Stress and How It Affects Your Dog’s Health
We all know stress isn’t great for humans—late-night emails, traffic jams, school runs, tax season… the list goes on. But did you know that dogs get stressed too? And unlike us, they can’t pour a glass of wine or book a weekend away to cope. Stress in dogs often shows up in sneaky ways, and if it’s left unchecked, it can take a toll on their health.
Dogs don’t exactly say, “Hey, I’m feeling anxious,” but their bodies and behaviour give it away. Some signs are obvious—like pacing, whining, or hiding—but others are easier to miss:
Skin flare-ups: Stress can cause itching, licking, and even hair loss.
Tummy trouble: Loose stools, loss of appetite, or vomiting often sneak in when a dog is anxious.
Weird behaviour shifts: A usually friendly dog might become clingy, withdrawn, or snappy.
Sleep issues: Just like us, dogs can lose sleep when they’re wound up.
Long-term stress weakens the immune system, upsets digestion, and can even make existing health problems worse. Basically, stress doesn’t just rattle the mind—it rattles the whole body.
Luckily, there are simple ways to help your dog chill out when life feels overwhelming:
1. Stick to a routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. Feeding, walking, and bedtime around the same time each day makes them feel safe.
2. Exercise (the secret stress-buster)
A good run, game of fetch, or sniffari walk works wonders for burning nervous energy. A tired dog is a calm dog.
3. Create a safe space
Give your pup a cosy corner with a blanket or bed that’s all theirs. Think of it as their zen zone.
4. Calm through food
Believe it or not, diet plays a role in stress too. A balanced, sensitive-friendly food (like Emperor) supports gut health, which is directly linked to mood and immunity. Happy tummy, happy dog.
5. Try enrichment games
Puzzle toys, lick mats, or hiding treats around the house keep their brain busy and reduce anxious energy.
6. Your calm is their calm
Dogs pick up on our stress like little emotional sponges. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your dog is to take a deep breath yourself.
Your dog doesn’t need perfection—they need reassurance, stability, and the right support. Stress is part of life (even for dogs), but when managed well, it doesn’t have to stand in the way of their health or happiness.
At Emperor, we believe wellness starts in the bowl but goes far beyond it. With the right food, love, and a little extra patience, your dog can live like what they truly are: family.