Any doting dog owner will want to do everything they can to make sure their beloved pet is happy and healthy - but unfortunately, they can't tell us when something is wrong.
It's therefore important that every owner gets to know the tell-tale signs in their dog's behaviour, as while our four-legged friends can't let us know in our language when they're feeling stressed or in pain, they have their own ways of showing us that something isn't right. Animal behaviourist Anna Webb says pet owners often miss the subtle signs that indicate their pooch is uncomfortable - but they are easy to learn.
The expert explained: "Dogs are masters at trying to disguise pain, so it's about observing your pet and getting to know them overtime to recognise when they are trying to tell you something in dog language." From changes in behaviour to body language and facial expressions, there are several things that owners can look out for, The Mirror reports.
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Yawning
Just like people, dogs can yawn when they're tired or bored - but the context of your dog's yawn is important to consider, particularly if they seem to be yawning excessively or in particular situations. Often, yawning can be your pooch's way of saying in their own language that they are uncomfortable.
Dogs sometimes use yawning as a way of regulating their stress levels, and this may be accompanied by pinned-back ears, a tucked tail, drooling or heavy panting. If you spot your pet yawning while out on a walk, for example, it could be an indication they feel overwhelmed, in pain or anxious.
Chewing and licking paws
Occasional paw licking is normal for dogs as a part of their self-grooming process, especially when they come inside after a walk. But if your dog is compulsively chewing and licking their paws, this may have been triggered by stress or anxiety.
Dogs may chew or lick their paws when they are experiencing discomfort from skin problems, which can be triggered by their environment or certain foods. Obsessive licking and chewing could also be a sign of a nagging aching pain from arthritis, or they may have small grazes on their paw pads that are sore.
Facial expressions
Just like us, dogs have tell-tale signs in their faces and bodies to let you know that something isn't right. A dog who is uncomfortable or stressed out by the situation at hand may turn their head away from you and refuse to hold your gaze.
If your dog licks their lips a lot away from meal times, pants suddenly when it's not hot or trembles when it isn't cold, it could be a sign that they're anxious or in pain. More obvious indications in your dog's body language that they are feeling angry or scared include flattening their ears against their head, wrinkling their nose and baring their teeth.
Mobility issues
If you notice your dog is struggling to walk, climb stairs or jump as easily as usual, it could be because they are in pain. They might also have a hunched back, low tail, pinned back ears or widened eyes.
All of these suggest they're having a bad day, but could also be caused by arthritis, a torn muscle, soft tissue damage, or an infected graze. If you have any concerns about your pet being in pain, you should always check in with a vet.
Change in behaviour
As with people, if your dog isn't feeling well their behaviour may seem very different to when they are their usual happy self. Perhaps they're being a bit snappy, or want to retreat to their dog bed and be alone.
They might become picky with their food, less willing to engage with you, or want to sleep more in the day. Or maybe they suddenly become more vocal and sensitive to environmental noises.
Alerting owners to these warning signs, Anna added: "There are so many ways that we help our dogs lead a happier and more comfortable life day to day, such as supplements like Pawable Collar-Gen and Calming, which contain active ingredients to help keep your pet pain free, both physically and emotionally."
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