How Stress Affects Shelter Dogs — and How You Can Help

How Stress Affects Shelter Dogs — and How You Can Help

Shelters are meant to be safe havens, but for dogs already shaken by trauma, the shelter environment itself can be overwhelming. The barking. The unfamiliar routines. The endless uncertainty.

At All Paws on Deck, we believe rescue is more than just a second chance—it’s a process of physical and emotional healing. And understanding how stress affects shelter dogs is critical to helping them thrive.

The Biological Cost of Stress in Dogs

Stress in dogs—just like in humans—triggers a physiological fight-or-flight response. The adrenal glands release cortisol, a hormone that helps the body respond to threats. In short bursts, cortisol is helpful. But chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, and that’s where the damage begins.

According to a 2014 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, shelter dogs experience measurable increases in cortisol levels even after just one day of intake, with levels remaining elevated for weeks in many cases (Hennessy et al., 2014).

Chronic Stress Weakens Health

When cortisol levels remain high over time, the immune system is suppressed. This makes dogs:

• More prone to infection (respiratory illness, skin issues)

• Slower to heal from wounds or surgery

• More reactive or anxious, even after adoption

• At greater risk for gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or inflammatory bowel disease

Shelter dogs are also more likely to experience dehydration, sleep disruption, and appetite changes, all of which contribute to a weakened recovery state.

Recognizing Stress in Shelter Dogs

Stress in dogs doesn't always look like what you might expect. According to the ASPCA, common signs include:

• Excessive licking, yawning, or drooling

• Panting in the absence of heat or exertion

• Repetitive behaviors (pacing, spinning, tail chasing)

• Lack of interest in food or treats

• Hypervigilance or freezing

• Increased vocalization (whining or barking)

Some dogs shut down completely. Others react with aggression. These are not signs of “bad behavior”—they are signs of a dog in distress.

Shelter Stress and Length of Stay

In a 2018 study published in Physiology & Behavior, researchers found that dogs who remained in shelters longer than 10 days had a significant increase in stress-related behaviors and cortisol levels compared to those adopted earlier (Gourkow et al., 2018).

This data supports what rescue professionals already know: reducing time in the shelter and improving enrichment leads to healthier, more adoptable dogs.

What Enrichment Can Do

Shelters that incorporate daily enrichment programs—such as calming music, scent therapy, social time, and food puzzles—see dramatic results. A 2020 study in Animals (open access) concluded that olfactory enrichment, including the use of lavender and chamomile, reduced stress indicators in shelter dogs (Amaya et al., 2020).

Even short periods outside the kennel—as little as 15 minutes of walking or sitting with a calm person—can lower heart rate and stress hormone levels.

How You Can Help

You don’t have to run a shelter to make a difference. Here’s how you can help dogs recover from stress—at home or from afar:

• 🐾 Donate Calming Tools

  Items like snuffle mats, KONG toys, and fleece blankets provide comfort and mental stimulation. Many shelters rely on donations for these essentials.

• 🐾 Be Patient with New Dogs

  Whether you’re adopting or fostering, understand the “Decompression Period”—usually 2–3 weeks. During this time, keep introductions slow, routines predictable, and expectations low. Let them come to you.

• 🐾 Support Shelter Enrichment Programs

  Even small donations can go directly to programs that provide music, aromatherapy, or behavioral enrichment for stressed dogs.

• 🐾 Use Gentle Products for Bathing

  Skin irritation can worsen anxiety. That’s why All Paws on Deck donates hypoallergenic, skin-safe dog shampoo to shelters. Every bottle helps a dog in need experience comfort in their most vulnerable state.

• 🐾 Advocate for Calm Spaces

  Encourage local shelters to create quiet zones or “real-life rooms” where dogs can rest away from noise and traffic.

Why It Matters

Behind every “happy adoption” photo is often a dog who spent weeks or months living in a high-stress environment. By understanding and addressing shelter stress, we help dogs transition from survival to trust—and ultimately, to love. At All Paws on Deck, this is our mission.

All Paws on Deck is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more about how your support brings peace and comfort to shelter dogs at pawsondeck.org.