'Whale eye' could be tell-tale sign your dog is in distress

04 September 2023 , 14:41

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A classic canine expression of fear is the whale eye (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There's a subtle sign to know when your furry friend is distressed and needs some love and attention. A classic canine expression of fear, anxiety, and discomfort in dogs is what's known as "whale eye". When dogs display a whale eye, it means they could feel threatened so owners will need to remove their precious pets from a certain environment.

For many dogs, being around a stressed family member can affect them as well as a change in routine, such as a reduced amount of exercise. A pooch can also become stressed when they are bored, frustrated, scared, or anxious.

The way to spot whale eye is if a dog shows the white part of its eyes. A psychologist explained: "Dogs will often show what is commonly called a 'half-moon eye' or 'whale eye' which is where you can see the white portion of the eyes at the corner or the rim."

Dogs can feel stressed due to a number of reasons (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Writing in Psychology Today, psychologist Stanley Coren shared another behavioural trait which indicates if your canine companion is under stress. The pro said: "The most common sign of anxiety is when the dog turns his head away from whatever is bothering or worrying him, sometimes also closing his eyes, at least partially. Another sign is when "dog's ears are lowered or slicked against the side of his head. Lip licking or licking a person's face can also be signs of anxiety, as can yawning or raising one paw."

The expert warned that hugging your dog can, in fact, result in its stress levels soaring, and could potentially lead to biting. Cohen added: "Dogs are technically cursorial animals, which is a term that indicates that they are designed for swift running. That implies that in times of stress or threat, the first line of defence that a dog uses is not his teeth, but rather his ability to run away."

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"Behaviourists believe that depriving a dog of that course of action by immobilising him with a hug can increase his stress level and, if the dog's anxiety becomes significantly intense, he may bite." According to the Blue Cross, the best way to keep dogs calm is through exercise, and walking, to stay nice and calm, and keep them entertained.

Ayaan Ali