Dog Stress Relief: How to Help Your Dog Feel Calmer

Figuring out what it looks like when your dog is showing signs of stress is the first step to helping them keep calm in anxiety-provoking situations.

Published: October 5, 2026

Dog stress relief can be obtained by training, socialization, and medication or some combination thereof. — Trips to the vet, groomer, or boarding kennel can often be stress-inducing for dogs. Credit: MDV Edwards | Getty Images

Most dogs will experience stress or anxiety at some point, just like us. Stress occurs on a spectrum from mild through to moderate and extreme. It can impact both health and behavior—especially if the stress becomes chronic—and it can have a negative effect on a dog’s quality of life. But knowing the signs that indicate a dog is stressed, identifying stress triggers, and understanding how to help relieve the stress can help reduce its impact on your dog. In this article, we’ll take a look at the signs a dog is a stressed, common causes of canine stress, and what you can do to help relieve it.