12 signs of stress in dogs: recognising them and acting

Panting with no thermal cause signals a high state of sympathetic arousal: identify the recent trigger (noise, a visitor, a change of environment). Compulsive licking of the paws or of objects is a self-soothing behaviour, and is worrying if it goes beyond 10 to 15 minutes or causes a lesion. Frequent yawning unrelated to sleep, lip-licking outside mealtimes, nervous chewing of the bed or the lead, hiding behind a piece of furniture, occasional loss of appetite and pacing (walking back and forth aimlessly) complete this list of eight signals.

To help at home: create a quiet refuge corner, maintain a stable routine, increase physical exercise, and if need be use a soothing pheromone diffuser (Adaptil®, from a veterinary pharmacy).

New or intensified aggression (growling, snapping, biting), generalised trembling with panic, self-mutilation (licking until the skin breaks, pulling out fur) or digestive disturbance persisting beyond 24 hours make up the four critical signals. They warrant prompt advice from a vet and a behaviourist, without waiting for a spontaneous improvement.

Separation anxiety affects up to 40% of domestic dogs according to several veterinary studies. Noise (storms, fireworks), a change of environment, a trip to the vet, journeys and lack of exercise complete the list of the most common triggers observed by veterinary behaviourists.

Increase physical exercise to 1-2 hours daily for an adult dog of an active breed, reinforce the routine of meals and walks, create a quiet refuge corner and limit simultaneous stimuli. Seek advice if the critical signs appear, if the stress persists for more than two weeks despite the adjustments, or if the dog refuses food for more than 36 hours. Your usual vet remains the first port of call; a veterinary behaviourist, a title validated by the Ordre des vétérinaires, can provide support over several sessions.

No CBD-based veterinary medicine has obtained a marketing authorisation issued by the ANMV. A vet may prescribe CBD off-licence within the therapeutic cascade provided for by EU Regulation 2019/6. Always consult the vet before first use, favour a THC-free isolate (THC is toxic to dogs at moderate doses), insist on an independent certificate of analysis, and never use a CBD product formulated for humans. In 2024 the ANSES reported an increase in poisonings linked to contaminated CBD products.

My dog gets stressed during storms — what can I do there and then?

Create a calm cocoon, put on some soft music, stay calm yourself and never punish the dog. Pheromone diffusers and compression coats are useful levers; where panic recurs, your vet can prescribe an anxiolytic for occasional use.

How can I tell boredom from stress?

Boredom shows itself in redirected play behaviours. Stress generates repetitive behaviours with no playful dimension, accompanied by bodily signals such as panting or trembling.

Is CBD safe for my dog?

Used badly, it can cause excessive drowsiness or digestive upset. THC, present in certain full-spectrum oils, is toxic to dogs. Always consult the vet and favour a THC-free isolate with a certificate of analysis.

My dog has refused to eat for two days — is that serious?

Beyond 36-48 hours of complete refusal, especially with lethargy or vomiting, consult the vet. Puppies and elderly dogs are particularly at risk of rapid dehydration.

To go deeper into the framework for CBD in dogs, see our article [CBD for dogs: a buying guide in France](/blog/cbd-pour-chien-guide-achat-france). For separation anxiety, see [separation anxiety in dogs in France](/blog/anxiete-separation-chien-france).