Tail wagging, ear position, body posture, and facial expressions are all subtle but very clear signals that reveal to owners the emotions, intentions, and moods of their four-legged friends, reports Sombor.info.
If your dog greets you with a big stretch as soon as you walk through the door, you have a reason to be happy.
According to veterinarian Alex Crow, this is a sign that you mean a lot to your pet, especially when it greets you with extended front legs, raised hips, and a wagging tail.
“It’s not just a coincidence. This is called a greeting stretch. It’s a sign that your dog feels safe, relaxed, and happy that you are home,” Crow explained.
He also pointed out that dogs may stretch to loosen stiff muscles, but if this behavior happens right after your return, it is intentional, writes Daily Express.co.uk.
“It’s their version of a calm, friendly greeting, and if you ever responded with praise, you probably encouraged it without even realizing it,” the vet added. However, it’s important to remember that not every stretch is a sign of affection.
If their belly is pressed close to the floor, it could be a sign of discomfort or pain and should be watched. Dr. Crow advised monitoring your pet’s behavior and contacting a vet if you have any concerns.
“Mostly, it’s just a way for your dog to say hello,” he said.
Other reasons for stretching
Frequent stretching can indicate discomfort in a strained muscle or joint where the animal stretches the problematic area to relieve pain.
If it seems that your pet focuses on stretching one specific spot more than usual and appears to move slowly, it could be a sign of arthritis or... a joint problem, which requires veterinary consultation.
A dog may also stretch if it has stomach problems. If it feels abdominal pain, it may stretch with its hind legs raised while its front end is lowered flat to the ground.
They may hold this position for a long time, often when there are no other dogs around.
You may notice them whining in pain or showing reluctance to being petted. Stretching or arching the back into a hunched position can also indicate stomach pain, which is important to check with a veterinarian.
