First of all, it’s helpful to understand how a dog might develop stress. Stress, or tension, can be short-term, for example due to a loud noise. But if the cause of tension persists or if the dog can’t effectively release the stress, it can become chronic.

Causes of Stress

Stress in dogs can be caused by:

• Loud noises or overstimulation from a busy environment
• Pain
• Fear
• A stressed owner, moving house, or separation
• Boredom or lack of attention
• Separation anxiety
• Lack of a clear routine
• A traumatic experience, such as an accident or an attack by another dog
• Short-Term Stress

Short-term tension is usually not a big problem. It can be functional, for example, if a dog is startled by a threatening situation or a loud sound. The dog might then run away from the threat to get to safety. When the trigger of this tension is gone, the associated stress should also subside. The adrenaline that short-term stress causes then leaves the body. Blood pressure drops, and the dog calms down.

Chronic Stress

If stress persists for a long time, it can lead to an elevated cortisol level in the dog’s blood. The stress then becomes chronic and can lead to various physical complaints. This happens when the cause of the stress doesn’t go away. The effects of stress hormones can then have harmful consequences. In this case, the consistently high blood pressure and heart rate will also start causing damage. Organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys may suffer from the prolonged high cortisol levels.

How Can I Recognize Stress in My Dog?

The following symptoms may indicate a stressed dog:

• Displacement behaviors (behavior that doesn’t seem related to stress but helps the dog soothe itself, like grooming, sniffing, licking, yawning, or stretching);
• Repetitive behavior (the dog shifts focus from the source of tension, for example by repeatedly licking or scratching the same spot on their coat or by pacing back and forth);
• Suddenly showing a lot of energy or very little energy;
• Excessive panting or drooling;
• Poor coat condition and/or poor physical health;
• Eating poorly or suddenly gulping down food;
• Diarrhea, gas, or constipation;
• Whining, growling, whimpering, or excessive barking;
• Tense ears, pulled slightly backward;
• A tense tail, sometimes noticeable by restricted wagging.

What to Do if Your Dog is Stressed?

If your dog is stressed, they may try to release that stress through behaviors that can seem strange to us humans. For example, excessive whining, chasing their tail, pacing, or sniffing everything around them. If you see this, don’t get angry or frustrated. This will only increase your dog’s tension! Stress signals provide you as the owner with valuable information. Try to observe when your dog displays stress behavior and what happened just before that. Ask yourself whether your dog understands what you’re asking of them and whether there have been major changes in their life recently. A dog needs routine and a place where they can retreat calmly. Additionally, dogs benefit from knowing how the day will go, what’s expected of them, and engaging activities.

Herbs for Calmness and Relaxation

If you have considered the above points and created a stable living environment for your dog, but they still can’t fully let go of their tension, a herbal supplement might be helpful. Herbs can also help in stressful situations such as moving or introducing a new pet, making the transition to the new situation smoother. An extract with multiple herbs is often the most effective. Herbs that have a calming effect without making the dog drowsy include valerian, lemon balm, ginseng, and hops. An extract of these plants can be used for inner restlessness or for dogs that are easily agitated.