Tail Wagging Taste Why Dogs Love Bella Pet Food
The Science of Tail Wagging: Understanding Why Dogs Wag their Tails
Have you ever wondered why dogs wag their tails? Its a common sight to see a dog happily wagging its tail, but what does it actually mean? Is it just a sign of happiness, or is there more to it? The truth is that tail wagging is a form of communication that dogs use to convey their emotions and intentions. In this blog post, well explore the science behind tail wagging and help you understand what your furry friend is trying to tell you. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and lets dive into the fascinating world of dog tail wagging!
The wagging tail of a dog is one of the most iconic and recognizable gestures in the animal kingdom. Its a universal sign of happiness and excitement, and its something that all dog owners and lovers look forward to seeing. But why do dogs wag their tails? Is it just a simple gesture of happiness, or is there more to it? In this blog post, well explore the science of tail wagging and try to understand the reasons behind this unique behavior.
The Anatomy of Tail Wagging
Before we dive into the reasons behind tail wagging, its important to understand the anatomy of this behavior. A dogs tail is made up of several small bones called vertebrae, which are connected by muscles and tendons. These muscles and tendons are controlled by the dogs brain, which sends signals through the spinal cord to move the tail in different directions.
When a dog wags its tail, its not just moving the tail from side to side. The angle, speed, and direction of the wag can all convey different emotions and messages. For example, a slow and gentle wag might indicate that the dog is relaxed and content, while a fast and vigorous wag might indicate excitement or even aggression.
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?
Now that we understand the anatomy of tail wagging, lets explore some of the reasons why dogs wag their tails.
1. Happiness and Excitement
The most common reason why dogs wag their tails is happiness and excitement. When a dog is happy, its brain sends signals to its tail muscles to start wagging. This can happen when the dog sees its owner, meets a new dog or person, or just experiences something that makes it happy.
2. Communication
Tail wagging is also a form of communication for dogs. Dogs use their tails to convey different emotions and messages to other dogs and humans. For example, a dog might wag its tail slowly and tentatively to signal that its unsure or nervous, or it might wag its tail quickly and vigorously to signal excitement or playfulness.
3. Social Hierarchy
Tail wagging can also be a way for dogs to establish social hierarchy. When two dogs meet, they might wag their tails at different speeds and angles to communicate their status. A dominant dog might wag its tail slowly and deliberately, while a submissive dog might wag its tail quickly and nervously.
4. Warning Sign
In some cases, tail wagging can be a warning sign. When a dog is feeling aggressive or threatened, it might wag its tail in a stiff and rapid motion, which can be a signal to back off.
Conclusion
Overall, tail wagging is a complex behavior that can convey a wide range of emotions and messages. While its mostly associated with happiness and excitement, it can also be a form of communication, a way to establish social hierarchy, and even a warning sign. By understanding the science of tail wagging, we can better understand our furry friends and communicate with them more effectively.
In conclusion, tail wagging is an essential form of communication for dogs. It conveys a range of emotions, including happiness, excitement, fear, and nervousness. Understanding the nuances of tail wagging is crucial for dog owners and lovers as it helps them interpret their furry friends emotions and respond appropriately. So, the next time you see a dog wagging its tail, pay attention to the direction, speed, and height of the wag. Youll be surprised how much you can learn about their feelings.
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?
What Does It Mean When Dogs Wag Their Tails?
The tails position could be considered reflective of the dogs general mood (scared, excited, concerned, curious, happy, or angry). The wag indicates the intensity of that emotion. The more exaggerated or extreme, the more intense theyre feeling.
For example, lets say a dog with an average-length tail is approaching you. The base of their tail is raised slightly just past parallel to the ground. The wagging could be described as moderate speed, full, sweeping, and loose. The tail position tells us the dog is feeling relaxed and the exaggerated movement of the tail from side to side indicates that the dog is approaching with the intention of engaging in a positive social interaction with you.
Here are several emotions a dog can convey through wagging their tail.
