What are non-verbal cues indicating animal stress or relaxation called?

Non-verbal cues indicating animal stress or relaxation are best described as body language signs. This terminology encompasses various behaviors and movements exhibited by animals that reflect their emotional and physical state. Observing an animal's body posture, tail position, ear orientation, and facial expressions can provide significant insights into whether the animal feels threatened, anxious, relaxed, or content.

Utilizing body language signs enables veterinarians and animal caregivers to interpret an animal's feelings accurately and adjust their handling techniques accordingly to minimize stress and enhance the animal's comfort. Understanding these visual cues is fundamental in implementing a Fear Free approach, ensuring a more positive experience for the animal during veterinary visits.

Other terms, while relevant to the emotional and physiological processes of animals, do not specifically refer to the external signs observed through body movements and positions. Vocalizations, for instance, indicate stress or relaxation but are auditory rather than visual cues. Physiologic signs tend to relate to internal biological responses, like heart rate or cortisol levels, while affective signs focus more on the emotional state rather than observable behavior. Therefore, body language signs provide the most direct means of observing and interpreting an animal's immediate response to their environment.