Signs Your Pomsky Dog is Stressed

Just like humans, dogs can become stressed or anxious, but unfortunately, they have no way of telling us exactly how they are feeling. A variety of situations could lead to your pomsky dog feeling stressed and it is important to recognize the signs. This post includes the signs that your pomsky dog is stressed, how to identify your dog’s stressors, and ways to alleviate a pomsky dog’s stress.

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Why is it important to know if your dog is stressed?

When your dog is stressed or anxious, they will likely have an increased heart rate and tense body. There are many negative long-term effects that occur when a dog experiences chronic stress including gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular problems, aggression and a suppressed immune system.

Top Signs a Pomsky Dog is Stressed

Whining – Pomskies are a dog breed that can be vocal when they are excited, begging for a treat or feeling playful. If a pomsky dog is stressed or anxious, they may whine, but it will likely sound different than their playful vocalizations and will not follow the typical pattern, such as when they are waiting for a treat and whining. Some pomskies might use a combination of whining and barking when they feel uncomfortable.
Pacing – Pomskies might pace back and forth if they are feeling stressed or anxious. Your dog will likely choose to pace in a specific area based on what they are stressed about. For example, if you are getting ready to leave, your pomsky might pace back and forth between you and the front door. If there is a thunderstorm, your pomsky might pace back and forth to lead you to a different area (such as downstairs).
Heavy Breathing and Panting – When a pomsky is feeling stressed, they often start panting and breathing heavily. It might appear that your dog is happy and smiling, however, they are likely panting due to being stressed about a situation, such as going to the veterinarian’s office.
Excessive Licking – Pomskies can show that they are stressed and anxious by constantly licking themselves. If your pomsky is licking their paws or tummy for more than a few minutes, you might want to consider whether your dog has allergies or if they are stressed about something.
Shaking – If your pomsky dog is stressed they might start shaking or trembling.
Sitting on You– When your dog is feeling stressed, they will likely seek comfort from you. Pomskies are very attached to their owners and will likely want to sit on your lap, or lay right next to your head if you are in bed.
Hiding – If your pomsky dog is feeling uncomfortable, they might hide under furniture, or seek comfort in an enclosed space such as their crate. This is especially true when your dog has an upset stomach.
Whale Eye –The “whale eye” is the term for when you can see the whites on the sides of your dog’s eyes and this often happens when your dog is uncomfortable, scared, or tense. Dogs create this facial expression when they are feeling tense and want to be aware of their surroundings from all sides.

Identifying a Stressor

Once you have determined that your pomsky is stressed, you will want to identify the trigger that is making them feel stressed. Ask yourself the following questions:

Have you changed your routine recently?
Even a slight change in your routine such as a new work schedule, skipping a meal that you usually sit down for, or staying up later than usual can make your pomsky stressed.
Are you showing signs that you are leaving?
Packing bags, wearing a coat, or having your car keys in your pocket can make your pomsky think you are leaving them.
Are there any unexpected sounds in your environment?
Road construction, thunderstorms, a new appliance, or fireworks are just a few unexpected sounds that could be stressors for your pomsky dog.
Did you clean up your dog’s toys, blanket, or bed?
If you decided to clean the house and put your pomsky dog’s toys in a different place or wash their bed or blanket, your dog might become stressed about this change.

How to Reduce Your Dog’s Stress

Remove the Stressor – It is always best to first remove the stressor if you know what is causing your dog to feel anxious and are able to physically remove it.
Distracting Treats and Toys – Entertain your pomsky dog with treat-filled puzzle toys, snuffle mats and lick mats to keep your pomsky focused on something other than the thing they are anxious about. You can also play fetch or tug with toys if these are games your pomsky enjoys.
Calming Sounds – Some dogs enjoy listening to calming music, ocean waves or white noise when they are feeling stressed. This can be useful during thunderstorms of fireworks to cover the sound of the sudden bursts that frighten your dog.
Massage – Alleviate your dog’s stress by snuggling with them and giving them a gentle massage around their ears, neck and shoulders. Your dog will read your calm body language and appreciate the tension being released from their muscles.
Create a Safe Space – Create a cozy space where your dog feels safe and can rest. You know your dog best so you can decide where this space is and if you want to put a bed, blanket, or toys in it.
Medication – You might notice that your dog repeatedly becomes stressed during certain situations such as when they go to a boarding facility, visit the veterinarian’s office, or hear thunder or fireworks. If you are concerned about your dog’s level of stress and they seem to have difficulty calming down with other methods, you can talk to your veterinarian about using calming medications to make your dog more comfortable in these tough situations.

Summary

Pomsky dogs can become stressed from a variety of situations and settings. It is important to notice the signs that your dog is stressed, then identify what is causing your dog to feel uncomfortable. There are many options to help alleviate your dog’s stress, so you can choose the option that works best for you and your pomsky dog.