Tag: body language

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What Is Your Puppy Trying to Tell You?

Just because your puppy can’t speak English, doesn’t mean he or she can’t communicate! There are plenty of ways dogs “talk” to us, from their expressions to their behavior. If you’re a new pet owner, it may be a while before you can accurately read your pup’s body language. But before too long, as your relationship grows, so will your understanding.

It’s important to understand what your dog is trying to “say” for many reasons. After all, your dog might be trying to tell you something critical, like the fact that they’re feeling anxious or scared or sick. Also, strengthening the bond between you and your pup also makes it easier to train out undesired behaviors and teach them new tricks.

Body Language in Dogs: A Breakdown

Some aspects of your puppy’s body language might be obvious, like a frisky play bow or nervous growl. But other signs are a little more subtle.

Here is a head-to-tail breakdown of what your dog’s body language is trying to tell you.

The Ears

Your dog’s ears are for more than hearing! Looking at a dog’s ears is a great way to figure out how they’re feeling. If your dog’s ears are perky, that means they’re alert. This could mean they’re in an extra playful mood, or maybe they’ve recently noticed an unfamiliar neighbor walking in front of your house.

When dogs feel nervous or threatened, their ears will flatten against their head. The flatter the ears, the more scared your dog is feeling. Even though the shape and look of a puppy’s ears differ from breed to breed, pinning their ears back is usually a sign of anxiety, nerves, or anger.

And then there’s the “in-between” stage. If your puppy’s ears are relaxed and flopping around, you can assume your dog is feeling very comfortable.

Image source: Conger Design on Pixabay

The Eyes

We all know it’s hard not to get lost in those puppy dog eyes! But what exactly can you learn from studying your puppy’s eyes? When dogs feel alert or even aggressive, their eyes will grow wider and the pupils might even dilate. If your dog’s eyes are looking squinty, on the other hand, they’re probably feeling happy.

Sometimes, your puppy might even show the whites of their eyes—picture a “side eye” glance. If this happens, your dog is probably feeling very distressed.

In addition to looking at the shape of your puppy’s eyes, you should think about how you approach eye contact too. Just like with most humans, regular eye contact helps build trust. Looking into someone’s eyes when they’re speaking can signify respect and show the speaker you are listening. Don’t overdo it with your dog, though. Your puppy will appreciate some eye contact, but keep in mind that for some dogs, extended eye contact—especially if you’re not drinking—can come off as threatening. This might make your dog feel uneasy or even aggressive.

The Mouth

The most obvious way to learn what your dog is thinking is to listen to their voice. Growling typically signifies aggression or fear. If your dog starts whining, he or she probably wants something—either treats, attention, or a potty break.

And then there’s barking! Determining what your dog’s bark means usually isn’t difficult. Low and loud barks, which usually sound mean, mean your dog is feeling aggressive or threatened. Short, high-pitched barks can be a sign of a frisky or playful mood.

In addition to listening to the noises your puppy makes with their mouth, you can also look at how many teeth are showing. If your dog is casually showing off a few teeth (think of a puppy smile!), they’re probably feeling happy and relaxed. If your dog is baring ALL of their teeth, however, they might be feeling quite threatened.

Image source: angel1238812 on Pixabay

The Back

Have you ever heard someone say that a dog’s hackles are raised? This phrase means the fur on a dog’s back is standing up. This happens when a canine feels particularly scared, stressed, or angry. It’s more noticeable on short-haired dogs, but most dogs show this behavior when they feel uneasy. 

Pay attention if you see your puppy’s hackles raised. That telltale line of fur down their back might be telling you that a stranger is approaching, or that your dog saw an unfamiliar animal in the yard.

The Tail

It’s easy to assume that a wagging tail signifies a happy dog. But did you know this isn’t always the case? Your puppy might also wag their tail if they’re feeling uncomfortable or scared. 

To figure out if what you’re seeing is a nervous or happy wag, look at the speed and direction of your puppy’s tail. If your dog’s tail is moving slowly or pointing toward the ground, your pup probably feels scared. If the tail is perky, moving quickly, and pointing toward the ceiling, that’s usually a sign of a happy or playful mood.

