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As a pet owner, you may have questions or concerns about your pet’s emotions. As you increase the time you spend with them, you’ll notice that their emotional state depends on the different stimuli presented to them. However, there may be times when it may be difficult to truly understand what they are feeling at specific moments.
Several studies have been done to understand the emotions of animals, one of which is performing an MRI scan of dogs while they’re exposed to various stimuli, such as their owner’s voice or scent. By comparing the findings to that of the human brain, it was found that a dog’s response to food and rewards is similar to when humans are in love.
For pet owners, understanding their pet’s emotions is essential, but may be challenging without the help of these scans. To help guide you, here’s a little guide:
When pets are happy:
When dogs are happy, pet owners can easily spot them. Most dogs would be willing to show a big grin to their owners. They are also notorious for perking up their ears and having a relaxed tail wagging. For cats, you’ll know they’re happy if they feel affectionate towards you once they roll their back and expose their belly. Another notable behavior among happy cats is they’ll approach their owner with a straight tail and direct eye contact.
When it comes to pocket-sized pets such as guinea pigs, excitement is when they make a high-pitched whistling noise. However, owners should be able to distinguish it from loud squeaks, as these sounds mean panic or fear. To differentiate, look at their body language to determine if the pet is relaxed or agitated. When it comes to birds, loud chirping, with almost a sing-song tune to it, can indicate they are happy.
When pets are sad:
While it is rare for dogs to be sad, pet owners should be wary when dogs have a blank stare. When they’re physically abused, it’s typical for them to have glazed-over eyes. When it comes to cats, sadness or boredom is pretty common, mainly if they’re not given a chance to hunt or unleash their predatory instinct. When this happens, they would feel downcast or gloomy.
When pets need attention:
When dogs want to communicate with you, they will let you know immediately. They can show it by barking loudly or even whine when they get anxious. Cats, on the other hand, often make a meowing sound that they specifically do for humans. They would combine meowing and purring, almost simulating a baby’s cries. Cat owners may also notice that their pet’s pupils will dilate, and their coats will appear puffier. You can also use their tails as a barometer of their emotions. If you’re caring for rabbits, you should watch out when they thump their legs or feet. It’s a sign they are feeling nervous or stressed about something.
When this happens, they may lose their appetite. When feeling stressed, it would be wise to bring your pets to a reputable veterinary like Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic so you can identify what’s causing your pet’s stress.
Understanding our pet’s emotions is critical if we want to strengthen our bond with them. When we know when they are happy, sad, or stressed out, we can provide the best care for them. Pets are critical in keeping our sanity intact, and being conscious of their emotions is a way for us to return the favor. Can you now identify your pet’s emotions?
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