Destructive behaviors

Especially in the more aggressive breeds, dogs may try to alleviate stress by chewing or biting furniture (or you!) or even by destructive biting or licking of her own body. Try to examine the circumstances that increase the behaviors, such as being left alone or when other animals are present.

Avoidance

According to VCA Hospitals, this is another telltale sign of stress. There are many reasons your dog may show avoidance, whether it’s avoiding other dogs or people. Tail tucked, avoiding eye contact, turning away — these are all ways your dog shows you he is uncomfortable. It’s important to remember that if your dog is avoiding a situation that makes him uncomfortable, this is better than showing aggression and it’s best to respect this message.

Illness

Does your dog exhibit signs of stress with physical symptoms? Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, skin problems or allergies can all be signs of stress in man’s best friend. If any of these physical symptoms don’t have an obvious cause, stress could be your prime suspect, but you need to check in with your vet to make sure you catch any serious medical conditions.

Barking

Does your dog howl or bark a lot? Excessive barking, whether inside or outside the house, can be a sign of anxiety. Try to find a pattern to the barking to determine the cause of the anxiety. Does it happen when you’re gone? When strangers come to the door?