Understanding Your Dog's Emotions: From Wagging Tails to Subtle Signals

Dogs are constantly communicating with us—not just through barks and whines, but through their body language, facial expressions, and even the way they move. As members of the family, our dogs rely on us to understand how they’re feeling, and paying close attention to their nonverbal cues is one of the best ways we can support their well-being.

By tuning in to behaviors like tail wagging, lip licking, or eye movement, we can gain insight into how our dogs are experiencing the world around them. Understanding these signals allows us to respond with greater empathy and ensure they feel safe and supported.

What Contentment Looks Like in a Dog

There isn’t one single gesture that confirms your dog is relaxed—it’s more of a full-body message. According to the American Kennel Club, the best approach is to look at all the pieces together: how your dog carries their tail, the shape of their eyes, their posture, and even their facial tension.

For instance, people often assume a wagging tail means a dog is happy. However, tail wagging simply shows emotional arousal, which can be either positive or negative. A slower, side-to-side wag usually indicates relaxation, while a fast, twitchy wag may suggest agitation or overstimulation. If your dog is wagging their tail in a loose, circular motion—sometimes called a "helicopter tail"—that’s generally a sign they’re feeling truly happy and excited.

To confirm your dog’s emotional state, take a look at their eyes. A relaxed dog may have soft, squinty eyes, almost like they’re smiling with their face. This is often a strong indicator that your dog feels safe and content.

How to Tell When Your Dog is Agitated

Recognizing signs of stress or discomfort in dogs can be a bit more complex. Some of their “calming signals” can look a lot like normal behavior if you’re not sure what to look for.

For example, in her book On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals, canine behaviorist Turid Rugaas explains that yawning is often used by dogs to self-soothe in stressful situations—not just because they’re tired. She even suggests that humans can help calm dogs by yawning back at them as a way of showing empathy.

Lip licking is another signal that can be misread. While it might just mean your dog is anticipating food, it could also be a sign of stress or anxiety. If the lips appear tight, pulled back, or raised over the teeth—especially when paired with a hard stare or a low growl—it could mean your dog is feeling threatened or uneasy.

Red Flags That Could Indicate a Health Issue

Sometimes, subtle changes in your dog’s body language can alert you to health problems. A dog that’s suddenly withdrawn, hiding, or sleeping more than usual may be experiencing discomfort or illness.

Other warning signs include limping, a tucked-up abdomen, tense or hunched posture, and vocalizations like whimpering or whining. These physical cues—especially when paired with a drop in appetite or a sudden change in energy—could mean it’s time to check in with your veterinarian.

“Ultimately, if your normally active and happy dog starts to isolate and show lethargy and/or decreased appetite, this is a sign that something has changed with their overall health,” notes Harmony Diers, veterinary technician and project manager for the Dog Aging Project at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.