Body Language … just what is your dog saying?
by Dr Ash Hargreaves BSc DVM MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)
Do you know when your dog is feeling worried?
Let’s take a look at the signs your dog might show when feeling fearfull, stressed or anxious
Yawning when not sleepy
Licking lips without food
Cowering or backing away
Ignoring or turning away
AND
Fear signs in dogs
Rigid facial features, tight lip- Tense body posture
- Ears back or against body
- Panting
- Whites of eye showing
- Averting eyes
- Won’t eat
- Moving away or hiding
- Hair on back raised
Fiddle behaviours
- Licking lips
- Yawning
- Body shake
- Sniffing
- Mounting
- Jumping
- Pacing
- Putting paw up
- Teeth chattering
- Hypervigilance – very aware of their environment
Signs you dog is calm & relaxed
Relaxed and soft face- Ears relaxed
- No whites of the eyes
- Tongue out
- Relaxed posture
- Relaxed wag of the tail
- Interested in the environment and people around him/her
- Will take treats when offered.
If you are noticing your pet showing signs of stress frequently or at times when you think they shouldn’t be worried, then these may be early signs that your pet is not coping with the situation they are in and may be due to underlying anxiety. Document when you notice these behaviours and do not hesitate to book an appointment to discuss with your vet.