Dog owners issued warning over worrying symptoms your dog is ill or unhappy
08.10.2023 - 07:23
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A warning has been issued to dog owners over various pet behaviours that could signal unhappiness or even illness.
Lots of little signs, with some mistaken for positive feelings, may actually be your pooch trying to tell you something is not quite right. For example, lip licking and tail waging could be warning signs, despite many often assuming these actions indicate a happy and healthy pup.
This Morning vet, Dr Scott Miller, previously spoke to team dogs to explain what these different behaviours may actually mean. The expert details what certain dog body language may actually meaning, with the veterinary surgeon and vet care app Dogtastic giving a little insight into how your furry friend could be feeling...
A tired dog may yawn a little, but this could be a sign of stress and anxiety too.
If your dog is yawning and it is not bedtime, it could be worth paying some closer attention.
Scott said: “Of course, dogs do yawn when tired, but they are more likely to yawn when they are nervous or experiencing fear.
“Take a moment to assess the situation and try to appease your dog’s stress or discomfort, offering a calm approach to help reduce their jangling nerves.”
Another behaviour you may want to look out for is lip licking.
Despite common conception, lip licking may not actually mean your pup is hungry. It may instead mean the opposite, with the behaviour something occurring before your dog vomits.
If your dog is licking their lips a lot, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as a metabolic condition like pancreatitis or liver disease.
Scott also explains that lip smacking - when a dog licks their lips or the tip of their nose - may also be an indication of nervousness around other dogs.
“In cases of social