Paw prints: Keep an eye on your pets' silent messages

National Body Language Day is Friday. This recognizes the silent messages friends and families send to one another in your everyday life. From a smile to a tilt of the head, body language is one of the most revealing forms of nonverbal communication between not only people but even to our furry companions.

More than 1,000 pets are killed within shelters every day. According to Best Friends Animal Society, understanding a pet’s body language can encourage adoption rates and ultimately tackle the overcrowding crisis within shelters nationwide.

In celebration of the holiday, BFAS provides some helpful tips in reading your pet’s body language.

Cats:

• Heads or tails: A tail that is pointed up is a signal for welcomed engagement. However, if your cat’s tail is wagging back and forth, it often means they are overstimulated and may need some personal space before the next petting session.

• Look at my belly: According to the release the cat’s stomach is regarded as the most vulnerable area. When your cat exposes its tummy to you it shows a sign of trust.

• Eye contact: Another sign your cat trusts you is when they softly blink at you. Owners can help ease their cat by slowly blinking back at them. This lets your pet know they are safe within their environment.

• Stretching is important: The more comfortable the cat feels in its environment the more relaxed and looser the body will be. According to the release, a cat will become more rigid and stiff under certain levels of stress.

Dogs:

• Yawning: The release states dogs tend to yawn to help reduce stress. It is encouraged when your pet is going through an intense situation or is experiencing anxiety within a new environment, you should yawn with them to help them relax.

• The tail never lies: Dogs’ biggest emotional indicator is by the way they wag their tails. When on alert dogs tend to raise their tails high in a vigorous wagging fashion. A tail tucked often indicates the dog is scared. While a tail that follows along the dog’s spine often means they are relaxed.

• Walk the walk: According to the release, dogs feel more comfortable when their owners approach them from the side, moving in an arc, instead of moving toward them head-on.

It's not a staring contest: Another means of reducing stress within dogs is blinking repeatedly. Squinting eyes are typically a sign of a relaxed dog, according to the release.

Madison Willis writes about animals for The Eastern New Mexico News. To suggest a story or nominate a “Pet of the week,” contact her at: [email protected]