Why a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy

Even if you’re not an animal lover, there’s one dog fact everyone knows – a waggy tail means a happy pooch. It’s common knowledge that a dog wagging its tail is happy or enjoying itself. But now one animal expert has explained why it’s not actually that simple, and a wagging tail could actually mean a variety of things.

In a video posted on TikTok by Somerset veterinary practice Green Pastures Vets, one member of staff explained what a wagging tail can actually mean. And you might be surprised to learn it’s not as simple as your dog being in a good mood.

The video opened with a man asking: “Does a dog wagging its tail mean that it’s happy?” The woman in the video replied: “It’s a little bit tricky.

“So sometimes, completely uncomplicated, yes, waggy tail, happy dog. But other times it can actually be a sign that they’re a bit worried, a bit anxious.

“And if you look at other signs in their body language, so are they licking their lips, are they yawning alongside wagging their tail, actually that could be a behaviour that the dog’s doing to just try and make itself feel better, make itself feel happy.

“So we have to be a bit careful to interpret it right so we know how to approach the dog best to make them feel comfortable here.”

What can a dog’s tail tell us about how they’re feeling?

Animal charity the Blue Cross explained more about what owners can learn from their beloved furry friends’ tails. It said: “The wag of a tail is instinctive in dogs. It’s used as part of their varied communication with one another and with humans.”

It explained what different types of tail movement can mean:

• A broad, smooth, sweeping tail means the dog is relaxed and comfortable
• ‘Helicopter tail’, when the tail moves rapidly in a circle like the blades of a helicopter, is a sign they are particularly excited or happy. It is usually reserved for their favourite people or doggy friends
• A tail wag slightly to the right may indicate recognition of a person or another dog, research has suggested
• A tail held much lower but still wagging slightly usually means the dog is worried and is indicating it is not a threat
• A tail held between the dog’s legs means it is extremely worried and trying to protect itself
• A high tail wagging fast often indicates excitement, but this may depend on the breed and what else their body is doing at the time
• Some dogs wag their tails from side to side rapidly while following a scent, as a sign of extreme concentration

The following signs could mean a dog is feeling worried or anxious:

• Moving away, avoidance, or hiding
• Tucking their tail under the body, looking away, or making themselves appear smaller
• Lip licking, yawning when not sleepy, paw raising
• Growling, baring their teeth, snapping, or biting

The Blue Cross says the best response to any of these behaviours is to give them some space. “It’s important to remember that our dogs use their whole body, including the tail, to express how they are feeling, and it’s our responsibility to do our best to pay attention to, and understand what they are ‘saying’,” it said. “Always be alert and sensitive to your dog’s communication to keep them happy and safe.”