Happy/Friendly
When a dog is expressing happiness or friendliness, their tail is often in a neutral position (the base of the tail is parallel to the ground). It can also be in a slightly upward or downward position and wagging at a moderate speed.
Their tail is relaxed and wagging in full, sweeping side-to-side movements. It may even be wagging in a circular motion known as a circle wag or helicopter tail. (Though, some dogs can have a helicopter tail when theyre feeling anxious, aroused, or agitated. Again, its important to remember that no one body part communicates the whole story!)
The more excited a dog is, the faster their tail typically wags. When dogs are excited and friendly, they will sometimes also wag their hips or even their whole body, from their shoulders down to their tail. This is frequently observed in dogs with short, nub-like tails. They sometimes wiggle the entire back end of their bodies!
Curious
When a dog is curious about something, such as when they find a new smell, their tail is typically held straight out behind them. This may or may not be associated with a tail wagthe tail is often held still, but it wont look stiff or tense. They may also be standing with an alert posture with their ears perked up, potentially with wrinkles visible on their foreheads.
Relaxed
A dog that is relaxed will stand with a tail thats void of tension and not wagging. They will only start moving their tail when an emotion is sparked by an environmental change.
Appeasing/Submissive/Fearful
Before describing an appeasing, submissive, or fearful tail wag, its important to note that all these forms likely have an element of fear, vulnerability, or uncertainty. Its important to pick up on the cues a dog is giving to avoid heightening the situation.
Submissive dogs will often lower their tail or tuck it between their legs. This is typically done because the dog feels threatened and does not want to be harmed. This tail position is telling other dogs (and people!) that they need time and space to work through the discomfort. A submissive tail position may or may not be associated with a tail wag.
If a dog has their tail tucked tightly between their legs and is wagging the tip in a tight fast motion, this is typically indicative of the dog experiencing a fear responseand wanting to pacify another dog. Many dogs show signs of submission when theyre scared as a survival strategy.
Because the speed of a tail wag is reflective of how intense the dogs feelings are, a submissive tail wag can be thought of as a dog saying, Please dont hurt me! If a dog is exhibiting this sign, its best to stop approaching or interacting with them.
Allow the dog to approach when they are feeling safer. And remember: a dog moving forward with a tucked tail wagging low and tightly may not be an invitation for interaction.
Aggressive/Threatening
A dog moving closer to exhibiting aggressive behavior will move their tail into a vertical position that often arches over their back. The tail will be very stiff and may or may not be moving.
If a dogs tail is in this position, it means they are preparing for an interaction that involves agonistic behaviors. The tighter and faster the tail movement, the more agitated the dog is.
If a dog is showing signs of feeling threatened, action needs to be taken to change the environment immediately. The dog should not be approached because its likely they will attempt to bite if a human or animal tries to interact with them in this state. If the dog cant be removed from the situation, the people, other animals, or events causing the dogs distress should be.
In addition to the high, stiff tail, other signs dogs may exhibit include:
Stiff body pointing at the target
Staring with wide eyes
Pinning or flattening their ears
Closing their mouth with tension in the lips
Standing perfectly still/freezing
Moving forward in slow motion
Exposure of canines
Growling
Lunging
Avoidance
When dogs dont want to interact at all, they typically stop wagging their tail and move away. They may even exhibit displacement behaviors like self-grooming or sniffing the ground. A more direct translation of these behaviors is, please leave me alone, or please calm down.
At this stage, this isnt associated with aggression; its just the dogs way of requesting to be left alone. However, if the dog is approached, the avoidance signals may transition to submission or aggression, depending on the dog. Heed the dogs request and do not approach unless absolutely necessary. If you are able to give the dog some space, they may willing come to you after some time.
Right-Sided vs. Left-Sided Tail Wagging
Scientists have also discovered there is a difference between a moreright-sided versus left-sided tail wagging. Dogs conveying more positive emotions will wag their tail slightly to the right, while dogs that are conveying more negative emotions will wag their tail slightly to the left.
