Why do dogs wag their tails?
It's commonly believed that dogs wag their tails to convey that they are happy and friendly, but this isn't exactly true. Dogs have a kind of language that's based on the position and motion of their tails. The position of a dog's tail reveals its emotional state.
When a dog is relaxed, its tail will be in its "natural" position, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
This natural position differs between breeds. The tails of most dogs, for example, hang down near their hocks, or heels. But pugs have tails that curl upward, and greyhounds have tails that rest slightly between their legs.
If a dog is nervous or submissive, it'll hold its tail lower than its natural position, and will tuck its tail under its body if it's scared. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a tail held higher than normal may indicate the dog is aroused by something, while a vertical tail indicates aggression.
A tail held straight out means the dog is curious about something.
Tail wagging reflects a dog's excitement, with more vigorous wagging relating to greater excitement.
Why do cats purr?
Happiness
Your cat looks relaxed: Perhaps she's on her back, eyes half-closed, tail mostly still. If she's purring, it's safe to assume she's in her happy place.
That noise is a big smile.
Hunger
Some cats purr when it's mealtime. British researchers studied the sounds that house cats make when they're hungry and when food isn't on their minds. The purrs don't sound the same.
When cats purr for food, they combine their normal purr with an unpleasant cry or mew, a bit like a human baby's cry. Experts believe that we're more likely to respond to this sound. They've found that people can tell the difference between the purrs, even if they aren't cat owners.
Kitten-Mother Connection
Kittens can purr when they're only a few days old. Purring helps a kitten bond with its mother, who uses it like a lullaby.
Pain Relief and Healing
Even though purring takes energy, many cats purr when they get hurt or are in pain. So what makes the effort worth it?
It might simply be a way for a cat to soothe itself, like a child sucks their thumb to feel better.
But research suggests that purring actually helps cats get better faster. The low frequency of purrs causes a series of related vibrations within their body that can:
• Heal bones and wounds
• Build muscle and repair tendons
• Ease breathing
• Lessen pain and swelling
Why do dogs bury bones?
Burying bones is a serious business for dogs that is driven by heredity and instinct. This process is called caching or hoarding, and it is common among dogs, wolves and foxes. In fact, other animals practice a form of caching; squirrels gather enough nuts to last through the winter, and camels store enough food and water to last for several days in the desert. Our domesticated dogs may have their food handed to them each day in sufficient quantities, but they still carry this caching trait and bury their bones or toys in the back yard – or even under your pillows – to guard against a possible shortage of food.
Why do cats meow?
I’m hurt – If your cat suddenly begins to meow excessively, take him to be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Your cat’s meows may indicate that there is something medically wrong, especially if the behavior isn’t typical.
I’m just saying hi – Often a cat meows to his human when you come home or even to greet you when you see each other in the house.
I want food – The “I’m hungry” meow is likely one all cat parents know well. Lots of cats know just how to tell their families that it’s time for dinner.
Pay attention to me – Sometimes cats talk simply because they want your attention – and they learn that meowing gets them just that.
Let me in – If a door is closed, cats might meow to get you to open it for them.
I’m stressed – Cats who are stressed may become more vocal than normal. You may have experienced this first hand with a cat meowing loudly in the car on the way to the vet, for example.
I’m ticked off – Angry, agitated cats will often erupt into a screaming match if they feel threatened enough to attack.
I don’t want to be alone – When some cats are left alone for lengthy periods of time, they may become anxious and, among other things, meow excessively.
I’m getting older – Increased vocalization is fairly common in senior cats. As cats age, they may display a decrease in cognitive function, demonstrated in a variety of ways, including loud meowing
I don’t want to be alone – When some cats are left alone for lengthy periods of time, they may become anxious and, among other things, meow excessively.
I’m getting older – Increased vocalization is fairly common in senior cats. As cats age, they may display a decrease in cognitive function, demonstrated in a variety of ways, including loud meowing
Why do dogs pant?
Obviously, dogs have a vastly different physiology than people. For one thing, dogs have fur -- the equivalent of a coat.
Once their body temperature rises, dogs can’t sweat through their skin like we do to cool off. Dogs do sweat through their paw pads, but it’s by panting that dogs circulate the necessary air through their bodies to cool down.
Panting is a sign that your dog is excited, hot, or both. But panting is also a warning sign. If your dog is taking a break from exercise and continues to pant heavily, this could be a sign of heatstroke – a medical emergency. Move your dog to a cool spot or indoors immediately. When playing with your dog outside in hot weather, it’s vital to bring along water for her to drink too.
Why do cats scratch?
Marking their territory
Scratching is a territorial instinct used by cats to claim their turf. Through scratching, cats mark their domains with more than just visible signs of claw marks. Cat's paws also have scent glands that leave their own special scent on their territory.
Exercise
Scratching also serves to keep your cat in shape. The act of scratching stretches and pulls and works the muscles of a cat's front quarters.
Sheer pleasure
It feels good to scratch. So give up the idea of reforming your cat’s desire to scratch. Rechannel her into scratching where you want her to.
Cats don't understand physical punishment. In addition to it being wrong to hit your cat, punishment simply doesn't work and is likely to make your situation worse. Clever though cats are about many things, they don't understand that you're punishing them for scratching the couch. She will only compute that sometimes when you catch her she is treated badly. This may make her insecure and stimulate her to scratch more or develop other undesirable behavior problems. Eventually you will break the trust and security that is the basis for your cat's relationship with you, and you will find it very difficult to catch her for any reason at all. Cats have excellent memories and hold serious grudges.
http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/understanding-your-dog/why-do-dogs-bury-bones