Look at the Whole Picture

Of course, you can’t just look at one individual body part and assume you know exactly what your puppy is thinking. To really understand what kind of mood they’re in, put all of the individual cues together and consider the environment your dog is in. Are they at home or somewhere new? Are there new people or animals around?

By taking into consideration your dog’s body language and all of the surrounding context clues, it will be easy to determine when your dog needs something from you.

What could be causing your dog to feel uneasy? In social situations, such as walking in a public park, your dog might feel put off by the behavior of other people or animals. Your puppy might also try to tell you when they’re feeling sick or uncomfortable. Common ailments in puppies, from flea bites to heartworm disease, usually result in unusual behaviors or side effects that pet owners may pick up on.

The more you pay attention, the better equipped you’ll be to help your puppy stay safe, happy, and healthy.

Image source: Jarmoluk on Pixabay

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5 signs your dog is a happy pup!

Image Credits: https://www.thedailytail.com/signs-your-dog-is-happy/

Keeping your furbaby happy and healthy is every pawrent’s biggest responsibility when it comes to pet ownership, and there’s no better feeling than knowing that your pet is in the pink of health!

With that, here are some signs for you to take note in case you want to know whether they’re jumping for joy! 

Sign 1: They roll on their backs

To garner love and affection from you, happy dogs will roll on their back and expose their belly to you. Not only does this mean that they absolutely adore you, it also means that they trust you enough to make themselves vulnerable in front of you!

Sign 2: They will initiate physical contact

When dogs are happy, they will initiate more physical contact such as coming to you for rubs and pets or pawing at you. This is their way of expressing their happiness and their desire to be with you! 

Sometimes, your dog might not want to be touched. This could be due to a multitude of reasons so be sure to do your research if that ever happens!

Sign 3: Zoomies!

Zoomies are short bursts of energy that dogs just can’t control! If you’re dog is in the pink of health or are extremely happy, you can often see them doing zoomies up and down your hallway, or at the parks when you bring them.

Over time though, your dog will grow out of zoomies, so make sure to capture the moments they do so you can treasure them next time!

Sign 4: LOTS and lots of sleep!

On average, a happy and healthy dog sleeps for around 16 hours a DAY! So if you notice your dog sleeping a lot, don’t worry it’s perfectly normal. If your dog is older or is a senior dog, they could require even more sleep too!

However, if you notice that your dogs sleeping pattern is distorted, or if they’re lethargic or unable to eat after their sleep time, then it might be time to start paying more attention to it. While it might not be severe, taking note of your pups sleep routine helps to make sure you nip any possible problems in the bud.

Sign 5: Soft eyes 

Their eyes will tell! When a dog has eyes that are soft and relaxed, and a body that isn’t tense, it means that they’re in a state of calmness and happiness. They also tend to blink often!

Look out for “whale eyes”, which is when the whites of a dog’s eyes can be seen, or if their body seems tense or on edge. If they show signs of whale eyes or are tense, it means that they could possibly be worried or stressed.

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Old Cat Behavior and Senility

senior cat
beautiful cat laying in the shadow. Summer cat

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets by Amy Shojai, CABC. Refer to the original article here.

Understanding and Preventing Feline Cognitive Disorder in the Senior Cat

Old cat behavior can be due to senility, technically called Feline Cognitive Dysfunction. Signs of kitty senility can be vague and confusing, and mimic other disease or behavior conditions such as feline separation anxiety or petting aggression. These kitties, usually over the age of fifteen, often develop litter box problems.

In the past, these symptoms would have been brushed off as a normal part of aging, but feline cognitive dysfunction is a medical condition. Cats with cognitive dysfunction develop a starch-like waxy protein deposit (beta amyloid) in the brain. This affects pet cats in the same way that Alzheimer’s disease affects people.