Dogs that are wagging their tail slightly to the right tend to be friendlier and exhibit other behaviors indicating a willingness to interact socially. Dogs that are wagging their tails slightly to the left tend to be more stressed or anxious and exhibit avoidance or escape tendencies when presented with social opportunities.
How Do Dogs Without Tails Communicate?
Because dogs communicate so many different emotions with their tail, how do dogs without tails communicate? Just like humans, they use vocalizations and body language.
With or without a tail, here are just a few ways that dogs use their voice and body language to communicate their emotions:
Vocalizations:barking, growling, snarling, whimpering, whining, crying, howling
Facial expressions
Moving their tongue, such as lip-licking
Eye position
Ear position: flattened, perked up, relaxed, pinned
Stance/posture: hunched, cowering, play bowing, hackles raised, stiff/frozen, body weight shifting forward or back
Movement: stiff/frozen, lying down, walking around, lunging, tip-toeing, moving backward, turning head away
Learning how to speak tail can be complicated, but the most important thing to remember is that just because a dog is wagging their tail, it does not necessarily mean they are friendly.
Keep in mind this is just one body part dogs use to communicate emotion. Always ask the pet parent before approaching and petting their dog. And even if they say yes, take a look at the dogs posture yourself. If you see anything that gives you pause, its OK to decline.
Featured Image: Adobe/e-Kis
Why I Dont Add Bone Meal to Raw Dog Food
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When feeding DIY raw, what do you do if you can't find a source for bone? I've been fortunate because I have several sources (raw food co-op, restaurant supply store, ethnic markets, local farms), so I haven't had to find a bone substitute but not everyone is that lucky. I've seen many raw feeders recommend dairy products, green tripe, and bone meal as an alternative. In this article, I will share what I do when I don't have bone for a meal (or meal prep), and why I don't feed bone meal (and the other alternatives) in place of bone.
Why Bones are Important for Raw Fed Dogs
When formulating a dog's raw diet, I start with an 80/10/10 blend 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ meat. It's important to have bone in the diet for several reasons
Essential Nutrients bones are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous, which are vital for teeth and bone strength, support organ and tissue functions, and are ideal for growing puppies (so don't skimp on the bones).
Gut Health bone tissue and fibers aid digestion and prevent loose stools by binding to food in the digestive tract. I often add additional bone to the meal when a dog has loose stool.
Satisfies the Chew Drive carnivores naturally desire to chew, providing essential mental stimulation. Ripping and tearing are enjoyable challenges, similar to solving a puzzle. This stimulation releases endorphins and prevents them from chewing on unwanted objects when bored.
A Jaw Workout your dog can strengthen their mouth, jaw, neck, and shoulders by chewing on edible or recreational bones.
Teeth Cleaning bones help clean dogs' teeth and prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup.
However, it's important to note that not all bones are safe for dogs to consume. Cooked bones, especially those from poultry, can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. Always provide raw bones that are appropriate in size for your dog's breed and supervise them while they're chewing.
What's Bone Meal?
Food-grade bone meal is a product made from finely ground bones that are typically sourced from animals such as cattle or fish. It is processed and treated to ensure it meets specific safety standards for food and animal feed use.
Food-grade bone meal is produced by grinding and processing bones from animals. The bones undergo a series of steps to remove impurities, sterilize the material, and ensure it meets food safety standards. The resulting finely ground powder is rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus, making it a common nutritional supplement for pets, livestock, and plants.
When shopping for food-grade bone meal, here are a few factors to consider:
Source and Quality: Look for products that clearly state the source of the bones and ensure they are from reliable and reputable sources. High-quality bone meal should be free from contaminants like heavy metals or additives.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Check if the product complies with relevant food safety regulations and standards, such as those set by the FDA or other local regulatory bodies. Look for products that are tested for contaminants and meet the necessary quality control standards.
Nutrient Content: Consider the nutrient profile of the bone meal. It should contain a balanced amount of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. Ensure the product's nutrient content aligns with your dog's nutritional requirements.
