Body expressions of emotions: does animals have it?

ABSTRACT

The expression of emotions in animals is a source of information not very explored by researches. It is necessary to know what emotions animals experience and how these emotions are expressed to the point that we can identify them. Within this approach, the use of techniques to measure bodychanges in animals according to the type of emotion experienced is one of the following paths. The ear and tailpositioning was described as body areas subject to changes caused by emotions in animals. However, the position of theears and tail may vary between species when it comes to the emotional state and therefore, it is not possible to establish a pattern. It is necessary to evaluate each species individuallyand the results cannot be transmitted from one species to another. In addition, animals demonstrate different facial expressions associated with pain. Changes in facial expression in animals may also be related to emotions.(AU)