Interpreting Your Pet's Behavior

He rolls over on his back… she whisks her tail when a stranger approaches. What does it all mean? Understand the messages your pets can’t tell you in words.

How well do you know what your pet is trying to tell you? Most of us recognize the signs when one is hungry or needs to relieve himself. But what about the other things your pet does, those curious behavioral quirks? Find some answers right here.

WHY DOES MY DOG...

Walk in a circle and paw a spot before lying down? It’s a habit harking back to before dogs were domesticated, when they lived in the wild. Before bedding down outdoors, they carved out a dry, soft, level spot. And they continue to do so now… even if it’s on your couch.

Stare and follow me around? Your dog wants attention. Perhaps a walk is needed, it’s mealtime, or he’s hoping that you’ll give him a pat or a snack.

Scratch so much? It could be any number of reasons; the most common ones are an allergy or ear infection. Work with your veterinarian to determine the cause.

Want to sleep with me? In the wild, pack members stuck together at night for warmth. Yours may simply feel more secure (and protective) sleeping next to you.

Roll over so I can scratch his tummy? It feels good! He’s also spreading his scent on the ground and showing that he’s submissive to you.

Eat paper? This behavior is known as pica, and it’s wise to ask your veterinarian to rule out physical causes. If there’s no medical reason, your dog may simply be bored and this is his way of telling you he needs more attention.

Bark so much… howl… whine? Dogs vocalize for attention and to make their presence known. Keep in mind that your dog can detect sounds at a much higher pitch than you. Hearing something that you don’t may instigate the behavior.

Sleep so much? It’s typical for an adult dog to sleep 12 hours a day — and more as they grow older.

WHY DOES MY CAT...

Meow? It’s a call for attention. Yours simply may want to be let into or out of the house or room. She also could be telling you she’s hungry, lonely, hurt, even in heat. Observe your cat closely to determine the specific reason.

Lick me? Your neat-freak cat extends his grooming to you as a way of bonding. Unless it’s obsessive behavior, a tongue bath is a compliment.

Bite me when I play with her? She could be over-stimulated by your touch, which brings out aggression. Learn which touches calm, and which set a cat off.

Find the one person in the room who doesn’t like cats? Cats don’t like eye contact, so if someone avoids looking at a cat, the pet interprets that person as a non-threatening — and will gravitate there.

Flick her tail? Unlike when a happy dog wags his tail, when a cat lashes hers it can mean she is irritated or agitated.

Knead? It’s nursing behavior that helps a kitten to stimulate mother’s milk. An adult cat who continues to knead may have been weaned too early. Kneading is like a natural tranquilizer and may be accompanied by contented purring.

Rub against me? By putting his scent on you, it’s his way of saying, “You’re mine — and don’t forget it!”