Do you know how to tell if your English Bulldog is stressed or anxious about something? Being able to assess your dog’s mood is paramount when it comes to making sure he is comfortable. More than that, knowing when your dog is stressed can help with training, prevent dog bites, and even let you know if something is medically wrong before other symptoms appear. After all, pain and sickness cause stress, which can be the first sign of something wrong internally.
It really is in your best interest as a dog owner to learn how to tell when your Bully is upset about something. The following are 5 common signs that your English Bulldog is stressed.
#1 – Whale Eye
“Whale eye” is when the white in your dog’s eye – around the iris – is visible. Some English Bulldogs have eyes that are naturally “buggy,” so you may always see a bit of white. What you are looking for with stress are eyes that are bulging wide with a lot of white showing. Be aware of what your English Bulldog’s eyes look like when he is relaxed and happy so you can notice the change.
#2 – Whining
A stressed English Bulldog will often whine. Some will pace, and some will stay in one spot. If your dog is whining and you know he doesn’t have to go outside to go potty, he may be stressed. Stress whining can turn into barking as well.
#3 – Panting
If your English Bulldog is panting and he’s not too warm, then it’s probably due to stress. After making sure he is not too hot or overexerted, see if you can tell what is making him stressed and change the environment so he’s more comfortable.
#4 – Yawning
In dogs, yawning can actually mean that they are stressed! Yawning is a way your English Bulldog may try and relieve anxiety. So, if you see your Bully yawning – usually big and slow – check for stressors in the area.
#5 – Won’t Eat
If you train using positive reinforcement (or just happen to be feeding him) and your English Bulldog is not interested in his food that he normally inhales, something is up. Barring any medical reasons, he is probably stressed or anxious. Conversely, he make take the food from your hand very hard. If either happens, change the environment so he is more comfortable.
