🐾 Understanding Dog Body Language: Vet-Endorsed Communication Tips for 2025 🧠

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Dogs “speak” with their bodies, not words. From a wagging tail to a subtle lip lick, every motion has meaning—if we know what to look for. Learning to read dog body language helps prevent misunderstandings, reduce fear, and build stronger, safer relationships. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down common dog signals, what they mean, and how to respond. 🐶🗣️

🧠 Why Body Language Matters

Since dogs can't use words, body language is how they communicate:

• 👂 With humans
• 🐕 With other dogs
• 🐾 With other animals

Reading these signals in context helps us understand how a dog is feeling and whether they’re calm, scared, overstimulated, or defensive. 📖

😊 Happy and Relaxed Dogs

• 👅 Open mouth, soft panting
• 🐕 Play bow (elbows down, rear up)
• 🌀 Loose body, floppy ears, and wiggly tail
• 🐕 Wagging tail (but context matters!)

Tip: Tail wagging can also indicate nervousness or an attempt to calm a tense situation. Always consider the whole picture. 🧩

😟 Signs of Anxiety, Fear, or Stress

• 😨 Cowering, crouching low to the ground
• 😬 Lip licking or nose licking without food present
• 🦴 Yawning when not tired
• 😤 Panting without heat or exertion
• 🔁 Avoiding eye contact, turning head away
• 🚷 Refusing treats in a normally exciting situation
• 🐾 Pacing, creeping, or slow movement
• 🎯 Freezing or sudden stillness
• 🐕 Tail tucked between legs
• 👃 Sniffing the ground (can be a calming signal)
• 🐾 Raising one front paw
• 🛏️ Rolling over (fear-related unless context suggests relaxation)
• 🗣️ Whining, barking, or growling

🚨 Misunderstood behavior: A “guilty” look is usually just appeasement—a diffusive behavior, not shame. Your dog may not even remember what happened. 💬

⚠️ Assertiveness and Aggression

These behaviors may follow ignored warning signs or appear without clear cues in highly aroused dogs:

• 👁️ Intense, direct eye contact
• 🦷 Lip curling or teeth baring
• 📈 Raised hackles (hair along spine)
• 📦 Body weight shifted forward
• 👂 Flattened or stiff ears
• 🎯 Tail straight up or flagging (fast, stiff wag)

🚩 These behaviors may indicate a dog is prepared to defend itself—especially if earlier signals went unrecognized. Don’t punish; seek help. 🆘

💥 Snapping and Biting

Snaps and inhibited bites (no skin contact) are serious warnings. A dog that bites without injury has likely shown incredible control—but future bites may escalate. 🤝

Bite Levels Vary:

• 🟡 Warning snaps or air bites
• 🟠 Contact without breaking skin
• 🔴 Deep, multiple bites (no inhibition)

All bites, even small ones, require behavior evaluation and support. Don’t wait for things to get worse. 📞

📚 Diffusive or Calming Signals

Used to avoid conflict and restore calm:

• 🎭 Play bows
• 👃 Sniffing
• 🦴 Lip licking
• 😮‍💨 Sighing or yawning
• 🧍 Freezing momentarily
• 🐾 Turning away or sitting sideways

Recognizing these signals allows us to de-escalate tension early and support our dog’s efforts to feel safe. 🧘

👀 Context Is Key

The same signal can mean different things in different settings. Example:

• 🐕 Panting can mean heat, stress, or excitement
• 📉 Licking can mean anticipation, appeasement, or fear

Watch your dog’s entire body and the environment to understand what they’re saying. 🔍

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Your dog is always communicating—it’s just not with words. By learning their body language, we build empathy, prevent miscommunication, and create safer, happier relationships. 🐕🧠

Concerned about your dog’s behavior or body language? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 for expert behavior guidance from trusted veterinary professionals. 🐾💬