Dogs can perfectly read our mood and emotions, but sometimes we don’t understand simple signs that show if your pet is upset or stressed. According to studies, the domestic dog is a subspecies of the gray wolf, and their behavior has the same roots and common features. When you try to read a dog’s mood, pay attention to many details like their tail, ears, teeth, eyes. Otherwise, you may miss something important!
EveryWhere found 7 signs that you should pay more attention to in order to understand and take care of your pet better.
1. It’s curled up with the ears flat or the tail tucked in.
If you notice this pose, your dog might be trying to get away from a situation. Pay attention especially if you have kids because they might be closer to eye-level with the dog. When they look each other in the eyes, the dog can consider it to be a threat. It’s better to avoid direct eye contact and back off. If a dog feels that there is no way out of the situation, it can growl or even bite.
It is important for parents not to leave a child with a dog or explain to the kid the rules of communication with the pet because, very often, we provoke dogs ourselves without even realizing it. Animal language is different.
2. Tail between the legs
Very often we can see dogs with a tail tucked in between their hind legs. Practically everyone knows, that it means the dog is scared, but it might also be anxious. It is important to behave in a proper way so as not to escalate aggression. Just approach the dog calmly, but be careful. The dog shouldn’t be able to sense that you are worried.
This kind of behavior you can find when the dog is uncomfortable and nervous. It often happens in an unknown environment or with unknown people or other animals. Submissive dogs keep the tail between their legs more often, especially with other dogs.
3. Growling
Growling is an alarm that your dog is saying, "That it is enough!" Every owner should pay attention to it. Your dog is irritated with something and doesn't feel calm.
The second reason dogs growl is to protect their territory.
4. On their back
Normally, when a dog is lying on its back, it means that it feels relaxed and comfortable in front of you. But in some cases, it can mean the opposite.
- Fear. If the dog repeatedly rolls over onto its back, it might have a phobia. It can happen when you start using a vacuum cleaner, for example.
- "Don't touch me." It is normal to expect that your dog doesn't want to be touched when it has a phobia. Avoid touching your pet when it is on its back because of fear. Just walk away and leave the dog alone if you think it is scared.
5. Licking its lips
If your dog is licking its lips and there is no plate with food in front of it, you should be more attentive now. It’s their way of showing fear, stress, or nervousness. They might be accompanied by other signals such as panting or its tail tucked between the legs.
6. Signs that your dog is sad or depressed.
Dogs can also experience depression like people. There are many signs that can tell you that your pet is sad:
- Pacing. They make a repetitive path in a certain area. The dog can begin pacing at the front door, making you think that it wants to go for a walk.
- Sleeping pattern changes. Lethargy is a common sign of depression. An apathetic animal is a sick animal.
- Changes in eating habits. Pay attention if your dog started to eat less or has stopped eating at all.
- Destructive behavior. If your dog suddenly starts to destroy the house and doesn't want to follow your commands, it is upset.
- Paw licking. Dogs are not cats and it is not normal when they keep licking their paws. Check the paws for injuries and if everything is okay, try to divert their attention with a game.
7. Pay attention to the side of tail wagging
Sometimes your dog can tell you more with its tale. When the tail wags more to the right, it means that the pet is happy and likes the person. If the tail wags more to the left, it is opposite. The dog feels stressed and worried.