Affected pets typically seem to forget how to do normal activities. Look for:

Disorientation

  • Wanders aimlessly
  • Acts lost and confused
  • Doesn’t recognize familiar people or places
  • Gets “stuck” in corners
  • Becomes lost in the house

Interaction Changes

  • No longer greets family members
  • Avoids or dislikes petting
  • Loses interest in getting attention
  • Interaction changes with other pets

Sleep Changes

  • Awake and active at night
  • Sleep cycles are disrupted or reversed

House Soiling

  • Litter box training is forgotten
  • Can’t find the litter box
  • Doesn’t know what to do once in the box

Anxiety, Fear, or Compulsive Behaviors

  • Suffers tremors
  • Yowls and cries for no discernible reason
  • Repetitive pacing
  • Licks the floor or objects

Treating Old Cat Senility

Sadly, cognitive dysfunction in our pets can’t be cured. Some cats can be helped, at least temporarily, with drug therapy. The drug selegiline hydrochloride (brand name Anipryl) is FDA-approved to treat cognitive dysfunction in dogs. Veterinary behaviorists Dr. Benjamin Hart, Dr. Kelly Moffat, Dr. Gary Landsberg, and others researched feline cognitive dysfunction and found that Anipryl also helped some cats suffering from feline senility.

About a third of cats don’t benefit from the drug, but another third do show modest improvement in behavior problems. For instance, the cat may be able to remember how to find the food bowl, and stop yowling.

For that final 30 percent of cats suffering from senility, the drug actually turns back the clock and dramatically reverses the symptoms. The cat’s appetite returns to normal, litter box mistakes resolve, and the cat once again recognizes their beloved owners.

The improvement won’t last forever. Eventually, the drug will stop being effective and the cat will again develop kitty senility behavior signs. The added weeks, months, or maybe a year, though, offers owners great comfort and helps them come to terms with the eventual painful loss.

Preventing Old Cat Senility

Some folks who have never lived with a special cat might say, “Fifteen years is a good age,” but the rest of us know that it’s never long enough. The old saying, “use it or lose it” applies equally to pet brains. Studies of cognitive function in dogs proved that problem-solving activities like trick training and puzzle toys kept them sharp, connected to the world around them, and even extended their lifespan.

Researchers also agree that mental stimulation drastically improves the cognitive function of aging cats. Keep your cat both physically active and mentally engaged throughout their lives to keep their brain young. That can slow or even prevent the progression of aging changes. Here are some things you can do to keep your aging cat both physically and mentally fit:

  • Offer brain-stimulating entertainment. Place bird feeders and birdbaths outside windows for viewing pleasure. Provide cat trees with lots of hiding spots for kitty lounging, climbing, and exploring.
  • Teach your cat to walk on a leash.
  • Bribe food-motivated cats with tasty treats to learn tricks; for instance, call “Fluffy come!” then turn on the can opener, and when the cat runs to you, reward them with a treat.
  • Offer puzzle toys that reward the cat’s interest by dispensing treats. This can mimic feline hunting behaviors and keep the cat entertained and mentally sharp.
  • Rather than offering one big bowl of food, try hiding saucers of small amounts all over the house. Provide them with different levels so the cat must hunt for the food.

We can’t know how long our special kitties will be with us. Once they reach senior years, and the time grows short, their companionship becomes even more precious. Providing for your cats’ mental health as well as physical well-being helps keep them connected with life—and us—for as long as possible during their golden years.

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Why Do Cats Knead?

cat
cute kitty sitting by the window, behind the curtain

Article originally published on dodowell. Refer to the original article here.

The reason is pretty adorable ❤️

So you’re lying there on the couch scrolling through Netflix when your cat saunters over with that adorable purr and you know exactly what’s coming — she’s about to stretch out her front legs and press back and forth into your belly with her paws.

It’s cute as all heck — even if it does hurt a little.

You’ve probably also seen her doing it time and time again — whether it’s on you, the couch, her blanket or maybe even her furry siblings.

But what exactly is she doing — and why?

The Dodo spoke to Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian at Animal Acupuncture in New York City, to find out.

Typically called “kneading,” you might have other names for this adorable (and slightly painful) practice — like “making biscuits,” “making bread” or “making muffins” — basically making any sort of delicious and carby treat. The reason they do it is also adorable.

“Kittens knead on their mothers while nursing,” Dr. Barrack said. “Many cats carry this behavior into adulthood and may knead their owners, other furry siblings or bedding.”

