Lecture 24. Communication and Indicators of Animal Intent: Canine and Feline

what are some signs of a relaxed posture in a dog

relaxed body and neutral posture, potentially wagging, soft mouth and eyes

what are some signs of a defensively threatening dog

tense body and posture, weight shifted low to ground, stiff, pinned ears, hard mouth, whale eye

what should you do if a dog is presenting as defensively threatened

stop and make behavior management plan to avoid antagonizing this dog

what are some signs of an offensivley threatening dog

hard and stiff body, tail wagging high and methodically, erect and forward ears, top lip pulled up and dog is barking/growling, hard stare and tense face

what is the underlying motivation behind a dog presenting as offensively threatened

fear

how do dogs greet each other

indirectly approach- lateral approach, polite sniff, averted gaze, play bow

how should we actually approach dogs to keep them comfortable

approach from the side and bend at your knees while talking in a soft light hearted voice

how does a relaxed cat present

resting, eyes closed, ears forward, potentially purring, loose tail, bunting

how does an alert cat present

head over the body, open eyes, erect ears, maybe some tail twitching

how does a tense cat present

head over body w/ no movement, wide open eyes and dilated pupils, erect ears either front or back, tail close to body, potential slinking, maybe a meow

how does an anxious cat present

head on body plan w/ little/no movement, open eyes and dilated pupils, flattened ears, tail close to body, potential growl and increased RR

how does a fearful cat present

tucked head, open eyes, fully flat ears, tail close/underneath, potential growl, freezing/fidgiting/escaping

how does a terrified cat presnet

head lowers, flat ears, tail close, spitting, growling, hissing, "halloween cat", full piloerection

what can feline aggression be caused by in a vet setting

defensive or fear/pain aggression

what can some warnings be for a potential cat bite

sudden pupil dilation, piloerection, fast tail swish, swatting, vocalization, direct stare