Have you ever wondered whether your dog feels sad when you leave or happy when you return home? Many pet owners talk to their animals as if they understand every emotion – but are we simply projecting human feelings onto them?
According to veterinary behaviourist Dr Fre Hurly, the answer is clear: pets really do experience emotions. She joined Bec & Asa on Drive this week to explain how understanding those emotions correctly can help us build healthier relationships with our furry companions.
Yes – Pets Do Have Emotions
Science increasingly shows that animals experience a range of emotional states. Dr Hurly explains that pets share what experts call “primary emotional systems,” sometimes referred to as panscape emotions.
These include:
- Fear and anxiety
- Frustration
- Desire and motivation
- Social play and care
- Pain and distress
- Grief when separated from attachment figures
In other words, pets don’t just react instinctively – they genuinely experience emotional responses to the world around them. While their emotions may not be as complex as human feelings, they are still very real and deeply connected to their wellbeing.
Do Dogs Feel Guilty – Or Is It Something Else?
Many owners believe their dog looks guilty after chewing furniture or making a mess. However, Dr Hurly says this is a common misunderstanding. Dogs are not feeling guilt in the human sense. Instead, they are responding to our body language.
“When you walk into a destroyed house, your posture, facial expression, and tone change immediately,” Dr Hurly explains. Dogs quickly pick up on these signals and may display submissive behaviours, such as lowered posture or avoiding eye contact, to prevent conflict.
What we interpret as a “guilty look” is actually a dog saying, “I sense tension – please don’t be upset with me.”
How Pets Read Human Emotions
Pets are remarkably skilled at interpreting human moods. Over thousands of years of living alongside people, dogs in particular have evolved to read body language and emotional cues.
You may notice:
- Your dog becomes energetic when you feel happy
- They quietly sit beside you when you’re sad
- They seek closeness during stressful moments
This emotional sensitivity is one reason animals are often trained as therapy or emotional support companions. They respond not only to what we say, but also to how we feel and behave.
Signs Your Pet Is Happy
Understanding body language is the best way to recognise your pet’s emotional state.
Common signs of a happy dog include:
- Relaxed posture
- Ears forward and attentive
- Seeking interaction or attention
- Panting with a relaxed expression
- Approaching you willingly
- Tail wagging (though this simply signals excitement or arousal, not always happiness)
Signs of Stress or Anxiety in Pets
Equally important is recognising when your pet feels uncomfortable or stressed.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Crouched or tense body posture
- Ears pulled back
- Tail lowered or tucked
- Avoiding eye contact
- Moving away or leaning back
Dogs also use what behaviourists call calming signals – subtle ways of asking for space or relief.
These may include:
- Lip licking when not eating
- Yawning when not tired
- Shaking off like they’re wet
- Showing the whites of their eyes (“whale eye”)
If you notice these behaviours, it’s best to pause and change what you’re doing. Your pet is communicating discomfort and asking for a different interaction.
Building a Stronger Bond With Your Pet
Understanding that pets experience emotions helps us become more compassionate and responsive owners. By learning to read body language and emotional cues, you can reduce stress, strengthen trust, and improve your pet’s overall wellbeing.
After all, while pets may not express emotions exactly like humans, they are constantly communicating – we just need to learn how to listen. You can check out Dr Fre Hurly’s full chat with Bec & Asa below.