What are “whale eyes”? It is one of the most common facial expressions that show your puppy is feeling threatened or afraid. It is much similar to how people react to frightening scenarios. A typical scary look includes the body stiffening up and the eyes enlarging, which you commonly notice in petrified animals.
If your little pupper throws a look like this on you, stop doing whatever you are doing immediately. Weigh the situation and provide your furry baby attractive diversions to alleviate the stress. Suppose your puppy’s whale eyes are directed towards a child; separate them for a brief period until negative feelings abate.
Let your puppy play for some time, listen to its favorite music, watch an exciting dog show, or engage in a game to alter the existing dynamics. When nothing seems to work, meet your vet for assistance. The behavioral issue can be due to health problems, either physical or mental. Dog insurance NZ covers a canine fur baby’s medical care during unanticipated vet visits, emergencies, and specific health conditions.
The best pup insurance covers a furry pet comprehensively, which is why you must consider purchasing a policy. Meanwhile, read this article to learn what might be in your dog’s thoughts when it displays whale eyes.
How to know if your puppy gives you whale eyes?
The “back off” facial expression in which the eye whites (Sclera) are exposed are called whale eyes. The puppy might slightly avert its head, but its gaze will most likely remain locked on the target (something or someone). You can notice half moon shaped eye whites usually on the inner/outer side of the eyes and all around sometimes, which is why they are also known as “half moon eyes”.
What does it mean?
For instance, consider a situation where your puppy notices a toddler at home. Your fur baby’s look will mostly be fixed on the toddler to keep a check even if it turns away from them. You can conveniently call it the canine equivalent of the human “side eye”.
Whale eyes commonly signify “nervousness”. Dogs move their heads away to signal that they don’t pose a threat. Other signs of stress and anxiety can also accompany whale eyes. For example, you may observe appeasement tricks like lip licking, avoiding eye contact, hair standing up along your puppy’s spine, snarling, or just freezing in place.
In short, whale eyes can mean that your puppy is hoping to get your attention and convey a message. After that, your puppy might expect you to understand the message and take sufficient steps to fix whatever has gone wrong for them. Identifying their cause of agony can be the best course of action in such times.
Ask yourself some questions like what got your dog scared? Is there a stranger around? Did anybody yell? Was it a pet bully inside the house that slyly triggered your canine pal? Once you identify, eliminate the trigger/s from the environment and redirect your puppy’s focus to something loving and cheerful. Suppose an onlooking or approaching dog gives your pet whale eyes during an outdoor stroll, move your fur baby away to check the hostility.
There’s no way to rule out accidents and injuries when an animal with little good intentions lurks around your pet in a public place. Consider being prepared with dog insurance in NZ to manage unexpected vet bills effectively. The best pup insurance covers your canine fur baby’s health comprehensively, which is why you should explore and contemplate purchasing a policy quickly online.