Processing Method: The processing method can impact the bone meal's quality and nutrient availability. Look for products that use gentle processing techniques to preserve the integrity of the nutrients and ensure they are bioavailable for absorption.
Packaging and Storage: Proper packaging is essential to maintain the quality and freshness of the bone meal. Choose products that are securely packaged to prevent moisture or air exposure. Additionally, check if the product has a reasonably long shelf life and follow the storage instructions provided.
Why I Don't Use Bone Meal in Raw Feeding
I don't use bone meal for two reasons (1) I can source bones and I have a meat grinder, and (2) I never found a source of bone meal that I could trust.
- Many food grade bone meal manufacturers use heat to process their meal, which makes it difficult for dogs to digest, preventing them from gaining the calcium/phosphorus benefits.
- The calcium in food grain bone meal is less bio-available and our dogs may be getting less than 50% of the calcium.
- Many manufacturers source their bone meal from other countries, increasing the risk of contaminants.
- The calcium-phosphorous ratio in bone meal may not be ideal for dogs.
Recently, I've begun to notice bone meal options, but these aren't for meal formulation. I would use one of the following if I needed to add more calcium to the diet of a growing puppy and bones weren't always available:
- Four Leaf Rover this natural supplement contains calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D to support joint health, teeth, and bones. It's sourced from grass-fed australian beef bone, formulated by a holistic veterinarian, and made in the US. I like that this product includes Vitamin D to facilitate calcium absorption.
- Buck Bone Organics Ground Wild Elk and Deer Antler Powder for Dogs this all natural supplement is made from naturally shed elk and deer antlers. It's high in calcium and other minerals to support bones, teeth, and joints. My only issue with this product is that I'll have to balance the phosphorus in the meal and I may need more Vitamin D to help with the calcium absorption.
An Alternative to Bone Meal
If raw bones aren't an option and you can't find a quality source of bone meal, you can try seaweed calcium.
Seaweed calcium is a dietary supplement derived from various types of seaweed, such as red algae or lithothamnion. It is known for its high calcium content and is often used as an alternative to traditional calcium supplements derived from sources like limestone or coral.
Benefits of Seaweed Calcium
Calcium Source: Seaweed calcium provides a bioavailable form of calcium that is easily absorbed by the body, making it an excellent option for raw feeders who don't have a source for raw bones or a meat grinder.
Minerals and Trace Elements: Seaweed calcium is also a great source of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, boron, and zinc. These nutrients are important for maintaining overall health.
Bone Health: Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Adequate calcium intake is essential for bone development, strength, and health; especially when Vitamin D is also added to the diet.
Sustainability: Seaweed is a sustainable resource that can be harvested without depleting natural habitats. It requires no additional land, fertilizers, or freshwater to grow, making it an environmentally-friendly source of calcium.
The Downside of Seaweed Calcium
The reason I stopped using seaweed calcium is because it's important to (1) balance calcium and phosphorus, and (2) the diet needs Vitamin D to aid absorption of the calcium. While this can be figured out with the assistance of Animal Diet Formulator software, it's much easier to feed raw bone and use a base mix.
What About Eggshells?
About 95% of the eggshell contains calcium carbonate; but it only has 0.3% phosphorus. Using eggshells requires an adjustment to the diet to balance the calcium:phosphorus ratio. If ground eggshells is the best option for calcium, then the amount used (along with supporting nutrients) can be calcuated with the help of Animal Diet Formulator software .
It's important to buy from a quality source. I source pasture-raised eggs from friends who raise chickens, so I don't have to worry about what was used to rinse the eggs that are so shiny and clean at our grocery stores.
I don't use ground eggshells for my dogs' diet. Instead, I sprinkle them in my flower garden to deter slugs and enrich the soil.
What About Dairy Products?
While milk is a great source of calcium for humans, it's not the best option for dogs. Cow's milk contains more lactose and feeding it may lead to digestive upset. Raw goat's milk is easier for dogs to digest and it contains more calcium. However, this doesn't make milk an appropriate substitute for raw bones.
