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Home > Tips for use > How to Understand the Meaning of Your Dog’s Facial Expressions?

How to Understand the Meaning of Your Dog’s Facial Expressions?

From smiling to frowning, we use a wide range of facial expressions to convey our thoughts and emotions. Our dogs are no different! Since they can’t speak, facial expressions become an important way for them to communicate with us. Some common dog facial expressions include smiling, yawning, staring, and growling.

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Some facial expressions are harmless and indicate that your dog is happy. However, certain expressions, such as nose wrinkling, may be warning signs or precursors to aggression. Other expressions, like persistent squinting, could suggest that your dog is in pain or may need medical attention.

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VOV Smart Care Pet Tracker monitor changes in your pet’s behavior and notify you promptly in case of any abnormalities.

By uploading a photo of your pet’s face through the VOV Smart Care Pet Tracker App, you can quickly gain insights into your pet’s current mood and condition, helping you make timely and informed decisions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the meanings behind common dog facial expressions and how to recognize potential risks through these expressions so you can respond in time.

Common dog facial expressions

  • Smile

You might think that dogs only smile when they’re happy, but sometimes this expression is simply part of their natural appearance. Many breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Bulldogs, naturally have wider mouths, so when they open their mouths, it can look like they’re smiling.
In some cases, however, a closed-mouth “smile” with dimples at the corners may actually indicate anxiety, especially if it comes with signs like a tense body, direct staring, and unrelaxed ears.
Want to know if your dog is truly happy and enjoying life? Pay attention to its overall body language. A happy dog usually has a soft, fluid body and a tail that wags in a circular motion.

  • Tongue Out

When a dog sticks its tongue out and lets it hang, it usually means they’re happy or busy sniffing around. However, if a dog keeps its tongue hanging out for extended periods, it could indicate that they’re stressed and need some space. Some health issues, such as dental disease or hanging tongue syndrome, may cause a dog’s tongue to hang out permanently. Additionally, not all dogs lick their tongues in the same way, so it’s important to observe other aspects of their body language to better understand what the tongue movement might be conveying.

  • Closed Mouth

The closed-mouth expression can be harder to interpret. Dogs may have their mouths closed for various reasons. For example, they might simply have a closed mouth because they’re relaxed and happy. On other occasions, a closed mouth may appear stiffer, indicating stress. Observing your dog’s overall body language can help you better understand their emotions. A wagging tail confirms that your dog is in a relaxed state, while a stiff posture may suggest anxiety.

  • Yawning

Yawning can also indicate that your dog is feeling stressed. When dogs are anxious, they may yawn before, during, or after a stressful event to self-soothe. On the other hand, if your dog yawns after waking up from a good sleep or when they need rest, it’s typically a normal occurrence.

  • Squinting

Squinting is not your dog trying to see something far away, in fact, it can be a sign of affection. If your pet looks at you and squints their eyes with a soft, relaxed facial expression, it’s a display of love and closeness. However, dogs may also squint due to bright sunlight. Additionally, squinting can be a symptom of issues like eye ulcers or entropion (a condition where the eyelid turns inward). If your dog squints frequently, it’s best to consult a professional veterinarian.

  • Head Tilting

Dogs often tilt their heads to better hear the sounds around them. They also do it to please us, many dogs learn to tilt their heads because they receive lots of attention and praise from humans, which encourages them to repeat the behavior.

  • Staring

When a dog stares at you for an extended period, it usually signals hostility—if their eyes become wide and fixed, it may mean they’re about to attack. However, staring between dogs and humans isn’t always a sign of aggression. Many dogs learn who is safe to look at, and some dogs confidently gaze into a human’s eyes.

  • Nose Wrinkling

Nose wrinkling indicates that a dog needs space and may be escalating up the ladder of aggression, potentially leading to a bite. However, this expression is not always negative. Sometimes, dogs wrinkle their noses and show their teeth when they’re happy to see you. If it’s not accompanied by other signs of aggressive body language, it could simply be a submissive grin.

  • Whale Eye

Whale eye is usually accompanied by a stiff body and is a way for dogs to say “stay away from me.” It often occurs during resource guarding and is a natural behavior.

  • Flattened Ears

When a dog flattens its ears close to its head, it’s usually a sign that it’s feeling a bit anxious, regardless of the size or shape of its ears. In this situation, it’s best to give your dog some space or help them cope with their anxiety.

  • Avoiding Eye Contact

Dogs typically avoid direct eye contact with other dogs to reduce conflict and keep themselves safe. They are usually more comfortable making eye contact with humans. So, if your dog is currently avoiding your gaze because they’re scared of you or feeling frustrated, they’re also trying to prevent conflict.

  • Eyebrow Raising

Raising their eyebrows indicates that a dog is currently happy. Dogs raise their eyebrows when they’re excited, making their eyes appear larger. They know that by raising their eyebrows, they become more appealing to humans and other dogs.

  • Growling

Growling or snarling is a threatening and warning behavior, so you should back away, keep your distance, and avoid eye contact.

  • Pronounced Blinking

Rapid blinking is typically used by dogs to clear dust or dirt from their eyes. However, in the absence of eye disease or foreign objects, dogs may also use this blinking as a way to avoid conflict.

  • Lip Licking

Licking their lips is usually a sign that a dog is enjoying food, making sure to clean up every last crumb. Additionally, when sniffing or scent tracking, they may use their tongue to push scent particles into their nostrils or to “clean the palate” to adapt to new scents. Lip licking can also indicate mild stress or discomfort, meaning you may need to take your dog home immediately.

The above are common dog facial expressions and their corresponding meanings. When interpreting a dog’s facial expressions, it’s important to consider the broader context: what people or things around might be triggering the dog’s reaction? Additionally, while observing their facial expressions, it’s essential to look at the dog’s entire body for a more accurate judgment and interpretation.

VOV Smart Care not only monitors your pet’s activity and health status, but also offers a range of features to help you better understand your pet’s condition. For example, pet facial expression recognition. It provides an AI-powered platform for pet health and interaction, dedicated to helping you raise a happier and healthier pet. Join the growing VOV Smart Care pet owner community and embrace the future of pet wellness together!

VOV Smart Care Pet Tracker App

The VOV Smart Care Pet Tracker App offers a pet facial expression recognition and detection feature. Simply download the free app on your smartphone, take it with you during walks or potty breaks, and snap a photo of your dog’s facial expression. The app will analyze your dog’s current mood and condition, providing valuable insights to help you make informed decisions and ensure they maintain a healthy state.

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