How Pets Communicate Stress Without Making a Sound

Yawning is one of the most well-documented calming signals in dogs, first described by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas. When a dog yawns repeatedly in a situation that isn't sleep-related — during a training session, at the vet, or when a stranger approaches — it's often a sign of low-grade stress or an attempt to de-escalate tension.

Cats also yawn when stressed, though it can be harder to separate from genuine sleepiness. Look for clusters of yawning paired with other signals like flattened ears or a tucked body for a clearer read.

A quick flick of the tongue across the nose or lips — sometimes called a tongue flick — is another recognized calming signal in dogs. It happens fast and is easy to miss in photos or video. Watch for it when your dog is in close proximity to an unfamiliar person or animal, or during handling they find uncomfortable.

In cats, repeated licking of the nose or mouth area, outside of normal grooming, can indicate nausea or anxiety. Both species may also lick their lips when anticipating food, so again, context determines meaning.

Whale eye refers to the visible crescent of white sclera (the white part of the eye) seen when a dog turns its head away but keeps its eyes fixed on a stimulus. It signals that the dog feels threatened or uncomfortable and is monitoring a situation without wanting to engage directly.

This is a signal that should never be ignored — it often precedes a snap or bite if the perceived threat continues. It's commonly misread by owners as the dog simply looking sideways.

Cats are particularly prone to hiding when stressed, and it's a behavior that's easy to write off as their natural preference for solitude. But a cat that suddenly retreats under a bed, into a closet, or behind furniture — especially during changes like a new pet, a move, or visitors — is actively seeking safety from perceived threat.

Dogs may also withdraw, pressing against walls, hiding under furniture, or refusing to enter certain rooms. These retreat behaviors are the animal's way of creating distance from whatever is overwhelming them.

Grooming is normal — but grooming that appears at unusual times or in unusual amounts is a stress indicator. Cats under chronic stress may over-groom to the point of creating bald patches, a condition sometimes called psychogenic alopecia. Dogs may lick their paws or flanks repetitively under similar circumstances.

Scratching at the face, neck, or ears without an obvious cause (like allergies or parasites) can also signal anxiety. If this behavior is new or worsening, it warrants a veterinary visit to rule out underlying physical causes before assuming a behavioral one.

Pupil dilation is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and reflects physiological arousal. In cats, pupils that are wide open in a well-lit, calm environment may indicate fear or stress rather than low light. In dogs, the effect is subtler but still observable alongside other signals.

This is particularly useful to notice in cats, whose pupils are highly expressive. A cat with slit pupils in bright light is generally relaxed; wide, round pupils in the same setting suggest heightened arousal, which may be excitement or anxiety depending on the full context. For more on feline body language, see our breakdown of what common cat behaviors actually signal.

In animal communication, direct eye contact can be perceived as a challenge or threat. When a dog or cat deliberately looks away, turns their head, or orients their body away from a person or animal, they may be signaling discomfort and attempting to avoid confrontation.

This is frequently misread as aloofness or disobedience. In training contexts especially, a dog that looks away when asked to perform a task may not be defiant — they may be stressed by the pressure or environment. Reducing intensity and giving the animal a moment to decompress often resolves the apparent non-compliance.