Which of the following are signs of stress?

• A. Tail wagging, playful run.
• B. Panting, pacing, barking, yawning, excessive shedding.
• C. Quiet rest, no movement.
• D. Sneezing.

Answer: (B)

Signs of stress in dogs show up as a mix of body signals and outward behaviors that indicate arousal and coping efforts. The set that fits best includes panting, pacing, barking, yawning, and excessive shedding. Panting can spike when a dog is anxious or stressed, not just from heat or exercise. Pacing reflects restlessness and a drive to move away from an uncomfortable situation. Barking can become more frequent as a protective or anxious vocal cue. Yawning isn’t only about tiredness; it’s often a calming signal used when a dog is stressed or overwhelmed. Excessive shedding can occur with chronic stress due to hormonal and autonomic changes. Together, these signs point to an elevated stress state rather than simple happiness or calm.

Choices like tail wagging with a playful run are more typical of positive excitement, not stress. Quiet rest with no movement might suggest relaxation, fatigue, or illness rather than stress, and sneezing is usually a health or environmental issue rather than a behavioral stress cue.