Animal Behavior Essentials: What You Need To Know
Animals use non-verbal cues to pass information. Additionally, how you decipher these cues is essential on how you relate with your pet.
Animals tend to react variously when hungry, angry or when in pain. However, these behaviours may seem okay to an untrained eye although they convey lots of information in them.
Ever seen your pet wagging the tail, smiling at you or even mounting on every object around? In this article, you will learn of various animal behaviours and what you need to know.
Positioning Of the Tail
A wagging tail signifies excitement. Also, a wagging tail, implies that the dog is brave and ready to attack.
Tucking In the Tail
An animal may tuck in the tail if in pain or fear.
Eye Position
A direct stare could imply that the animal is angry and it’s ready to charge. Also, staring has a meaning that the animal adores and respects you.
However, watery eyes signify that your animal requires immediate attention.
Panting
Animals like dogs cool their bodies by panting. However, panting can also be a sign of dehydration. More so, a happy animal could be panting out of excitement.
Circling
For example, if your cat circles you, it shows the animal acknowledges your presence and your authority. However, be cautious of a dog circling you in an attempt to exert its dominance on you.
Also, a diseased ear may cause a loss of balance that leads to excessive circling.
Groaning
A groaning animal is mostly angry and ready to attack, approach such animals with caution. Also, an animal could be groaning out of pain and thus need your immediate attention.
Excessive mounting
An animal may mount you or any static object. Besides being on heat, an animal like a dog might try mounting on you to exert dominance.
Head Banging
Headbanging can be a signal of head injury. Consequently, you need to call your vet for review.
You see the knowledge of your animal behaviour is essential as it could be a matter between life and death.
Excessive Lip Licking
Like we humans, animals lick theirs after taking a delicious meal. Additionally licking of lips can be a signal of an injury on the lips.
Bad Oral Breath (halitosis)
Dogs naturally emit a bad breath, but a prolonged foul smell from your dog's mouth should concern you.
Bad breath should make you concerned about your pet's oral health. Thus, you can contact your vet for medical attention. However, not all foul breath should concern you since the stomach emits foul gases after digestion.
Conclusion
Understanding your animal is vital in many ways. First, you can correct any unbecoming behaviors before they are full-blown, Secondly, these behaviors act as channels of which we can communicate with our animals and so help us make their life happier and comfortable.