Everyday calm · 2 min read

Is My Dog Stressed? 15 Body Language Signs to Know

Updated September 12, 2026 · By the KoaPaw team

Dogs can’t tell us they’re uncomfortable, but they show us constantly. The trouble is that many stress signals are small and easy to miss, so it can seem like a dog “suddenly” growled or snapped when they’d been asking for space all along.

Learning your dog’s body language helps you step in early, before stress builds.

Subtle signs of stress

These quiet signals are often the first sign that your dog is unsure.

  1. Lip licking when there’s no food around.
  2. Yawning when they aren’t tired, especially during handling or greetings.
  3. Whale eye: the whites of the eyes showing as your dog glances sideways.
  4. Turning the head or body away from a person, dog or object.
  5. Ears pinned back or held lower than usual.
  6. A lowered or tucked tail, or a stiff, slow wag.
  7. A raised front paw paired with a tense body.
  8. Shaking off as if wet, right after a tense moment.
  9. Sudden sniffing of the ground in the middle of an interaction, as a way to disengage.
  10. Moving slowly or freezing in place.

More obvious signs

  1. Panting when it isn’t hot and they haven’t been exercising.
  2. Pacing or restlessness, unable to settle.
  3. Hiding or trying to leave the situation.
  4. Trembling or shaking.
  5. Growling, a clear warning that your dog needs space.

Other clues include excessive shedding during stressful events such as vet visits, loss of appetite and whining.

Context matters

A single yawn doesn’t mean your dog is stressed. Dogs also yawn when they’re sleepy and lick their lips after eating. Look at:

  • The whole body, not just one signal
  • What’s happening around your dog
  • What’s normal for your individual dog

Stress signals often come in clusters, and they tend to escalate if the situation doesn’t change: from a head turn, to lip licking, to stiffening, to growling.

What to do when you see stress signals

  • Create distance from whatever seems to be bothering your dog.
  • Pause the interaction. Stop the petting, grooming or greeting and see whether your dog chooses to come back.
  • Speak up for your dog. It’s fine to tell people your dog doesn’t want to be petted.
  • Never punish warning signals like growling. They’re valuable communication.
  • Keep notes. Patterns in when stress appears help you find triggers.

If new people are a common trigger, our guide to helping a dog who’s nervous around strangers has a step-by-step plan.

Signs of ongoing stress

Stress that lasts days or weeks can show up as changes in sleep, appetite, grooming, energy or house training. Because pain and illness can cause similar changes, check in with your veterinarian if you notice lasting differences in your dog’s behavior.

Want a clearer picture of what’s stressing your dog? Take the free 2-minute Dog Anxiety Quiz and get comfort ideas for your dog’s main trigger.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my dog yawn when they're not tired?

Yawning can be a calming signal. Dogs often yawn when they feel unsure, for example during a hug, a vet visit or a tense greeting. Look at the whole situation and the rest of your dog's body language.

Should I punish my dog for growling?

No. Growling is an important warning that your dog is uncomfortable. Punishing it can teach your dog to skip the warning, which makes bites more likely. Instead, give space and work out what caused the discomfort.

What does whale eye mean in dogs?

Whale eye is when you can see the whites of your dog's eyes as they glance sideways while keeping their head turned away. It often means your dog is uneasy, so give them some space.