7. They Display Relaxed, Vulnerable Body Language

Tension in a pet’s body is a clear indicator of stress, fear, or uncertainty. A pet that feels deeply connected to you will exhibit fluid, relaxed body mechanics in your presence. For dogs, this looks like a loose, wiggly spine, soft ears, and a gently open mouth.

A dog experiencing stress might show “whale eye”—where the whites of their eyes are visible—or repeatedly lick their lips. A bonded, comfortable dog allows their weight to sink heavily into their bed when you are nearby.

Exposing the belly is often a sign of ultimate comfort for both species. For cats, stretching out fully or sleeping with their belly completely exposed shows they feel completely secure in their environment without the need to protect their vital organs.

Keep in mind that a cat’s exposed belly is usually a demonstration of deep trust rather than an open invitation for a belly rub.