Food & Wine ~ Sonoma Valley Sun

Archives



How understanding animal behavior can save your life

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Just like humans, animals have unique ways of expressing themselves. The expressions pass a useful message to other animals and humans as well. For this reason, it is essential to understand the behavior of the animals — your pets, and even wild animals.

This guide will enlighten you on how you can study the behavior of animals, and how you can save your life by understanding those behaviors.

How to study the behavior of animals

There are three main methods of studying animal behavior: the direct observation method, the experimental method, and the comparative method. Direct observation is the watching method where you can directly know the behavior of your cat, dog, or any other animal by watching at a distance. For instance, as stated by FelineLiving.net, you can observe your cat’s habit to know if it wants food, or if you should engage it in an exercise.

Some animal behaviors can also express danger, meaning that you should stay away from them. The experimental methods involve using a specific type of manipulation to know how the dog or the animal will behave. Lastly, the comparative method compares the reaction of different animals when responding to particular circumstances. Observation of behavior of animals is very important. 

Common animal behaviors that signify danger

Some expressions are adorable and worth watching, but at times, such reactions could be danger signals. Some of the responses could mean that the animal is distressed, and thus, it can quickly attack you if you disturb it. Here are dangerous behavioral signs that you should beware of. 

  • Yawning

Many people only yawn when they are tired, and they would like to inhale more oxygen. Some animals can yawn for the same reason too. However, animals, particularly the dogs, may yawn when they are nervous and stressed. If you notice that your pet has frequently been yawning, try to change its environment so that it can get a change. You can also call your vet to get professional advice. Do not provoke it during such a moment, and it can easily harm you.

  • Belly showing

Cats and other pets like to show off their bellies. You can easily get tempted to rub off the fluffy tummy, especially when you assume that the behavior means that the animal needs a rub or a massage. However, you should not hurry to touch your cat’s belly because it can easily scratch you, bite you, or even kick you. 

  • Head pressing

Some animals, mainly dogs, show a strange behavior of pressing their head against the walls. The reaction might seem normal, but the truth is that it is not normal for them to behave that way unless you are playing with them. Head pressing could mean that the animal has several medical issues such as infection, head trauma, lead poisoning, mental disorders, or a damaged nervous system. Avoid provoking an animal which occasionally presses its head on walls.

  • Tail wagging

Many dogs wag their tails when they are happy. However, the case is not the same for cats. Happy cats move their tails slowly; thus, the vigorous wagging could be a warning sign. Tail wagging, accompanied by other aggressive symptoms such as hissing and flattened, has serious implications.

  • Open mouth

Many animals open their mouths when they are tired, or when they are preparing themselves to attack something or someone. Some smiles are genuine, but you should be careful to avoid being attacked. Call your vet officer if your pet keeps on opening its mouth.

Why it is essential to understand the animal’s language

Here are compelling reasons why you should always understand the behavior of animals:

  • To remain safe: Any animal, including your favorite pet, can harm you when it’s sick, angry, or provoked. Studying its body language behavior can, therefore, help you stay safe, to avoid getting hurt.

 

  • To reduce stress: Other than staying safe, understanding the behavior of animals can help you know what to do to support it.  The body language can also inform you when you should feed the animal, change its environment, or call a vet.

 

  • To enhance communication: You can enhance the relationship or the connection you have with different animals by studying their body language.

 

Animals express themselves differently when they are happy, hungry, angry, in danger, or sick. When you understand those expressions, you will be better placed to save your life and that of the animal too. If the behavior becomes bothersome, call a vet for further advice.

 




Sonoma Sun | Sonoma, CA