Dogs are commonly chosen as pets by animal lovers. Dogs are renowned for their unwavering loyalty to their owners. As animal enthusiasts, it’s important for us to also understand the body language of dogs. This body language conveys their emotions, including anger, illness, stress, happiness, and sadness. By comprehending this body language, animal lovers can better care for their dogs according to their needs.
Table of Contents
Here is information about 9 dog body language cues that every animal lover should be aware of:
1. Wagging Tail Left and Right
A dog’s tail serves as a barometer of its feelings and condition. Regardless of the situation, whether it’s difficult or joyful, the tail can reveal a lot. For instance, when visiting a friend’s house and being greeted by a dog, pay attention to the tail’s movements. If it’s wagging from side to side, it indicates that the dog is happy.
2. Tail Erect and Still
A dog with its tail held upright and motionless signifies that the dog is tense, angry, sensitive, or in some other potentially dangerous state. So, if a dog owner observes their dog in this condition, it’s advisable to be cautious.
3. Tail Downward
A dog with its tail hanging down, even somewhat between its hind legs, is a sign that the dog is afraid, stressed, or unwell. Dog owners should promptly provide care, treatment, and comfort to the dog in this condition.
4. Dog’s Ears
A dog’s ears serve as both auditory tools and a means of signaling. When the ears are erect, it indicates that the dog is alert to something. If the ears move forward, it signifies a potential threat. If the dog’s ears are up, it indicates happiness. Finally, if the ears move left and right, the dog is on the hunt.
5. Facial Expression and Dog’s Expression
A dog’s mood can be seen through its facial expressions. A relaxed expression, anxious look, alertness, and anger can all be seen on a dog’s face. When relaxed, the dog’s expression is flat, its gaze on something is normal, and its ears are upright but not tense.
When anxious, a dog’s facial expression changes with a sharp gaze and its eyeballs shift upward as if focusing on one thing. When angry, the dog’s ears stand up stiffly, its eyes widen with focused attention on one object.
In a vigilant or frightened state, a dog’s facial expression and demeanor will be lowered, its tail will stiffly curve, its gaze sharpens, and its ears flatten.
Read Also: Cat Tail Movement Meanings: What Your Cat’s Tail Is Telling You
6. Lips
If a dog’s lips are pulled back, revealing its teeth and jaw, accompanied by growling sounds, then caution is needed because this indicates the dog is angry.
If a dog’s lips start to part, it indicates there’s something it doesn’t like. Don’t mistake open lips for a smile; it’s important to realize that dogs can’t smile like humans.
7. Walking Patterns
Similar to humans, we can gauge a dog’s feelings by observing how it walks. Both of these can show a dog’s emotional state. A dog walking straight indicates slight aggression. A dog walking in a meandering pattern suggests that the dog is feeling friendly.
8. Barking
We can interpret a dog’s feelings through its barking. If a dog barks continuously for a long time, it suggests the dog is feeling lonely.
9. Stress
If a dog is stressed, it will also behave differently. This might include whining, growling, and specific body language. The causes of stress in dogs can be diverse, such as moving to a new home, being separated from siblings when adopted, riding in a vehicle, or hearing loud noises.
That’s the information about 9 dog body language cues that are essential for animal lovers to know. We hope this is helpful.
