Is your dog anxious or unhappy? 6 subtle signs one might be missing

Repeated yawns, fast lip-licking, and those wide, darting eyes aren’t random – they’re stress signals. Dogs do this when they’re uneasy, uncertain, or trying to calm themselves in a tense situation. You might notice it during vet visits, noisy evenings, or when strangers reach out to pet them. It’s their polite way of saying, “I’m uncomfortable, please give me space.” Recognising these subtle cues early helps you step in before anxiety turns into barking, growling, or avoidance.

What to do: Take it as a pause sign. Ease back from petting or play, give them space, and speak softly. When you let them reset, you teach them that you listen – and that’s what builds real trust.