Have you seen the viral “talking” pet trick on TikTok yet? The concept is simple — give your pet some buttons that say simple words out loud. Then, let your pet “talk” by clicking through the buttons.
Does it work? Yes!
Is it accurate? Scientists are working hard to find out.
To learn the answer, we must first figure out how dogs communicate without buttons. How do dogs communicate outside of this new viral hack? Read on to find out more about how dogs speak to their human owners.
Canine Communication 101
Let’s start with the basics. Like us, dogs use their senses to understand the world around them. They also use these senses to communicate with other animals.
Healthy communication might involve:
- Dog body language
- Dog noises
- Dog vocal sounds
- Growls
- Yips
One thing that separates humans and dogs, though, is scent. Dogs use their sense of smell to communicate more than their noises. They also use their posture to signify their emotional state.
We can also look at how dogs interact to learn more about how they communicate. So, how do dogs communicate with each other?
First, they use scent to learn more about one another. They also use their posture. Finally, they use vocal communication.
For instance, a dog that shows its teeth while maintaining a rigid posture is aggressive. They may feel threatened, angry, or upset. A dog that’s showing its teeth but is relaxed and panting, though, is showing signs of submission.
How Do Dogs Communicate That They’re Hurting?
As a senior pet owner, you also want to know when your pet isn’t feeling its best. As you know, they can’t exactly tell you when they’re in pain.
Dogs also have a specific way of showing that they’re hurting or distressed. Look for the following signs, especially if they’re a new behavior for your dog:
- Pacing or anxious behaviors
- Shaking and panting
- Hiding and being distant
- New aggression, especially when you touch a specific body part
- Excessive licking or scratching on one body part
- Loss of appetite
- Limping or refusing to walk
It’s also important to recognize that dogs can suffer from emotional stress. Canine separation anxiety, for instance, is very common as your pet gets older. Seniors might feel more afraid and needy.
If you notice these signs, consider calming oils like Ellevet for dogs. If you suspect a physical issue, then take your pet to the vet.
What’s Your Dog Saying Today?
So, how do dogs communicate with their human owners? Dogs use a variety of methods including body language, noises, and even obeying. All these methods prove that inter-species cooperation is both possible and prevalent.
So, what is your dog trying to say today?
As your senior pet gets older, it’s more important to understand what they’re trying to say. Always keep your eyes open for signs that something isn’t right.
To ensure your pet stays healthy for as long as possible, consider senior supplements. Senilife Cognitive Disease Supplements, for instance, will help keep your pup strong. It will also help them keep communicating with you.