If you have ever looked at your dog and wondered what they are thinking or feeling, you are not alone. For many of us, our dogs are our best friends and important members of our family, so it’s only natural that we’re curious about how they’re feeling.
While they can’t speak our language, dogs communicate through body language, facial expressions, and behavior. In this guide, we’ll help you decode those signals so you can better understand what your dog is feeling.
Do Dogs Have Feelings?
While dogs don’t experience emotions in exactly the same way humans do, research – as well as the countless interactions we have with dogs in our clinic – tells us that dogs absolutely do have feelings.
Just like humans, dogs can feel a variety of emotions. While these emotions tend to be on the simpler side, what dogs feel is very real and can have an impact on their behavior and relationships with other animals, as well as humans.
In fact, some experts have even likened a dog’s emotional development and capabilities to that of a human toddler. This claim regarding dog emotions has been supported by structural reviews of a dog’s brain in comparison to our own. The areas of the brain in both dogs and humans that deal with emotional processing are surprisingly similar, and some studies have even found that dog-human relationships resemble the human mother-child bond, meaning dogs can feel attachment and develop bonds in a similar manner to human children.
But the similarities between dogs and humans in terms of emotions doesn’t end there. They also produce many of the same hormones that we do, including oxytocin, which plays a key role in bonding and love. In dogs, this hormone is produced during positive and affectionate interactions and motivates dogs to seek out social interactions, thus encouraging them to build bonds with humans as well as other dogs.
What Emotions Do Dogs Feel?
Now that we’ve established that dogs can, in fact, feel emotions, let’s talk about which emotions they’re capable of experiencing – because while it is quite a few, it may not be all of the ones you’re expecting.
A few of the basic emotions that dogs may feel include:
- Joy and excitement
- Fear and anxiety
- Frustration and anger
- Affection and bonding
- Sadness and grief
However, while there are some similarities between the emotions that both us and dogs can feel, it’s important to remember that there are also quite a few differences.
For example, dogs don’t feel more complex emotions like shame, pride, or guilt like we do. This can be surprising for some owners, especially if they have a dog that has mastered that “guilty look” when they’ve done something wrong or feel that their owner is upset with them. While it looks like these can convey what we interpret as guilt, they are actually just the dog exhibiting signs of fear as they await an impending punishment.
How Do Dogs Communicate With Humans?
While dogs can’t exactly talk to us and tell us how they’re feeling, they can communicate emotions or even their mood in a number of other ways. Dogs will most commonly express emotion through their body language, facial expressions, and actions.
While some dogs, like huskies or hounds, may bark or make vocalizations, these aren’t often as meaningful as many owners may think. Vocalizations are less important for communication in dogs than they are in people. Because every dog is different and vocalization tone and volume can vary from dog to dog and even be impacted by size, body language, and actions will be far more helpful in helping you understand how your dog is feeling.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some examples of dog body language, what they mean, and what dog emotions or feelings they are most commonly associated with.
How to Read a Dog’s Body Language
Happy Dog Body Language
- Body: Relaxed muscles and posture, soft ears, mouth slightly open or gently closed
- Tail: Slow, loose wag in a low or mid position
- Eyes: Calm, relaxed gaze; will hold eye contact during play or cuddling, then look away when relaxed
- Behavior: Playful, curious, resting comfortably, or lightly seeking attention
Anxious or Fearful Dog Body Language
- Body: Tense or crouched, ears pinned back or very forward
- Tail: Tucked tightly under the body
- Eyes: Wide eyes with whites showing (a “whale eye”); avoids or darts away from eye contact
- Behavior:
- Initial: Hiding. Rolling over repeatedly. Yawning. Repeatedly licking paws or face and seeking attention. Panting and pacing.
- More fearful: Destructive behavior towards objects or leash. Attempting to escape. Shaking and trembling. Possibly whining or barking.
