Understanding how furry friends express themselves is important for people’s safety. While dogs often show happiness and love openly, they can also feel angry, which might not always be obvious.
Being able to spot these hidden signs of anger is important for learning more about these animals and why they bite.
Displaying strange facial cues
Dogs communicate a lot through facial expressions. When a dog is angry, a person may notice their lips pulled back tightly, exposing their teeth in a closed-mouth grimace. Their eyes may appear tense or narrowed, with the whites showing more prominently than usual. Additionally, furrowed brows or a wrinkled forehead can indicate agitation.
Changing body language
Pay attention to the dog’s body language, as it can reveal a lot about their emotional state. When feeling angry, dogs may stiffen their bodies, particularly their legs and tail. A raised tail held rigidly or wagging stiffly can signal irritation or aggression. Similarly, a lowered body posture with the weight shifted forward may indicate readiness to attack.
Making sounds
While barking is a common form of communication for dogs, the tone and intensity can vary depending on their emotions. When feeling angry, dogs may emit low-pitched growls or snarls, often accompanied by bared teeth.
Avoiding people
Some dogs might avoid people or other animals when they are angry or upset. They might turn away or try to move away to make things less tense.
Getting more anxious
Angry dogs might seem more fidgety or restless than usual. They might pace around or fail to sit still. They might also do things like lick their lips or yawn a lot, which can mean they feel stressed.
Dealing with an angry dog can sometimes lead to dog bites. When that happens, the bite often leads to stress for the injured person. The lasting physical and emotional scars can impact a person’s daily life, so it is important to know the signs to stay out of harm’s way.
