Stress in dogs can show up in many different ways. According to Cesar Millan, most people don't recognize these moments as stress at all.
Knowing the signs, and what can cause stress in the first place, puts you in a much better position to help your dog.
Signs Your Dog May Be Stressed
Here are some of the signs Cesar describes:
- Going quiet and tense, and keeping to themselves
- Dilated pupils
- Pulling their head back with their ears pinned, even when nothing is there
- A tail tucked between the legs
The Sign Most People Miss
Of all these signs, Cesar says the one most people don't see is a dog who goes quiet, tense and withdraws. It's easy to assume that dog is just resting or tired.
A quiet, tense dog isn't resting. It's a completely different silence.
What Can Cause Stress in a Dog
Stress can also come from a dog's everyday life. Cesar points to a few things that stress a dog out:
- Not getting exercise
- Not getting to use their mind
- Getting affection at the wrong time, which confuses them
If your dog is showing signs of stress, it's worth looking at whether any of these are part of their day.
Learn the signs, look at what might be causing them, and the next time your dog goes quiet, take a second look before deciding they're just tired.
Help Your Dog Feel More at Ease With Calm Surrender
Once you can recognize stress and what might be behind it, you can do more to help your dog through those moments.
Calm Surrender is an herbal supplement made to support dogs through stressful moments and help them settle naturally, without sedation. It promotes calm without drowsiness or personality changes.