Signs Your Pet May Be Stressed—and What Tends to Help

In dogs, stress often shows up physically before behaviorally. A tucked tail, flattened ears, a lowered head, or a crouched stance are all classic posture cues. You may also notice whale eye — when a dog shows the whites of their eyes by turning their head away while keeping their gaze fixed — or tight, closed lips instead of a relaxed open mouth.

Cats under stress tend to crouch, tuck their paws tightly beneath them, flatten their ears sideways or backward, and hold their tail low or wrap it tightly around their body. Dilated pupils in a setting that isn't dark can also indicate heightened arousal or fear.

A pet that suddenly spends more time under furniture, in closets, or behind appliances may be self-regulating in response to a stressor. This is especially common in cats, who instinctively seek enclosed, elevated, or concealed spaces when they feel unsafe.

Dogs may show avoidance differently — moving away from people or situations they once engaged with, refusing to enter certain rooms, or staying near exits. If a previously social dog or cat starts isolating regularly, that shift in behavior is worth noting and discussing with a vet, as it can also signal illness.

Repetitive self-directed behaviors — particularly licking paws, flanks, or the base of the tail — can be a sign of stress-related compulsion. In cats, over-grooming sometimes results in visible hair thinning or bald patches along the belly or inner legs. In dogs, lick granulomas (thick, irritated skin lesions from constant licking) are a recognized consequence of prolonged anxious licking.

Note that excessive scratching can also point to allergies rather than stress. Our plain-language guide to allergies in animals explains how to start distinguishing the two.

Stress can suppress appetite in both dogs and cats, or — in some dogs — trigger stress eating or food guarding. Loose stools, vomiting, or excessive flatulence during or after a stressful event (a vet visit, travel, a new household member) are also common short-term reactions. The gut-brain connection in mammals is well established, and pets' digestive systems are not immune to emotional states.

When appetite changes persist for more than a day or two, or when digestive upset is frequent rather than situational, veterinary input is appropriate rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Dogs that bark, whine, or howl more than usual — particularly when left alone — may be expressing separation-related distress. Cats may yowl, especially at night. Destructive behaviors like chewing furniture, scratching door frames, or knocking objects over can also reflect underlying stress rather than misbehavior.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common specific stress conditions in dogs. For a more detailed look at how anxiety presents differently across species and circumstances, the anxiety in dogs and cats guide covers the key distinctions and when professional help is warranted.

Vets and certified animal behaviorists consistently point to three environmental factors as foundational for reducing chronic stress: predictable daily routine, a designated safe retreat space, and adequate mental stimulation.

Routine matters because pets — particularly cats — are sensitive to schedule disruptions. Feeding, play, and sleep times that stay consistent reduce ambient anxiety. Safe spaces (a crate for a crate-trained dog, an elevated perch or covered bed for a cat) give animals a place to decompress on their own terms. And mental enrichment — puzzle feeders, scent work, interactive play — addresses the stress that builds from boredom. The relationship between mental stimulation and stress is explored in depth in our piece on mental enrichment for pets.