Why does my dog silently stare at me?
Nine warning signs that could mean your dog is in pain
Often our dogs suffer in silence. Because dogs can’t speak, it can sometimes be difficult to spot when they’re pain, whether it be as a result of injury or an underlying issue. However, there are a number of signs, some more obvious than others, which can indicate pain in dogs.
Please do not attempt to treat your dog’s pain yourself. Many human medications – and those prescribed for other pets – can be very dangerous for dogs.
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1. Antisocial or aggressive behaviour
Dogs might stop running to greet you at the door, try to avoid contact, or even become aggressive. If your dog is hiding away or appears to be unusually antisocial, it could be an indication that they’re in pain. Any noticeable change in behaviour can be cause for concern.
2. Changes in eating, drinking, and sleeping habits
Dogs that are in pain often sleep more – they may be trying to heal, or it might even be difficult for them to move around and be active. A loss of appetite and noticeable differences in the amount of water they’re drinking are often common symptoms. Difficulty eating, particularly dried food or firm chews, can indicate dental pain.
3. Being more vocal
Dogs that are experiencing pain tend to be more vocal. Excessive yelping, growling, snarling, and even howling could be your dog telling you that something isn’t right.
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Is my dog in pain?
If your dog is in pain they may:
- Show signs of agitation
- Cry out, yelp or growl
- Be sensitive to touch or resent normal handling
- Become grumpy and snap at you
- Be quiet, less active, or hide
- Limp or be reluctant to walk
- Become depressed and stop eating
- Have changes to the breathing, and an increased heart rate
4. Excessive grooming
If your pet is licking their paws constantly, it’s likely they’re trying to soothe themselves. When a dog is hurt, its first instinct is often to clean and care for the wound by licking it. Cuts are more obvious, however, sometimes the pain can be internal.
5. Heavy panting or altered breathing
Panting is normal. However, a dog that is panting heavily even though they have not been exercising is a warning sign. Also, breathing that is more shallow means that it could be painful to take a breath.
6. Mobility issues
Stiffness and limping are two of the more obvious signs of pain in dogs and are likely a result of injury, sore paws, or even arthritis. Your dog might be reluctant to climb stairs or is noticeably slow when getting up. This can also manifest itself as reduced interest in exercise, or not being as active as usual.
7. Signs of agitation
Restlessness is an indicator of pain in dogs. If your dog is pacing back and forth repeatedly, difficulty getting comfortable, or is sleeping a lot less, there could be an underlying issue.
8. Changes in their body and posture
When in pain, some dogs have a very rigid and hunched stance while others assume the ‘prayer’ posture with their front legs on the ground and their bottom in the air. Dogs often take the ‘prayer’ position when they are suffering from abdominal pain as it allows them to stretch this area out.
9. Shaking or trembling
Don’t assume trembling or shaking is just your dog feeling cold or, indeed, getting old. Both can be a sign of pain – or a symptom of something more serious such as poisoning, pancreatitis, or kidney disease. Dogs who have swallowed large amounts of chocolate, mouldy compost or sugar-free sweetener xylitol, for example, often suffer severe muscle tremors.
Is my dog in pain?
- Show signs of agitation
- Cry out, yelp or growl
- Be sensitive to touch or resent normal handling
- Become grumpy and snap at you
- Be quiet, less active, or hide
- Limp or be reluctant to walk
- Become depressed and stop eating
- Have changes to the breathing, and an increased heart rate
Why Do Dogs Stare at You? (4 Reasons)
A dog’s plaintive stare, or “puppy dog eyes,” is usually an attempt to communicate a need or desire to you. A dog cannot speak, but he knows enough about human body language and communication to tap into some elements of it, such as eye contact. If you find your dog staring up at you, there are many things he could be trying to say.
Here are 4 things your dog could be saying:
1. He Wants Something
Dogs have a good sense of time and routine. If your pet is accustomed to eating dinner or going on a walk at a specific time, he may sit near you and stare at you in anticipation. If it’s close to mealtime or another scheduled event, it’s a good guess that your dog’s gaze is a reminder.
2. He’s Looking for Affection
Some dogs are quite pushy about their desire for physical attention. Others are more inclined to let their masters make the first move. Your dog’s stare may mean that he’d like a scratch behind the ears or a belly rub. A good indication of this is if the dog is sitting very close to you or leaning toward you.
3. He Needs to Go Outside
Part of house-training is learning your dog’s signal that he needs to go potty. Some dogs will stare at their owners; others will sit near the door. Signs your dog needs to go outside include circling and pacing.
4. You Have Something He Wants
Some dogs are silent beggars who will stare at you intently in hopes of getting a tasty treat . Your dog might also stare at you in hopes of getting you to throw a ball or otherwise play with a toy, especially if the toy is nearby.
If staring doesn’t work, your dog may try other methods of getting your attention. He may lay a paw on your arm or leg, move closer, lay his head in your lap or start to bark and whine. Each individual dog will have a unique communication style, so learning to understand your dog’s desires is usually a matter of spending enough time together that you recognize his quirks.
Why Do Dogs Make Eye Contact?
It’s also relevant to note that sometimes dogs simply stare at their owners because they love them.
Japanese researchers discovered that eye contact shared between dogs and their owners raises oxytocin levels in the brains of both parties. Oxytocin is a hormone responsible in part for happiness, and it has been called a “love hormone” thanks to its role in bonding between family members, romantic partners and friends.
In humans, eye contact facilitates bonding and stimulates oxytocin production. Interestingly, dogs do not make eye contact with each other as a form of bonding. Wolves also tend to avoid human eye contact and view eye contact as a threat. So why do dogs make puppy dog eyes at their owners? Put simply, because they know we like it.
It’s hypothesized that dogs began to develop a positive reaction to eye contact as part of the domestication process. Through thousands of years of evolution alongside humans, dogs have grown to adopt some of our communication methods and habits. Because humans bond with their babies through eye contact, dogs who make the same kind of eye contact may incite in their owners the same sort of instinctive love and protective impulse. In a way, eye contact is how dogs have domesticated humans!
Does Eye Contact Mean Aggression?
Not all stares from a dog are loving. Eye contact can also be used as an aggressive or dominant attitude. Fortunately, there are ways to tell whether a dog’s stare is menacing or friendly.
A dog’s overall body language is the first indicator. Tense muscles, raised hackles, ears pricked forward or flattened back and a visible snarl are all sure signs that a dog is in a foul mood. An aggressive dog may also stalk forward stiff-leggedly, moving slowly toward what he is staring at without breaking eye contact. This is often a good indication that the dog is planning to attack.
Sometimes a dog will make eye contact with you as a challenge of your dominance. You can test this by matching the intensity of his stare. A dog that looks away when you stare him down is deferring to you. If you stare back without the dog looking away, the challenge may escalate.
It’s usually best to avoid making eye contact with a strange dog until you know his particular communication style. Just as you wouldn’t stare intently at a stranger in a restaurant, it’s polite to avoid direct eye contact with a dog you don’t know well until you’ve become more comfortable with one another. This can prevent any miscommunications or challenges to authority.
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