Are You Annoying Your Dog or Cat? Their Body Language Will Tell You

We all have good intentions when it comes to our canine and feline companions. But from time to time, we do things that totally annoy them — sometimes without even knowing it. Fortunately, cat and dog body language isn’t that hard to read, so you can tell when you’re bugging them and fix it. 

A few of these human behaviors rile both dogs and cats equally, while some are species-specific. There are obvious ones, like keeping noise levels moderate for both dogs and cats and rarely if ever washing your cat. Then, there are some less obvious ones, like wearing heavy fragrances or scratching your cat’s stomach (sorry Whiskers). 

Did you really think you never did anything to annoy your pet? Read on to see exactly how many things you’re guilty of doing. 

There are certain dog breeds that need a ton of exercise, but most canines are good with one or two walks a day and a bit of playtime or fetch. Every dog has his Goldilocks spot in this regard, and it’s very important for their human companion to figure it out and stick to the routine. 

Both too much or too little exercise can have negative health and behavioral consequences. You don’t need to be a dog body language expert to notice if your dog is in need of a walk. If they’re pacing by the door, whining or chewing on things they’re not supposed to, it’s a good sign they need to burn off some steam.

If you live with cats and are expecting, it’s probably a good idea to follow the advice of experts and get the cat prepared for the baby long before birth. 

One of the most annoying things for a cat is when another small creature suddenly appears in the home and soaks up all the attention from the humans, whether it’s another cat, another pet or a tiny newborn. If your cat’s body language is more standoffish and aloof than usual, it may be a cry for attention.

Why is it that we yell when we get upset? For a dog, yelling is the same as barking. And barking signals that something is off, something bad is happening. 

Yelling creates all sorts of confusion for your dog, so if they’re behaving badly and you want them to know that their actions are unacceptable, develop a firm tone and speak briefly and clearly. 

And be sure to have a positive tone when they’re doing things you approve of. 

Just like yelling, exposing your dog to excessive noise — whether you created it or not — is undesirable. Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing and are easily bothered by a loud TV or a boisterous party. And you know how much Fido hates fireworks during holidays. 

This is why many folks try to keep their dogs as far away from the din as possible, and they are happier this way as long as you don’t leave them alone for 10 or more hours. Dog body language that indicates intense fear, like shaking, pacing and whining may be signs to ask your vet for medication to help keep your dog calm over the holidays.