Aggressive or High Emotion Dog Body Language
- Body: Stiff and leaning forward; ears tight and rigid
- Tail: Held high and stiff, possibly wagging rapidly in short, tense motions
- Eyes: Intense, staring without blinking; whites often visible
- Behavior:
- Loud, repeated barking
- Leaning forward or jumping on other dogs or people with force repeatedly
- Turning rapidly toward a person or animal
- Snarling or growling
- Lunging and warning air-snapping jaws
- Active biting
When it comes to aggressive dogs, it’s important to know that they will exhibit signs of stress or discomfort long before resorting to typical aggressive behaviors like growling or biting. Watch your dog closely and try to identify any early warning signs that communicate that your dog is stressed to help avoid unnecessary negative interactions or biting incidents.
Not Every Dog Emotion Is Easy to Read
While dog body language guides like these are very helpful for many owners, there are still some dog emotions that are easily mistaken for others. Commonly, high emotion can be mistaken for excitement or playfulness, especially when dogs are interacting with one another. Closely watching the dog’s tail movement and eye position can be the easiest way to know your dog is becoming too excited or stressed and needs to be removed from the situation.
People will also commonly misinterpret repeated licking and rolling over as a dog being friendly, but these behaviors are actually signs of stress. When in doubt, take a close look at the dog’s eyes. If they have wide eyes and make intense or unwavering eye contact, they are stressed! Is the dog also yawning? Once again, it is a sign that they are stressed!
Dog Emotions in Action
The interactions we have with dogs and their owners every day in our practice truly back up the current research on dog emotions and feelings. The next time you’re at the vet, try doing a little people and puppy watching, and you’ll see what I mean.
If you pay close attention to other people and dogs in the lobby, you’re bound to see tails wagging excitedly when a dog is brought out and reunited with their owner after a procedure or anxious pacing as a dog waits for its turn in the exam room. These subtle communications through body language can go a long way in helping us as owners and care providers understand how our dog feels and how to best meet their needs based on their emotional state.
Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Emotional Wellbeing
Truly providing a dog with proper care doesn’t end with understanding their feelings and emotions. In order to be responsible owners who care for the entire dog, not just their physical health, we must also take the proper steps to ensure our dogs’ mental well-being.
Neglecting a dog’s mental and emotional well-being can have serious and long-lasting effects on their overall health and behavior. Just like any other animal, dogs need mental stimulation, emotional support, and a sense of safety to thrive and have a great quality of life. Dogs who lack these things can begin to exhibit a number of undesirable and worrying signs, including:
- Behavior problems
- Aggression
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic stress
- Changes in weight
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Digestive issues
- Reduced quality of life
If you’re looking for ways to improve your dog’s emotional wellbeing, try starting with these suggestions:
- Establish consistent routines – Dogs feel safer and more confident when they know what to expect. Feeding, walking, and bedtime routines provide structure that reduces anxiety.
- Spend quality time together every day – Daily walks, play sessions, or simply relaxing together helps build trust and strengthen your bond.
- Offer physical and mental stimulation – Boredom can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviors. Use puzzle toys, obedience training, or scent games to keep your dog’s mind active.
- Use positive reinforcement – Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or affection instead of using punishment. This builds confidence and encourages cooperation.
- Provide safe spaces and alone time – Give your dog a quiet, comfortable area where they can rest undisturbed. Dogs need downtime just like people do, especially in busy households.
- Respect your dog’s boundaries – Not all dogs want to be touched or played with at all times. Watch their body language and allow them to choose when to engage.
- Supervise interactions with children – Teach kids how to approach and handle dogs gently and respectfully. Never allow rough play or cornering a dog.
- Socialize gradually and positively – Positive experiences with people, other pets, and new environments can boost confidence. Take it slow and reward calm behavior.
- Watch for behavioral changes – Withdrawal, excessive barking, changes in appetite, or avoidance may be signs of emotional distress or even pain. Don’t ignore these signs.
- Consult your veterinarian if needed – If you notice ongoing signs of anxiety, fear, or behavioral issues, talk to your vet. Emotional health problems can sometimes be linked to physical illness or require professional behavioral support.
If you’re ever concerned about your dog’s behavior or mood, speak with your veterinarian. In many cases, simple changes in routine, environment, or training approach can make a big difference in your dog’s emotional health.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (214) 833-9821, or you can email us at info@hpanimalhospital.com. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.