7 Signs Your Dog Is Happier Than You Think, According to a Vet
From body language to meal time, here’s how to spot a truly happy dog.
Don’t you wish you could ask your dog a question and have them answer? Or perhaps you could peer into their mind? Although some dogs might communicate with viral social media “talking buttons,” it can still be tough to know what your pet is thinking and feeling.
How do you know if your pet is truly happy? Look for clues that indicate your dog feels content and relaxed.
According to board-certified veterinary behaviorist Amy L. Pike, D.V.M., one secret to canine contentment is mental enrichment. Although it may seem like multiple walks per day are the key to happiness—and regular exercise does help—dogs are happiest with mental enrichment like training or a puzzle toy alongside a romp around the yard.
She also advises against forcing your dog to do things they don’t want to do whenever that’s feasible—although some things, like bath time or teeth brushing, for example, can’t be avoided.
Ahead, we’re listing the signs that your pup is living a blissful life, beyond how much you spoil them.
Your dog loves to snooze
You may notice that your dog rests “a good majority of the day,” as Pike says, adding that normal dogs can rest or sleep up to 16 to 20 hours per day. “A happy or content dog is one that can just ‘chill’ because they have had all their needs met and they are not anxious,” she says.
They wiggle all over
“A happy dog shows excited body language when you ask them to do certain things, like go for a walk, play ball, get a treat, etc.,” Pike points out. “Not every dog likes every one of those things, but they should get excited for the particular things that they enjoy.” A wiggly dog is a happy dog!
They’re independent
You may think that if a dog goes off on their own, that means that they’re unhappy. Well, actually—the opposite is true. Pike says that one sign of canine happiness is that your dog can “self-soothe with a toy or chew to occupy themselves without the need for your involvement.” In other words, a happy dog doesn’t need you 24/7.
They can co-exist with others
If a dog is generally content, “they can co-exist with their housemates (human and animal) and do not feel the need to show aggression or fear toward the others,” Pike says. “They do not have to be BFFs, especially with the other animal housemates—many dogs just co-exist, and that is OK.” Peacefully coexisting shows your dog feels secure in their environment.
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They engage with dogs on their own terms
A happy dog engages with other dogs only to the degree they are comfortable with. If your dog does not enjoy playing with other dogs, there’s no need to force them to do so—and they won’t feel pressured to, either. “If they don’t enjoy dog parks or dog daycare, do not take them to those places,” Pike says. “They do not have to have dog friends to live a fulfilled, happy life.”
They’re content opting out of interactions
Dogs making it clear that they don’t want to meet your friends, family, or visitors can actually be a sign of happiness. It means the dog is clearly showing their comfort level and preference, rather than being forced into an interaction. “They are telling us with their behavior and body language that they do not want to meet those people, so allowing them to be introverted is meeting their need” and increasing their happiness, Pike explains.
They’re excited for food
“A good appetite is a sign of overall good health and lack of anxiety, since anxiety and medical issues such as underlying gastrointestinal disease can suppress appetite,” Pike shares. If your pup gets the zoomies every time you put down a bowl of food or jumps for joy for a treat, these are good signs of overall happiness, not just excitement over a treat.
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