Pet body language signals
Pet Body Language Signals
Look up specific dog and cat body language signals, what they usually mean, risk level, and what to do next.
Want the full picture behind these cues? See the full whale eye and calming-signals guides.
Dog Whale Eye
Dog whale eye means your dog is showing the whites of their eyes because they feel uncomfortable, guarded, or trapped. Learn the risk level and what to do next.
Dog Lip Licking
Dog lip licking is usually a stress or calming signal, not illness, but repeated licking with no food or drooling can mean nausea. See how to tell.
Dog Yawning
Dog yawning is not always tiredness. Learn when yawning is a stress signal, calming signal, or possible health clue.
Dog Tucked Tail
A tucked tail can mean fear, stress, pain, or appeasement. Learn how to read tail position with the rest of the dog's body.
Dog Stiff Body
A stiff dog body or freeze can be a serious warning sign before growling, snapping, or biting. Learn how to respond safely.
Cat Flat Ears
Cat ears back can mean fear, irritation, defensive aggression, or pain. Read the eyes, tail, and posture together to know if it is safe to approach now.
Cat Puffed Tail
A puffed-up cat tail means fear or sudden arousal, not aggression by default. Learn why it happens and how to give space before a scratch or swat.
Cat Dilated Pupils
Cat dilated pupils can mean low light, play, fear, pain, or illness. Learn how to separate normal eye changes from warning signs.
Cat Hiding
Cat hiding can be normal coping, but sudden or prolonged hiding can signal stress, fear, pain, or illness. Learn what to check.
Cat Slow Blink
Cat slow blinking is often a relaxed trust signal, but context still matters. Learn when it is friendly and when to check for eye discomfort.
Dog Panting at Rest
Dog panting at rest can signal heat, stress, pain, breathing strain, or illness. Learn what body-language cues make it more urgent.
Whale Eye in Cats
Whale eye in cats means the whites of the eye show because your cat feels tense or cornered. Learn the cause, the risk level, and exactly what to do next.
Dog Opening and Closing Mouth Repeatedly
Why your dog keeps opening and closing its mouth: calming signal, scent chatter, something stuck, or nausea. Learn the red flags that mean call a vet now.
Scared Cat Tail
A scared cat's tail is usually tucked, clamped low, or wrapped tight against the body. Learn to read the fear-tail spectrum and help your cat feel safe.
Dog Ears Pinned Back
Dog ears pinned flat usually mean fear or appeasement, not aggression. Learn to read the rest of the body, breed exceptions, and when to get help.
Dog Showing Teeth
Is your dog showing teeth a friendly submissive grin or an aggressive snarl? Use the loose-vs-stiff test to tell them apart safely and know what to do.
Dog Play Bow
A dog play bow (front end down, butt up) is the universal "let's play!" invitation. Learn how to tell friendly play from a stretch or aggression.