Place: Your dog is afraid and can\u2019t cope with a situation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Calming a Stressed-Out Dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You may be able to calm your dog with exercise, physical contact, calming music, or his favorite toy. If these strategies don\u2019t work, The Gentle Vet\u2019s veterinarians can help. The vet will perform a wellness exam<\/strong>, including diagnostics<\/strong>, to rule out physical problems. They\u2019ll also conduct a behavioral assessment and offer resources to help your dog relax. Call today for an appointment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Your dog\u2019s non-verbal body language communicates how he feels and provides signals of his upcoming actions. Sometimes, these signals have a different meaning than they would in the human world. When you can better understand your dog\u2019s messages, you can better communicate with him. Learning to interpret stressed dog body language is especially important.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,5,9],"tags":[20,40,41],"class_list":["post-29","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dog-puppy-care","category-human-animal-bond","category-pet-safety-and-emergencies","tag-anxiety-in-dogs","tag-body-language-of-dogs","tag-stressed-dog-body-language"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Calm a Stressed-Out Dog | The Gentle Vet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Recognize signs of stress in your dog and use calming techniques to help them relax. 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