But why do kittens knead on their mothers while nursing? It’s pretty genius, actually — kittens are trying to get more milk out, so they massage their mama’s teats in order to help the lactation process along.

That’s why you’ll notice kittens purring while they’re nursing — they’re happy and getting full, which is also why you might find your cat purring while kneading you. 

According to Dr. Barrack, cats are soothed by kneading, and can even enter “a trancelike state.”

Other theories on why cats knead

Similar to the theory about how dogs dig in their beds as a natural denning instinct, it’s believed that cats also might have used kneading in the wild to help soften dirt or pat down leaves for comfy sleeping quarters.

Another theory is that your cat might also be using kneading as just another way to mark you up with her scent (her paws have scent glands) — which technically is also adorbs because it means she loves you and wants everybody to know you’re hers.

“If you do have a cat who kneads their bedding, or better yet you, it’s because they’re feeling very loved and comfortable,” Katie Armour, project coordinator at MSPCA Boston Adoption Center, told The Dodo. “You should absolutely take this as a compliment!”

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7 Signs That Your Cat Is in Pain

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Tabitha Kucera RVT, CCBC, KPA-CTP. Refer to the original article here.

It can be difficult to tell if your cat is in pain for many reasons. Cat owners may often miss the subtle signs of pain in their cats or do not notice until their cats are showing more obvious signs, such as loss of appetite and lethargy. In some cases, cats only show more obvious symptoms after being ill for an extended period of time or if they are very ill. By the time you actually notice something is wrong with your cat, it might have been going on for longer than you think.

Although no one likes to think about their pets living with pain, it is important to be able to notice telltale signs of pain in cats, so that you can take the necessary steps to provide comfort and prevent medical issues from worsening.

It Can Be Difficult to Tell If a Cat Is in Pain

Cats are experts at hiding illness. This is in part because cats are both prey and predator animals, and in the wild, not showing pain can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Showing signs of pain makes them more vulnerable to attacks.

It can also be difficult for your veterinarian to notice signs of pain because of cats hiding their pain due to fear and stress, which is common during veterinary visits. Your cat may also go into fight or flight mode, which can cause a decrease in pain perception.

Signs of Pain

When cats are dealing with pain, similar to humans, it can affect their behavior. In fact, cats often show behavioral changes prior to physical symptoms.

It is important for you to know your cat’s normal temperament and behavior. This includes your cat’s normal attitude, energy level, gait, appetite, sleep patterns, thirst, and other physical and behavior patterns. Just the slightest change could be a sign that your cat is sick or in pain. Since your cat cannot tell you it’s in pain, your veterinarian relies on you to determine if there are any abnormal behavior patterns that may be pain-related. If your cat is just not acting like itself, this can be a sign that they are experiencing pain.

Note: Changes in your cats’ daily habits should not always be contributed to aging. Age is not a disease, but as your cat ages, they are more likely to be suffering from pain.

Grooming Changes

You may notice that your cat is not grooming itself or if it does groom itself, it only focuses on its face and the front of its body. Cats are meticulous cleaners, so be aware of your cat’s grooming habits have changed or you notice that its coat is unkempt.

Behavioral Changes

Your cat may be more withdrawn and even start hiding. Our cats are bonded to us and like to be engaged and present where we are. When your cat is suddenly not greeting you at the door, not sleeping with you, and other engaging behaviors that are normal, this may be a sign that something’s wrong.

Less Activity and Low Energy

You may notice that your cat has less energy or decreased stamina to engage in previously enjoyable activities, such as playing with toys or chasing that red dot. Your cat may be reluctant to jump, walk up and down stairs, have difficulty getting up from laying down, exhibit restlessness, and have difficulty finding a comfortable place to rest. You may also notice changes in sleeping patterns—the cat may sleep more or less and may sleep in unusual positions and places.

Litter Box Changes

Cats commonly will miss the litter boxes due to the pain associated with going in and out of the litter box, as well as difficulty squatting. Holding the squatting position can be very difficult for a cat with sore hips or knees. Other medical issues can cause cats to not use the litter box due to pain and urgency associated with them.

