Dog Park Stress: This Is What You Need To Do To Prevent It
When you Google dog park stress, most of the articles you’ll see will talk about how dog parks are a bad idea.
But much like anything else, dog parks only become bad for Fido when you do not know the dos and don’ts.
Can dogs feel stress?
Yes, they can. Studies show that you and your dog can experience synchronized stress levels.
In a study published in 2019, experts found that acute stress can be highly contagious among humans and between individuals of other species.
Dogs can feel stressed very much like you so you have to be aware of the signs.
What are the signs that my dog is stressed?
Fido communicates through body language, so you have to pay attention to the big and small changes in his behavior.
A stressed dog may exhibit some, if not all of these signs:
1) Uncontrollable whining
Adult dogs under great stress will find it very difficult to control their whining. Puppies, on the other hand, will find it difficult to control their barking.
Constant growling can also be a sign that your dog is uncomfortable.
According to The American Kennel Club website, it’s not meant to be aggressive. It’s meant to be a warning.
2) Restlessness
Pay close attention to your dog if he’s constantly pacing. If he does it during mealtimes, it’s nothing to be worried about.
It’s also okay if your dog paces for short periods. But if you notice that he does it often and longer than usual, it could be a sign that something is stressing him out.
Shaking or trembling can also be indications of stress.
3) Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite may be a sign, not only of stress but also other major health concerns.
If your dog refuses to eat, he could be suffering from several systemic infections, liver problems, or kidney failure.
You can also check if something in his mouth might be causing him pain.
Experts say increased digestive problems can also be a sign that something is amiss.
Remember that Fido’s physical health can decline fast without proper nutrition. Bring him to a veterinarian immediately to help you determine the underlying cause.
If after a thorough examination you find that there is nothing physically wrong with your fur baby, but he still refuses to eat, he may be feeling stressed or anxious.
4) Sleeping more than usual
A happy and healthy adult dog usually sleeps for up to 12 hours a day or even more.
Puppies and older dogs can sleep even longer. On the other hand, certain dog breeds are predisposed to sleeping more.
Keep tabs on your dog’s sleeping pattern so you know if there’s anything to be cause for concern.
The Spruce Pets website says stress and separation anxiety can manifest in extra daytime snooze.
5) Aggression
There are different types of canine aggression, according to the VCA Animal Hospitals website.
The website also notes that fear- or anxiety-related aggression is the most common. It can be motivated by uncertainty and unpleasant situations.
Early manifestations of fear-related aggression include staying away from the subject of fear or stress.
Anxious or stressed dogs display aggression to make whatever it is that’s scaring them go away.
6) Diarrhea
Studies show that stress is one of the leading causes of colitis or large bowel diarrhea in all dogs.
Colitis is the inflammation of the large intestines. This inflammation causes reduced water absorption and decreased ability to store feces in the colon.
If your dog frequently poops small volumes of semi-formed to liquid feces, it could be large bowel diarrhea.
Your dog may also exhibit straining during and after pooping. Apart from that, you may also notice small amounts of blood in his feces.
Bring him to the vet immediately for treatment and diagnosis.
7) Change in body posture
It’s true what they say that you can tell a lot about a dog’s feelings by the way he wags his tail.
If your fur baby’s tail is tucked between his legs, it could mean he’s not happy about something.
However, a slow wagging tail can also be a sign of stress so you need to pay very close attention to subtle changes.
Why do dogs experience dog park stress?
Several professional dog trainers have already noted that not all dogs will enjoy a trip to the dog park.
Don’t bring your fur baby to the dog park if he’s not used to other canines as the trip will only stress him out.
You should avoid dog parks, too if your dog doesn’t listen to basic commands like sit and stay.
What does dog park stress look like?
Dog park stress can look very much the same as the other kinds of canine stress and aggression save for a few other signs.
Observe if your dog’s behavior changes from happy and excited to anxious when it’s time to go to the park. Does he wag his tail? Is he curious?
There are common signs of dog park stress that you can look for, too. Here are a few:
1) Frequent yawning
Yes, yawning isn’t only a sign that your dog is sleepy. Yawning is one of a dog’s ways of relieving tension.
A study published on Nature reveals that unexpected yawning and crouching are some of the signs your dog is experiencing acute stress.
2) Pinned-back ears and low tail
All dogs experiencing acute stress usually carry their ears farther back than usual.
A low tail is another sign that Fido is experiencing acute stress.
3) Frequent lip-licking
You can expect a little lip-licking if your dog is experiencing something new.
But if he’s frequently doing it while you’re outside, he could be feeling overwhelmed.
Other signs of dog park stress include hiding, whining, or running away.
Can dog park stress be prevented?
There’s a lot you can do to help ease dog park stress. Here are some of them:
1) Train him while he’s still young
Start obedience training and socialization once your dog reaches 3 to 12 weeks of age.
Bring him to “puppy daycare” led by professional dog trainers so he can socialize with playmates his age.
He would be able to handle himself better at the dog park if he has had the proper training.
2) Change his perception about dog parks
You can also deal with dog park stress through counterconditioning.
According to the American Kennel Club website, counterconditioning means changing your Fido’s response to the source of anxiety.
If your fur baby feels stressed when you take him to the dog park, try reintroducing it to him by going to a different park with fewer dogs and people.
You can also bring a fur buddy who can help him feel less anxious.
3) Pinpoint the cause of dog park stress
Finding the main reason why Fido is experiencing dog park stress can help you come up with the right solution.
For example, maybe Fido’s first memory of the dog park wasn’t a good one. You can use counterconditioning if this is the problem.
4) Provide plenty of mental stimulation
Cesar Millan says playing with doggie board games and canine puzzles are great forms of mental exercise.
You can also hide treats or toys around the house and have your dog find them. It’s also a good idea to forage in the yard or learn new tricks like “handshake”.
5) Don’t allow rough play
Not all dogs appreciate rough play so make sure you prevent it if you observe that your dog is feeling overwhelmed.
Always stay within 20 to 30 feet of your pet when you’re at the dog park.
If you notice signs of stress the moment another dog approaches, call your dog to you to prevent it from turning into a stressful situation.
What are the effects of dog park stress?
1) Dog park stress can weaken the immune system
When the body is stressed, it releases the hormone cortisol. Too much of this hormone can weaken the immune system.
If your dog’s immune system is weak, he will be prone to several diseases.
2) Dog park stress can also cause behavioral problems
If your dog doesn’t find a way to deal with stress, he will most likely respond with aggression.
Apart from that, chronic stress can also cause fidgeting, frequent scratching, and digging.
Dog park stress is not your fault
You’re not a bad fur parent just because your dog experiences dog park stress. Dog parks are not for everyone and that’s okay.
Long walks, games, water park visits, playdates, and trips to indoor dog parks are also great options.
It all boils down to finding what works for you and your pooch.
