Signs of Stress in Your Dog

The Puppy Letters: A Stressful Situation

Dear Vital Pet Life, my name is Troy.  I’m a Yorkshire Terrier who is in love with a Shih Tzu princess.  We met one afternoon while I was having a walk with my hooman.  What I first noticed about her was her long, blonde shih tzu fur that nearly touched the floor every time she swayed past me in the park.  I think her hooman noticed that I liked her too so she told my hooman if we could have a playdate.  We might see one another this Saturday so I was hoping if you could give me signs whether this shih tzu will be stressed about me or not during our date.  Can you perhaps give me clues?

Sincerely, Troy.

Vital Pet Life Answers: 

Hi, Troy! First of all, congrats on your puppy love encounter.  Usually, these are the clues you should look out for on your first date:

Body Language

One of the most obvious signs is her body language.  Does your shih tzu crush have a stiff posture?  Are her ears tucked?  What about her ears?  Are they lowered?  Is she giving you one of those whale eyes wherein she turns her head away but still keeps her eye on you?  Does she also lick her lips, pant, or yawn excessively?

Behavior

Does she become more aggressive or withdrawn?  Or worse, does she show destructive behaviors like digging or chewing?  She might also have trouble eating when she’s stressed.

Physical Symptoms

Although this may not happen on your first date, physical symptoms may also appear such as diarrhea, vomiting, or skin problems.  However, I’m pretty sure that her hooman will take her to the nearest vet possible as these may present underlying medical conditions. Now that you know the signs of stress, don’t take it as a clue that she doesn’t like you.  There are other reasons why your shih tzu crush is stressed such as:

1. Changes in routine such as a new home, new pet, or new job for their owner

2. Loud noises like fireworks and thunderstorms

3. Travel

4. Socialization Problems

5. Separation Anxiety

 

Always remember to just relax on your first date, Troy.  There are also a number of things you can do to help her if she’s stressed, including:

1. Identifying and addressing the source of the stress.

2. Providing her a safe and comfortable place to relax.

3. Ask her to exercise or play games with you.

But I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  Supplements like Salmon Oil can help your pet calm.  It contains Omega 3, which is known to control anxiety by regulating adrenaline function.  And if things are getting out of hand, the vet is always open to check up on your little crush. Well, there you have it, Troy! We hope that your date will go well this Saturday.  We feel like you’re the one who’s stressed when writing this letter.  Kidding aside, let nature take its course.  Just smile and be yourself. Happy dating!