Signs Your Pet Is Stressed — And What to Do About It

Pets cannot tell you when something is wrong. But they show it — if you know what to look for. Stress in pets is both common and underdiagnosed, often because the signs are subtle or mistaken for disobedience.

Stress Signals in Dogs

Behavioural signs:

Excessive panting not related to heat or exercise
Yawning repeatedly in calm situations
Tail tucked or low-set body posture
Lip licking and nose licking
Sudden shedding or dandruff (stress coat)
Refusing food or eating very slowly
Destructive behaviour, excessive barking
Toileting inside despite being house-trained

Physical signs:

Dilated pupils
Ears flattened or rotated back
Whale eye (seeing the whites of the eyes)
Trembling

Stress Signals in Cats

Hiding more than usual
Over-grooming or patchy fur loss
Toileting outside the litter tray
Reduced or absent appetite
Aggression towards people or other pets they are normally comfortable with
Excessive vocalisation, especially at night
Hunched posture with tail wrapped tightly around body

Common Causes

Changes in routine or household (new baby, new pet, moving home)
Loud noises (building work, fireworks)
Insufficient exercise or mental stimulation
Conflict with another pet in the household
Pain or underlying illness
Separation anxiety

What to Do

1. Identify the trigger. Has anything changed recently?

2. Create a safe space. Dogs benefit from a crate or quiet room. Cats need high hiding spots and their own litter tray away from other pets.

3. Maintain routine. Predictability reduces anxiety. Feed, walk and play at consistent times.

4. Consult your vet. If stress is ongoing, rule out pain or illness first.

5. Consider a behaviourist. Separation anxiety, phobias and inter-pet aggression are best handled by a qualified professional.