It’s important to recognise the causes and signs of stress in your dog before making the small, practical changes that can help them feel calmer and happier.
Dogs can’t tell us when something’s bothering them, but their behaviour usually will, if you know what to look for. This guide walks through how to spot the causes, recognise the signs, and put together a plan to help your dog feel more settled, including how to prepare for stressful situations such as fireworks and where a calming supplement can provide additional support.
STEP 1 – Identify the cause of your dog’s stress
Big life changes, moving house, going on holiday, or a shift in the family, can be stressful for us, and they affect our dogs too. But it’s often the smaller, everyday things that catch owners off guard: meeting new people, car journeys, trips to the vet, being left alone, or loud noises such as fireworks can all trigger stress in dogs.
Identifying the specific trigger matters because it shapes what actually helps. A dog who’s anxious about being left alone needs a different approach to one who’s reactive to fireworks, so it’s worth spending a bit of time working out what’s really behind your dog’s stress before jumping to solutions.
STEP 2 – Recognising the signs
Watch your dog closely across different environments and situations. Over time, you’ll start to notice the specific behaviours that show up when they’re uncomfortable.
Every dog shows stress a little differently, and personality plays a big part. More outgoing, confident dogs might act out physically, chewing furniture or barking, while more introverted dogs tend to internalise their anxiety, sometimes showing up as vomiting or diarrhoea rather than obvious behavioural signs.
Some of the most common symptoms of stress in dogs:
- Panting: If your furry friend is panting for no obvious reason (he’s not too hot and he hasn’t recently done any physical exercise), then there’s a good chance he’s feeling stressed.
- Sweating from the paws: Just like humans, dogs can sweat when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. Keep an eye out for wet paw prints on the floor.
- Pinning back ears: If your dog is feeling anxious you might notice him pinning back his ears. You may also notice a dipped head, lower body posture, or see him shifting his weight to his back legs.
- Yawning: Long, intense yawning can be a sign that your dog is stressed.
- Excessive shedding: Your pooch may shed his coat more than usual when he’s feeling anxious.
- Excessive barking: This might indicate tension. Look for patterns around when the barking occurs to see if you can find – and avoid – the trigger.
Other signs which could signal stress include:
- Lip or nose licking
- Excessive chewing
- Whining or howling
- Urinating
- Aggressive behaviour
- Refusal of food
If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s behaviour, don’t automatically assume it’s stress. If you’re concerned or the changes persist, speak to your vet.
STEP 3 – Start training your dog
As with coping mechanisms for us humans, you can also introduce some small changes in your pet’s routine to help them cope with and overcome anxieties.
Some top stress-busting training tips for dogs:
- Stick to a routine: Just like people, dogs like routines. If your dog has a set pattern for eating, walking and playing, you’ll find he’s much more content and better able to deal with minor stresses throughout the day.
- Implement some separation anxiety training: Dogs are sociable animals and a good deal of stress can come from separation anxiety when they’re apart from you. Read more for some handy tips on separation anxiety training.
- Make sure they get enough exercise: Regular exercise can help your dog stay physically and mentally stimulated, which can support their overall wellbeing. Play in the garden, go for a long walk – the key thing is to keep both their body and mind busy!
- Never punish your dog for stressed behaviour: Your dog isn’t being difficult or naughty when they’re scared. Punishing them can make the situation more stressful and may damage their sense of security. Instead, focus on making their environment feel safe and giving them time and space to settle.
STEP 4 – Make sure you make your home environment as stress-free as possible
- Give them a space to feel safe: A peaceful area for a crate or dog bed can be the perfect place for your dog to feel safe and relaxed. Moving house? Try adding some clothes carrying your scent to his bed to help him feel safe.
This can be particularly helpful during fireworks season. If your dog finds fireworks stressful, make sure they have access to a familiar, comfortable place to retreat to, and consider closing curtains and windows to reduce flashes and noise. Keeping their routine as normal as possible can also help them feel more secure.
- Spend time together: Dogs are inherently social creatures and boredom and loneliness can make them anxious. Spending time with your dog is a win-win – it relieves stress for both of you!
STEP 5 – Consider calming supplements to support your dog
Alongside routine, training and a calm home environment, a calming supplement can provide additional nutritional support during stressful periods. This may be particularly relevant during known triggers such as fireworks, travel, vet visits or changes to your dog’s environment.
Bob Martin Calming + Wellbeing combines L-tryptophan, magnesium, PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) and postbiotics in a daily soft chew, designed to support your dog’s nervous system without causing drowsiness or dulling their normal personality.
For the best results, this type of supplement works better as a daily addition to your dog’s routine rather than a one-off before a stressful event, since the ingredients build up their effect over consistent use. If you know fireworks night or a vet visit is coming up, starting a few days to a week ahead tends to work better than giving it on the day itself.
The Bottom Line
Stress in dogs is common, but it’s manageable. Identifying the trigger, watching for the early signs, and building a consistent routine of exercise, training and a calm home environment can all help support your dog’s wellbeing. If your dog finds known triggers such as fireworks stressful, preparing in advance can help make the experience more manageable. A daily calming supplement can also provide additional nutritional support as part of a wider approach to managing stressful periods.
If you’ve tried these steps and your dog still seems anxious or unsettled, or you’re concerned about a change in their behaviour, speak to your vet.
FAQs
How can I calm my dog during fireworks?
Create a comfortable, familiar space where your dog can retreat, keep windows and curtains closed where appropriate, and use familiar background noise to help reduce the impact of sounds from outside. Stay calm and allow your dog to choose whether they want reassurance or space.
Why is my dog suddenly scared of noises?
A sudden change in your dog’s behaviour can have several causes, including a frightening experience, changes in their environment or an underlying health issue. If your dog’s fear is new, severe or persistent, speak to your vet.
Can calming supplements help dogs with fireworks?
A calming supplement can provide additional nutritional support during stressful periods and can be considered alongside practical measures such as creating a safe environment, maintaining a routine and identifying your dog’s triggers.
Can stress make my dog stop eating?
Yes, stress can affect your dog’s appetite and may cause them to eat less than usual or lose interest in food. Changes at home, unfamiliar situations, loud noises and other stressful experiences can all affect some dogs differently. If your dog stops eating, particularly if they also seem unwell or the change continues, speak to your vet to rule out an underlying health problem.
