Pet Safety Guide & Resources

Understanding your pet's body language is the first step to building a safe and trusting relationship. Learn to recognize stress signals before they escalate.

Important Disclaimer

This tool is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet shows signs of aggression or severe anxiety, consult a certified animal behaviorist or veterinarian immediately.

Common Stress Signals in Dogs & Cats

Dogs:

Lip Licking

mild

Repeated tongue flicks when not eating or drinking

Yawning

mild

Yawning in situations that are not related to tiredness

Whale Eye

moderate

Showing the whites of eyes, often with head turned away

Ears Back

moderate

Ears pinned flat against the head

Body Freeze

high

Sudden stillness or stiffness in body

Tail Tucked

high

Tail pulled tightly between legs

Cats:

Tail Thrashing

moderate

Rapid back-and-forth tail movement

Ears Flattened

moderate

Ears pressed flat against the head (airplane ears)

Dilated Pupils

moderate

Pupils suddenly become very large

Hissing/Growling

high

Vocal warnings of discomfort

Piloerection

high

Fur standing on end (Halloween cat)

Crouching Low

high

Body pressed close to the ground, ready to flee

High-Risk Signal Combinations

When you see multiple stress signals at once, it's a clear indication that your pet is very uncomfortable. Stop the interaction immediately and give them space.

Dogs: Whale eye + body freeze + tail tucked + low growl
Dogs: Lip licking + head turn + ears back + body lean away
Cats: Flattened ears + dilated pupils + tail thrashing + hissing
Cats: Piloerection + crouching + growling + swatting

General Safety Tips

1
Never punish stress signals. If your pet shows discomfort, respect their boundaries. Punishment will suppress the warning signs, not the stress.
2
Supervise children closely. Teach kids to recognize when a pet wants to be left alone. Many bites happen when subtle signals are ignored.
3
Create safe spaces. Ensure your pet has a quiet area where they can retreat when overwhelmed, and teach family members not to disturb them there.
4
Consent matters. Let your pet choose whether to engage in petting or play. Forced affection can damage trust.
5
Seek professional help early. If you notice repeated stress signals or worsening behavior, consult a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist before the situation escalates.