Pets are wonderful companions, but they don’t speak our language. So how can we tell what they are feeling and thinking? By paying attention to their body language, we can learn to read their signals and communicate better with them. Pets use their whole body to express themselves, from their eyes, ears, mouth, tail, posture, and more. Here are some tips on how to interpret some common pet body language cues.

Dogs

Dogs have rich and complex body language that can convey their emotions and intentions. Here are some examples of what different parts of a dog’s body can mean:

• Tail: A dog’s tail can indicate its level of arousal, mood, and direction of attention. A relaxed dog may wag their tail slowly from side to side, or even spin it in a circle like a helicopter. A fast, twitchy wag may indicate excitement, frustration, or aggression. A tail wagging more to the right may mean positive feelings, while a tail wagging more to the left may mean negative feelings. The position of the tail is also important: a low or tucked tail may signal fear or submission, while a high or stiff tail may signal confidence or dominance.
• Hackles: The hackles are the hairs along a dog’s back that can stand up when they are aroused. This is not necessarily a sign of aggression, but rather a sign of excitement or interest. It can also be a response to cold or fear. Think of it as similar to goosebumps for humans.
• Posture: A dog’s posture can indicate its attitude and readiness for action. A hunched or cowering dog may be feeling fearful or stressed, and trying to look smaller and less threatening. A dog that rolls over on its back and shows its belly may be showing submission or appeasement, or asking for attention and affection. A dog that leans forward or stands tall may be showing interest or assertiveness, or preparing to chase or confront something. A dog that raises its paw may be signaling towards prey or something they want, or expressing uncertainty or insecurity.
• Facial expressions: A dog’s facial expressions can reveal a lot about its mood and state of mind. A relaxed dog may have soft eyes, relaxed ears, and a slightly open mouth. An alert dog may have wide eyes, pricked ears, and a closed mouth. A fearful dog may have dilated pupils, flattened ears, and a tense mouth. An aggressive dog may have narrowed eyes, pinned-back ears, and a snarling mouth.

Cats

Cats also have sophisticated body language that can help us understand their feelings and needs. Here are some examples of what different parts of a cat’s body can mean:

• Tail: A cat’s tail can indicate its mood and intention. A relaxed cat may hold their tail loosely behind them or curl it around their body. An interested cat may hold their tail upright with a slight curve at the tip. An excited cat may twitch their tail rapidly from side to side. A fearful cat may tuck their tail under their body or fluff it up like a bottle brush. An angry cat may lash their tail violently back and forth.
• Ears: A cat’s ears can indicate its level of attention and emotion. A relaxed cat may have their ears pointing slightly forward or sideways. An alert cat may have their ears pointing straight up and facing forward. A curious cat may have their ears swiveling in different directions to catch sounds. A fearful cat may have their ears flattened against their head or pointing sideways. An aggressive cat may have their ears turned back or sideways with the openings facing forward.
• Posture: A cat’s posture can indicate its confidence and readiness for action. A relaxed cat may lie down on their side or curl up into a ball. An interested cat may sit up with their front paws tucked under them. An excited cat may crouch low with their hind legs coiled for a pounce. A fearful cat may arch their back and raise their fur to look bigger and more intimidating. An angry cat may stand sideways with their legs stiff and their fur bristled.
• Facial expressions: A cat’s facial expressions can reveal a lot about its mood and state of mind. A relaxed cat may have half-closed eyes, relaxed whiskers, and a slightly open mouth. An alert cat may have wide eyes, forward whiskers, and a closed mouth. A fearful cat may have dilated pupils, flattened whiskers, and a tense mouth. An aggressive cat may have narrowed eyes, bristled whiskers, and a hissing mouth.

Conclusion

Pets use body language to communicate with us and with other animals. By learning to read their signals, we can improve our relationship with them and provide them with better care and comfort. Pets also respond to our body language, so we should be mindful of how we present ourselves to them. By being respectful, attentive, and consistent, we can foster trust and understanding with our furry friends.