How to Tell If Your Dog Is Stressed — And What to Do About It

Dogs can't tell you when something's wrong — but they do communicate, just not always in ways we immediately recognize. If your dog has seemed off lately — more restless, clingy, withdrawn, or reactive — they may be experiencing stress. Recognizing the signs early allows you to respond thoughtfully and help them feel settled again.

Common Signs of Stress in Dogs

Stress can present very differently depending on the individual dog. Here are the most common behavioral and physical signs to watch for:

• Excessive panting when not hot or after exercise
• Yawning, lip licking, or drooling in non-food contexts
• Restlessness or inability to settle — pacing, circling, or constantly repositioning
• Hiding or seeking unusual amounts of comfort
• Destructive behavior — chewing, scratching, digging
• Trembling or tail tucking without apparent physical cause
• Reduced appetite
• Unusual barking or whining
• Whale eye — showing the whites of the eyes

Some dogs show only one or two of these signs; others show many. Context matters — a dog that pants heavily after a run is not stressed. A dog that pants during a thunderstorm probably is.

What's Making Your Dog Stressed?

Once you notice the signs, the next step is identifying the trigger. Common causes include:

• Loud noises — thunderstorms, fireworks, construction
• Travel — car rides, new environments, kenneling
• Changes in routine — new schedules, a new person in the household, a baby, or a move
• Separation from family members or other pets
• Pain or underlying health issues — sometimes what looks like stress is actually physical discomfort
• Aging — senior dogs can become more sensitive as cognitive changes occur

If your dog's stressed behavior is new, sudden, or severe, a veterinary check-up is always the right first step to rule out a physical cause.

How to Help a Stressed Dog

Address the Environment First

Whenever possible, reduce or remove the stressor. During a thunderstorm, bring your dog to an interior room with white noise or calming music. During fireworks, close windows and curtains. If your dog is triggered by visitors, give them a safe retreat space.

Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. Regular feeding times, exercise schedules, and sleep routines help signal safety to a dog's nervous system. If your schedule has been disrupted, gradually restoring consistency can make a meaningful difference.

Exercise

Physical activity is one of the most reliable natural ways to support a calmer, more settled dog. A well-exercised dog has less excess energy to channel into anxious behavior. A good walk before a known stressor — like a vet visit or a car trip — can meaningfully lower baseline reactivity.

Calming Supplements

For dogs that need additional support — particularly during recurring or unavoidable stressors — calming supplements can be a helpful addition to the routine. Our CBD Calming Chews are formulated by Dr. Tim Shu, DVM to help dogs maintain a calm, relaxed state during travel, thunderstorms, fireworks, and other stressful events. They're salmon-flavored, easy to give, and triple-tested for safety — view our certificates of analysis here.

For ongoing daily support rather than situational use, a full-spectrum CBD tincture can be added to meals to support consistent baseline calm.

Professional Support

For persistent, severe, or worsening stressed behavior, a certified veterinary behaviorist or positive-reinforcement trainer can provide targeted support. In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend prescription medication alongside behavioral modification. Schedule a free consultation with our team if you're unsure where to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CBD help a stressed dog?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in mood and stress response. Our Calming Chews are designed to help dogs maintain a calm, relaxed state during stressful events. They are not a sedative and will not make your dog drowsy.

When should I give my dog calming chews?
For situational use (fireworks, travel, vet visits), most owners give them 30–45 minutes before the anticipated stressor. For dogs that benefit from daily support, they can be given as part of a morning or evening routine.

Is stress in dogs serious?
Chronic, unmanaged stress can affect a dog's physical health over time — including immune function and digestive health. It's worth addressing rather than waiting out.

How do I know if my dog needs a vet versus just a calming supplement?
If the stressed behavior is new, sudden, severe, or accompanied by physical symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, limping, loss of appetite), see your veterinarian first. If the behavior is mild, situational, and consistent with a known trigger, calming support and environmental management are a reasonable starting point.