Increased Irritability

Cats in pain can also uncharacteristically have episodes of aggression. A cat may begin to growl or hiss when people or other pets in the household approach it, may not be comfortable with being held and may resent being brushed or combed. They may bite or scratch, too, especially when a person touches or moves the painful area or if the cat anticipates you doing it.

Changes in Appetite and Water Intake

Cats who are experiencing pain may lose interest in eating and drinking. If you notice any changes in your cat’s eating and drinking habits, be sure to alert your veterinarian. This can be a sign of pain and various other serious medical issues.

Posture

A cat in a lot of pain will appear as if it’s trying to curl up into a ball or will sit hunched over in a guarded, crouched position with its back curved higher than normal, its head lowered, and front paws often folded under it. You may notice that once it lays down, the cat keeps its legs tucked up underneath itself instead of stretching out on its side. It may avoid or have difficulty engaging in scratching behaviors.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Cat Is in Pain

Do not give pain medications designed for humans or dogs to cats. Cats process drugs very differently from other species. Common pain medications used in humans can cause death in cats. Always seek veterinary care and consult your veterinarian for an appropriate pain therapy plan. Consult your veterinarian and address potential pain rather than letting your cat suffer in silence. Our cat companions rely on us to speak for them, so monitor your cats closely and alert the veterinarian to any concerns.

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Facts about Cat’s Tail and What are they trying to tell you?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B64u5tWJ5uS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
  1. Your cat’s tail helps them to balance. It helps to serve like a “balancing stick” when walking on narrow spaces such as fences or shelves. And the Tail also aids in balancing when a cat is running after or jumping on prey!
  2. Even though cats uses their tails for balancing; they can live without tails too. If a cat’s tail needs to be amputated due to injuries, or born without a tail, their adaptiveness will soon learn to compensate for the loss of their tails. 
  3. Tail injuries can cause permanent damages. Cat’s tails have many nerves that can affect the tails muscles as well as their control of urination and defecation. And pulling on their tails can cause nerve damages; and even though some may heal over time, but it can often be permanent. So never pull on a cat’s tail!
  4. Cat uses their tail to communicate. Their tail is a great indicator of your cat’s mood! 
Credit: Taste of the Wild
Cats are notoriously hard to read. But since they use their tail as a form of communication, that will give you an idea of your cat’s current mood and what might happen next!

HIGH TAIL

  • A high tail means that your cat is feeling confident and happy; that also means that have a friendly intention and if their tail is quivering a little, it means that your cat is very excited to see you! 

LOW TAIL

  • A low tail means your cats tail is straight down, this can be a sign of unease or fear. BUT, some cat breeds can naturally be carrying their tails lower than other. Do not be alarmed!

TUCKED

  • This is very similar to ‘Low tail’. If your cat’s tail is tucked underneath their body, they are feeling fearful or anxious.

QUESTION MARK

  • This is often a greeting sign when they see someone they know and they like! Sociable cats tend to do this with anyone they meet. Usually this “Question mark” will appear when they are approaching you.

PUFFED UP TAIL

  • Oh, that means they are pissed. Usually feel threatened, they may become aggressive if pushed. Cats do that to make themselves “look bigger”. Their tail is high and puffed up, along with the base of their tail and along the spine. They will instinctively do this when they are startled by something potentially scary.

TAIL WHIP

  • That means they are pissed too. Its squally a rapid motion back and forth showing that they are emotionally stimulated and potentially get angry and aggressive. Cats often to that when they have a disagreement with each other. Usually accompanied by yowling. Cute but feisty.

TAIL TWITCHING

  • If they twitched their tail, usually means they are experiencing some sort of conflict or feeling agitated. If you’re stroking them and that happens, its recommended to stop what you’re doing; as that might be an early sign to tell you that they begin not to enjoy it. Or sometimes when they wanna do something but they can’t – for example standing in front of a closed door, wants to go out but it won’t open. Or a ball that they are chasing rolled underneath the sofa and they couldn’t get it out.

SWISHING TAIL

  • Hunting mode!! Usually happens while playing (Jumping on a toy or hunting). Its recognisable by the slow swaying from left to ride.
Lokie says Bye!