How to Spot Early Stress Symptoms in Your Dog
By Dani Wilder
Marketing and Communications Specialist, DPI GLOBAL
Stress in dogs isn’t always loud or obvious. While some dogs respond with barking or pacing, others show subtle changes that are easy to miss. Recognizing early signs of stress is critical—not just for behavior management, but for protecting long-term health.
Why Early Signs Matter
Recent research published in Scientific Reports surveyed the owners of nearly 14,000 dogs and found that 72.5% reported their dogs had exhibited at least one anxiety-related behavior in their lifetime.
This finding reinforces an important reality: stress in dogs is not rare—it’s widespread.
When stress becomes chronic, it doesn’t just affect behavior. It can influence digestion, immune function, and overall resilience. The earlier stress is identified, the easier it is to support your dog before it becomes a larger health concern.
Common Early Signs of Stress in Dogs
Not all stress looks dramatic. Watch for subtle changes such as:
- Changes in appetite or eating patterns
- Excessive licking, chewing, or grooming
- Yawning, lip licking, or avoidance behaviors
- Digestive inconsistencies
- Restlessness or difficulty settling
- Increased sensitivity to noise or environmental change
These behaviors may seem minor at first, but they can signal that your dog is experiencing internal strain.
What Stress Does Inside the Body
When a dog experiences stress, the body activates a physiological response. Short-term stress is natural. But repeated activation over time can:
- Disrupt gut microbiota balance
- Increase oxidative stress at the cellular level
- Influence nutrient absorption
- Contribute to inflammation
Stress is not only emotional—it has biological consequences. Left unaddressed, it may gradually undermine vitality and long-term health.
Supporting Dogs from the Inside Out
Recognizing stress early is important—but so is reinforcing your dog’s ability to handle it.
While we can’t eliminate every stressor in a dog’s life, we can support the systems most affected by stress. Research continues to show that stress impacts gut balance and oxidative pathways, both of which play a role in resilience and recovery.
Micro-Shield™, DPI GLOBAL’s latest innovation, was developed with this inside-out approach in mind. Formulated with select botanicals, Micro-Shield is designed to naturally support dogs during periods of stress or transition. It integrates seamlessly into dog food diets and has been shown not to affect palatability, allowing support to be delivered without disrupting daily routines.
Because when stress becomes a health risk, proactive support matters.
About DPI GLOBAL
DPI GLOBAL has been delivering science-backed, sustainable feed technologies for over 60 years. Trusted worldwide across livestock, aquaculture, and companion animal sectors, DPI is committed to developing all-natural solutions that promote animal well-being and environmental responsibility.
To learn more visit www.dpiglobal.com
Meet the Authors: Dani Wilder
Dani Wilder, Marketing and Communications Specialist, DPI GLOBAL
Dani is a Marketing Specialist at DPI GLOBAL, where she focuses on crafting engaging content, managing media planning, and promoting the company’s innovative, science-based solutions. Passionate about sustainability and effective communication, Dani enjoys collaborating with the DPI team to share meaningful stories that connect with producers and industry stakeholders.
When Dani isn’t creating marketing strategies, she enjoys reading, judging livestock shows, and raising show pigs with her family.
