From rushing to greet us at the door to snuggling up with us on the sofa, there are many ways that dogs show us their love and affection. But how can we tell if they feel the same joy?
Dogs, like humans, can experience a range of emotions, including sadness and depression. By understanding their body language and behaviour, we can strengthen the bond with our four-legged companions and recognise the signs of emotional distress early, ensuring they get the support they need.
A cold, wet nose is generally a sign of a healthy, hydrated dog, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate good mental health.
As your dog’s nose can vary in moisture depending on factors such as the weather, hydration or even sleep, it’s better to focus on their overall behaviour and body language if you’re looking for clues on their emotional state.
When we think of a happy dog, an excited tail often comes to mind, and it’s easy to assume that a wagging tail equals a joyful pup. But this isn’t always the case.
The position, speed and motion of the wag are important factors to monitor. While a loose, gently wagging tail held at mid-height is often a sign of contentment, a stiff or high wag could indicate fear or tension.
Zoomies – the random bursts of energy where your dog sprints around in circles or zig zags at full speed – are a sure sign of a happy, excited pup.
Known more formally as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), these high-octane moments are simply your dog’s way of letting loose and expressing their delight.
When dogs are feeling low, they can show signs that are strikingly similar to us – pulling away from social interactions or losing interest in their usual activities. Recognising these signs can help you determine if your dog is experiencing stress, anxiety, or, in some cases, depression.
If your dog is hiding away more often than usual, it could be a sign they’re avoiding social contact because they’re feeling unwell or anxious. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour, such as a lack of interest in food or treats – this could be another indication they’re not in the best headspace.
Body language is another important clue. A tense posture, a tail tucked tightly under their body, flattened ears or lip-licking are all subtle signs that your dog is no longer relaxed. Some dogs may also groom excessively in one spot as a way to self-soothe.
If your dog’s fear escalates, their behaviour may become more obvious, showing up as restless pacing or even uncharacteristic aggression. If you’re concerned, and you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat through your My Petplan account for personalised behavioural advice.
If your dog’s behaviour has suddenly changed or they’re showing signs of discomfort, it’s time to speak to your vet. Underlying health issues can often impact dogs’ moods, so a quick check-up can help to determine the root cause of their melancholy.
In some cases, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medications (such as fluoxetine) to help control your dog’s anxiety or depression symptoms. However, this should ideally be explored as a last resort, as often behaviour modification or other alternative approaches are far kinder to your dog’s wellbeing.
A qualified vet can talk you through all treatment options and provide all the guidance your dog needs to get back to their happy, waggy-tailed self.
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