While our furry friends may not be able to speak, they can tell us a lot through their actions. Read on to find out what your dog might be trying to tell you through certain behaviours.

Happy dog, happy behaviour

We all know that happy dogs wag their tails, but what other signs are there that your dog is enjoying life? Put simply, feeling happy for a dog means feeling relaxed.

Happy dogs will have relaxed body language: normal shaped eyes, open mouth, neutrally-positioned ears and that classic wagging tail. A dog will also show you they are happy by bowing to you: a ‘play bow’ is how dogs show other dogs (and you) that they want to play. Your dog’s face and eyes will show that they are happy – it will seem as if they are smiling. They may even let out an excited, happy bark or two.

Angry or fearful dogs show aggression

An angry or fearful dog may start off by showing you they are watching you: stiffening their body, pricking up their ears and looking right at you. They will begin to wrinkle their nose into a snarl and may begin to growl.

Angry dogs may also show their teeth. This is the way they show other dogs that they are ready to fight if necessary. They may take a cowering position low to the ground and put their tail between their legs, or they might stand up, tilt their head backwards and begin to angrily bark. This dog is telling you in very clear terms: stay away from me*.

Worried or scared dogs sometimes yawn

While your dog might yawn because they are tired, yawning can also be a sign of worry in dogs. When combined with a tucked tail, a yawning dog is saying ‘I need space.’

If your dog is avoiding eye contact and has their ears down, this can also  mean they are uncomfortable. They might also raise a front paw.

Anxious dogs

Anxious dogs might show the signs of worry listed above, but very anxious dogs can also develop more serious symptoms, including:

  • Changes in toileting behaviour
  • Pacing or circling
  • Restlessness
  • Changes in play or normal activities
  • Hiding
  • Excessive barking or whining
  • Extreme reaction to being left alone or you leaving the house
  • Destroying things around the home
  • Poor appetite

If you’re concerned about changes in your dog’s mood, help is available

Often the mood of your dog will relate to the circumstances around them and the behaviour related to the mood will pass quickly. If you find your dog is showing signs of worry, anxiety or aggression and a pattern of behaviour is forming, it might be time to speak to your vet.

Supplements, such as Zylkene®, can help calm and relax pets during challenging and difficult situations.

*Zylkene® is not recommended for dogs showing aggression unless recommended by a veterinarian

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