Veterinarians share 11 ways you're stressing out your dog without realizing

• Everyday activities pet owners do may unknowingly cause their dogs stress.

• Wearing sunglasses and hats around your dog can make them feel uneasy.

• Give your dog attention, but staring at them or hugging them too tightly can be stressful.

Wearing sunglasses or hats can stress out your dog.

Veterinarian Gerardo Perez-Camargo, vice president of research and development at Freshpet, told Insider that wearing sunglasses or a hat can actually bother your dog.

"Dogs rely on seeing people's eyes to understand what they're going to do and what they're focusing their attention on," said Perez-Camargo. "Covering your face can make a dog uncertain of what is going on."

Though you may not be able to ditch sunglasses and hats entirely, try lavishing your dog with positive attention while wearing shades to reassure them that everything is OK.

Moving furniture can confuse and worry some dogs.

Veterinarian Mary Gardner, cofounder of veterinary hospice Lap of Love, told Insider that for some dogs, especially older or visually impaired dogs, moving furniture around the house can cause stress.

"Dogs use their memory and smell to get around the house; they have usually built a map of the space in their heads," said Gardner. "Moving furniture around can cause them anxiety because they don't know where things are."

If you have an older dog or a dog that tends to dislike changes in their environment, try moving furniture gradually and one item at a time.

Staring at your dog may make them nervous.

Sara Ochoa, veterinarian and veterinary consultant for DogLab, told Insider that gazing at your beloved pup may actually stress them out.

"Dogs do not like to be constantly watched. Even if you're staring at them because they're acting cute, your dog will likely think that they're doing something wrong," said Ochoa.

Though you should definitely pay plenty of attention to your dog while playing, try not to stare too much while they're lounging on the sofa or curling up in bed.

Tight hugs may be stressful for dogs.

It can be hard to resist locking your dog in a loving embrace, but holding on too tightly can make dogs anxious.

"Dogs like to snuggle, but they don't like to be held very tightly. Feeling as if they cannot get free can be stressful for them," said Ochoa.

When cuddling your dog, make sure to be gentle and leave enough wiggle-room.

Loud music can make dogs uncomfortable.

Veterinarian Jessica Kirk told Insider that loud music or electronics can overwhelm dogs and interfere with their hearing.

"Loud noises can be very unpleasant for dogs' sensitive ears, causing many of them to become stressed and uncomfortable," said Kirk.

Keep the radio volume low when your dog is in the car, and make sure your pet has a quiet place to relax during loud events such as parties or family gatherings.

Pet clothes may look cute, but many dogs don't enjoy playing dress-up.