Dog Emotions - How to Read Dog Facial Expressions

Photo: Shutterstock

How to Read Dog Facial Expressions

Most of us have wished at some point that we could talk to our dogs and tell them how much we love them. We show it with treats, playtime, and kind words. Oftentimes we miss the more subtle ways in which dogs communicate back to us. A dog’s body language, as well as their facial expressions, can tell us a lot about their mood. 

Below are some of the most common facial expressions to help you better understand your dog’s mood and feelings in a given situation: 

Eye contact

Prolonged eye contact is often a precursor to aggression or other displays of dominance. Oftentimes, a period of direct eye contact is established before a scuffle erupts between two dogs (whether playful or not). If one dog wishes to avoid the conflict, it will blink and look away. If your dog makes intense eye contact with another dog or person, they may feel uncomfortable or challenged and be ready to defend themselves. 

There is one situation in which eye contact can be a good sign. Sometimes dogs will look into their owner’s eyes to show trust or to attempt to get their attention. Making eye contact with your dog briefly can be a sign of love if it is coupled with other body language that displays affection or trust. Eye contact or “puppy dog eyes” are also used when a dog asks for attention, food, or playtime. 

Relaxed vs. “Whale” Eyes

A dog’s eyes can tell you a lot about its mood. A squinting dog or relaxed expression around the eyes is likely content. However, you can detect a subtle sign that signals fear or anxiety in dogs, known as “whale eyes” or half-moon eyes. 

When a dog looks up or to the side, exposing the whites of their eyes from one angle, it is often a sign that they are fearful, anxious, or tense. While this may not be the case if your dog is lying down or tilting its head to look behind them, if whale eyes are accompanied by other signs of tension, they are a good indicator of distress. 

Panting, drooling, and jaw tension

Your dog also shows distress with their mouth by tightly clenching its jaw or panting. While panting is a normal way for dogs to cool down, if they are doing so inside or without their tongue hanging out (a sign of relaxation), they may be anxious or trying to get your attention.  Drooling can be a sign of relaxation (such as if your dog has been sunbathing for a while), but it can also signify impending aggression. 

Ear position

Some dogs tell you that they are alert or anxious with their ears. A dog with ears standing straight up may be on high alert, either because they are excited or alarmed by a new sound. You’ll notice this if your dog fears thunderstorms or fireworks, as their ears will likely stand straight up before they hide or show other signs of fear. 

By paying attention to these signs, you can learn what triggers your dog and what makes them happy, so you can better prepare them for certain situations.

What are some facial expressions your dog uses to communicate with you? Tell us in the comments on our Facebook page!