Do you really understand your dog?A must-read for pet owners: Decoding your dog’s body language!

Dogs have rich body languages, and different gestures convey different meanings. Here are common canine body movements and their interpretations, helping you communicate better with your furry friend.

Signs of stress

• Yawning: “Please stop talking!”
• Licking nose: “So nervous, so scared…”
• Sniffing the ground: Pretending to “look for something” to hide anxiety.
• Scratching behind ears: “I’m embarrassed!” (like blushing)
• Squinting/blinking: “Too much pressure, please stop.”
• Turning body/face away: “No offense intended.”
• Shaking body vigorously: “That scared me! Feels better now.”

Signs of affection

• Putting front paws on owner’s legs: “Pay attention to me, please?”
• Licking all over: “I love you so much!”
• Bowing with front legs down, butt up: “Play with me!”
• Standing up to hug legs: “Pick me up!”
• Lying on back: “I’m ready—pet me!”
• Wagging tail happily: “So excited!”
• Showing a “sweet smile”: Feeling content.

Signs of alertness

• Stiff body, upright ears: “Something’s wrong—observing carefully.”
• Standing still with continuous barking: “Confirming danger—issuing a warning.”
• Closed mouth, holding breath: “Feeling pressured—preparing to defend.”
• Baring teeth, tail upright: “Deliberately provoking—ready to attack.”

Signs of illness

• Rubbing butt on the ground: Time to express anal glands.
• Frequent licking of genitals: Urinary tract infection.
• Constantly licking legs/paws: Sign of depression or cracked paw pads.
• Rapid breathing: Respiratory or lung issues.
• Runny nose/sneezing: Cold or fever.
• Loss of appetite: Oral or intestinal problems.
• Chasing tail in circles: Internal parasites.
• Excessive scratching: Skin diseases.
• Frequent vomiting: Overeating or intestinal disorders.

Owning a dog is a responsibility. Understanding their language makes pet-keeping easier!
What body language does your dog show daily? Share them in the comments!