Not all Pets show the same signs when they are afraid. Knowing when your Pet is fearful can be important in helping to keep them and other Pets and people safe. A stranger’s cat or dog might act very differently than your own in a situation where they feel frightened so it is helpful to recognize the types of body language they may use to show fear. Here is some information available on Wikipedia to help identify the different signs cats and dogs show when they are in the fight or flight mode?
Body language has a common theme in both dogs and cats. There are visible signs that show when they are happy and other postures that indicate when they are frightened or upset.
Here are some tips on the variety of signs dogs or cats may show when they are frightened or upset, and you should use caution if you are trying to approach them.
Dogs bark and growl to warn off others when they are in fight or flight mode
– Hair raised on the neck, spine and along the tail is a sign
– Baring teeth and snapping or trying to bite is a sign
– Charging towards an object or person is an aggressive sign
– Tail tucked between the legs is a sign of an unhappy dog
– Ears pinned back onto the head (instead of the normally facing forward) is a sign
– Staring in direct eye contact is an aggressive sign
NOTE: dressing dogs up can inhibit ability of dogs to communicate with each other (i.e. can’t see hair raised) which may put a Pet at risk
Cats hiss and attempt to scratch with claws to warn off others when they are in fight or flight mode
– Hair raised on the neck, spine, and along the tail is a sign
– Hissing can also bare their teeth and include an attempt to bite , which are both signs
– A cat that charges towards an object or person is very aggressive
– A tail with puffed out hair either between their legs or straight up is a sign
The fight or flight instinct is very powerful, so don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional to assist in approaching a frightened or upset cat or dog in order to keep everyone safe.
So what are some of the signs that indicate a happy dog or cat?
Signs of a happy dog include, a wagging tail; prancing to get you to follow them; small barks; the official dog greeting of sniffing to pick up your scent; ears alert and perky on top of the head; an invitation to play, with their backside in the air and front paws and elbows on the ground like a bow. Rolling over to expose their tummy is a submissive gesture and so is a raised paw.
Signs of a happy cat include, meowing to get your attention; a tail straight up and not puffed; rubbing against you; rolling on their back to expose their belly, smelling to check out your scent, as well as sitting in your lap expecting you to pet him..
Dogs and cats use body language to communicate. Just as with non-verbal children, it’s important for as Pet lovers to learn how to understand and interpret these signs to help keep everyone safe and happy Helping friends and family, who may not be as Pet savvy, understand these signs is a good idea if they will be spending time in your home.
