Is your dog happy with his life? I’m sure that’s a question you’ve asked yourself many times, especially when you’re quite busy at work and can’t find time to play with your furry roommate.
You’re not the only one. Many pet owners have the same though once in a while. But is there a way for us to understand how our pet feels? Well, until someone invents a dog to human translator, we can only speculate. Nevertheless, some signs can help us decipher our dog’s language. So, to ease your worries, we’re doing to talk about 10 signs that your dog is happy with his life.
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Is Your Dog Happy? Here’s How to Tell!
#1 Good Health
A happy dog is a healthy dog, whose family pays attention to him and caters to his every need. After all, you won’t be jumping around happily if you’re sick and in pain.
Don’t miss your regular check-ups at the vet office and make sure that Fide is up to date on his shots. Animals tend to hide their suffering well because it’s part of their survival instinct, so you have to be extra observant even for the smallest change in your pooch’s behavior.
# 2 Healthy appetite
Dogs that are content with their home life have a healthy appetite and won’t say “no” to a delicious treat. You know how your pooch get all excited about meal time, right? Of course, some dogs are picky about their food, but they won’t refuse their favorite meal.
A dog which doesn’t show interest in food is worrisome. Animals don’t go on diets, so this is usually the first warning that something is wrong. It might be depression if something tragic or unexpected has happened recently or it might be an illness. In either case, a trip to the vet is in order.
Looking for yummy treats to make at home? Check out my favorite DIY Homemade Dog Treat!
# 3 No mess in the house
How does your home look like when you go home from work? Is it a mess with broken house plants and torn pillows and cushions? Then, your pooch is not happy. He is bored out of his mind or has too much pent up energy that has to go somewhere.
Happy dogs have enough mental and physical stimulations, and they don’t turn their house over when they’re left on their own. Of course, sometimes dogs can be mischievous, but everyday mess is a sign that something is missing in your dog’s life.
# 4 Enjoys playing
Happy dogs are active dogs. They enjoy playing and look forward to their favorite pastime – a walk in the park, a game of Frisbee, or a car ride. They are up and about to greet you when you come home and love to be around you and take part in what you’re doing.
Dogs are not cats, even though then spend around 12-14 hours a day asleep. If your Fido is not as active as he used to be or he is not interested in getting up, something is very wrong and needs your immediate attention.
Help keep your pup active with these fun training games!
# 5 Loves to spend time with other dogs
Dogs are pack animals, and they usually enjoy the company of other friendly dogs in the dog park. Of course, your pet might have his own preferences to whom he likes, but a dog that’s friendly to other animals is a good sign.
# 6 Relaxed posture
Observe your dog’s body language. Soft gaze and relaxed eyebrows in combination with relaxed, floppy ears indicate a happy, content dog. His body is soft, loose, wiggly and his tail is carried in a relaxed manner. Your pooch might also appear to be smiling by holding his mouth open without baring his teeth.
On the other hand, a hard gaze, narrowed eyes, and pulled back ears show a dog far away from happiness. Furthermore, if Fido is curling his lips and baring his teeth, it’s time to step back and evaluate what you’re doing wrong.
#7 Tail movement
People sometimes misunderstand how dogs use their tails. A wagging tail might be both a sign of pure joy and a warning not to get close. It all depends on how fast the dog is wagging his tail and how he carries his body.
Happy dogs wag their tails with the whole body involved, while a stuffed body and a tail moving rapidly from side to side might be a sign of irritation.
#8 Belly up
The belly is the most vulnerable part of a dog’s body and Fido exposing his belly to you is a big thing. It’s even better if his tongue is hanging out! Then he is definitely happy and content.
Fido is also showing you that he trusts you completely and that he won’t say “no” to a belly rub. So you’d better give him a scratch before he changes his mind.
#9 Dancing
Have you noticed that sometimes Fido looks as if he is dancing by hopping around on his hind legs? Well, that’s how a really happy dog looks like when he sees his owner returning home from a long day at work or a play buddy he hasn’t seen for quite some time.
#10 Healthy coat
While a shiny coat doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is happy, the condition of a dog’s coat might give you a pretty good indication how he is feeling. Healthy and happy dogs have a shiny, smooth coat and they don’t shed more than the usual. Specialists say that stresses and anxious dogs tend to shed like crazy. Furthermore, flaking skin might be a sign of a disease.
As we know, providing food, shelter and occasional cuddles is not the enough to make someone happy. Unlike people, our four-legged companion can’t come up to us and say “I’m not happy. You’re not paying me enough attention.”
So, allow your dog to be part of your everyday activities and be there for him when he is the one who needs protection. That’s the best way to make him happy.
What do you think about these 10 signs that help you figure out if your dog is happy? How does your pet show his happiness? Tell us in the comments.
