top of page
Search

Stress

Stress is the body's response to physical, mental, or emotional pressure and behaviour and/or health can be affected.


When we, or dogs, get stressed the brain releases hormones to allow the body to respond, such Adrenaline, Noradrenaline and Cortisol. Theses hormones have an influence on heart rate, blood pressure, glucose, many non-essential body functions and can alter immune system function.


A certain level of stress in life can be expected for all of us, humans and dogs, and some mild or short-term stress stresses can help to build reliance, alertness and motivation, but excessive or persistent stress can be damaging, physically as well as emotionally.  


Physical risks of stress.                                                   

  • Cardiovascular issues – elevated blood pressure and stress to the heart 

  • Eating disorders – eating anything and everything, even non-food items (Pica), or lack of appetite or appearing to be a ‘picky’ eater.

  • Gastrointestinal distress – from vomiting or diarrhoea, colitis, to more serious issues affecting organ performance.   

  • Cushing’s disease – which symptoms can include skin infections, Urinary tract infections, increased risk of developing diabetes or kidney damage over time. 

  • Increased cancer risk - ‘Many of the cancer-initiating mechanisms are affected by stress.’ 1 Sorin Marian Mârza, et al (2024)

  • Immune system suppression – which can cause skin conditions and allergy problems, be more susceptible to illnesses and infections, or delay recovery from any conditions. ‘.., chronic stress leads to immune suppression, increasing a dog’s susceptibility to infections and illnesses.’ 2 Hekman J.,P., et al (2014).


Emotional/behavioural risks of stress.

  • Increased reactivity or signs of aggression - barking, lunging, resource guarding, snapping.

  • Destructive behaviour of self or objects – excessive licking or chewing.

  • Anxiety – separation problems or withdrawn behaviour.

  • Increased fear or phobias.

  • Ignoring commands or previous learnt training.

  • Inappropriate behaviour – humping, jumping up, mouthing, toileting indoors.


Possible stressors.

What causes a dog stress, how they cope or behave can vary significantly depending on their environment, experiences, and breed type.   


Obvious stressors.

·         Being left/locked away,

·         Over or under exercising

·         Unfamiliar people or dogs

·         Loud and unpredictable noises such as fireworks or a thunderstorm

·         Lack of appropriate stimulation

·         Undiagnosed pain or health problem.

Not so obvious stressors.

·         Smells,

·         People’s mood,

·          ‘Underlying’ noise,

·         Training techniques,

·         Temperature/weather.

Often what causes a dog stress is not obvious, and related behaviour can go unseen, seem ridiculous or just be annoying.

 

How to spot signs of stress and how to manage it.

Body language and behaviour are the best indicators, and we can learn a lot from just watching dogs - Talking dog 'language'.


Dogs have been domesticated and adapted pretty well to living with people, but their natural talents and instincts are still very much ingrained, and we have to respect that they are still animals.


Many have been specially bred to do a ‘job’, most of which requires a certain amount of physical exercise and/or using their natural skills – hunting, herding, retrieving, e.g. If dogs do not have a suitable outlet, they can become bored or frustrated and therefore stressed. Breed and age/health appropriate exercise and enrichment can alleviate stress - Enrichment - What is it?... What is the point?


Dogs are social animals and in the absence of their own kind they build strong bonds with their guardians. Therefore, leaving a dog for long periods of time can be very stressful for them.


‘The length of time a dog can be left alone depends on the individual dog                                            but we advise that they are left for no longer than four hours…’


This bond can also make them susceptible to stress due to how we act or behave, changes in our own psychological and physical conditions can cause us to act unpredictably and dogs can be literally sniff out humans stress or illness's. Having a consideration of our behaviour around dogs and trying to remain consistent will help them stay calm.


All dogs have a phenomenal sense of smell, up to 100,000 times better than humans, this can make them very sensitive to scent that we are not even aware of - How dogs 'see' the world - the power of the nose


Scented products used at home, such as cleaning materials, air fresheners etc., even ‘perfumed’ products for dogs, can be overwhelming and faced with this on a regular basis can be extremely stressful. Being careful what products you use and where you use them will help your dog to feel more settled in the home.


Fireworks and thunderstorms may be an understandable stress due to the noise level and unpredictability, but dogs have very sensitive hearing and can hear far higher frequencies than us. Our modern homes are full of devices that can emit a high pitched 'whine', 'whirring', or low hum which can cause anxiety in some dogs.


Environmental considerations and/or training support can help dogs accept or cope with many of these challenges using desensitisation and reconditioning techniques.


Harsh methods of control or training can be very stressful for dogs, although it may physically restrict a behaviour, it does not deal with the underlying problem, and many dogs can develop more severe behavioural concerns.


Regular and preventative health checks, parasite control, regular grooming and suitable diet will keep your dog healthy and pain or discomfort free.  

 

Most dogs cope very well with living in a human environment but by being aware of the challenges they face and adapting the environment, where possible, and/or supporting them with positive training techniques will give you a calm, healthy and behaviourally sound dog.   


If you have any concerns surrounding your dog’s behaviour, I am happy to have a no obligation discussion via email or phone. You may find some useful outline information on my blogs - https://www.politepoochesessex.co.uk/blog

 


07979 44 88 49.


Behavioral, Physiological, and Pathological Approaches of Cortisol in Dogs, 2024 Dec, Sorin Marian Mârza , Camelia Munteanu , Ionel Papuc , Lăcătuş Radu  Petraru Diana  Robert Cristian Purdoiu 

 

Psychogenic Stress in Hospitalized Dogs: Cross Species Comparisons, Implications for Health Care, and the Challenges of Evaluation, 2014 Jun, Jessica P Hekman, Alicia Z Karas, Claire R Sharp 

 
 
 

Comments

  • Facebook
bottom of page