Stop & Say Hi! How to Greet Unfamiliar Pets Without Scaring Them.

Calling all pet lovers! We know the feeling—whenever you see a cute dog or cat, you just can't help but stop and want to play with them. Today, Dr. Pup (Dr. Phoppaphak), a veterinarian at Thonglor Pet Hospital, has some expert techniques to share on how to approach unfamiliar dogs and cats properly and safely.

Understanding Their Past The First Step to Making Friends 

First and foremost, always remember that to every unfamiliar dog or cat, you are a complete stranger. Each animal has its own unique past—some may be fearful because they’ve been mistreated, while others might simply be overwhelmed because they rarely leave home or interact with crowds. Since we cannot know their history, our approach must always be gentle and non-threatening.

If you encounter a stray cat or one without an owner nearby, the golden rule is: Let the cat come to you. Wait for the cat to initiate contact before you attempt to pet it. A friendly cat will show its trust by rubbing its body against you or giving you a gentle head-butt. Once they've made the first move, you can slowly begin to pet them—a gentle chin scratch is usually a great start! Most importantly, avoid touching their belly. The abdomen is a very vulnerable area for cats, and touching it can quickly break the trust you’ve just built.

The Art of Greeting a New Dog: A Vet's Safety Protocol

If the dog is on the ground, start by slowly crouching down at a distance. Never stand directly over them or lean your face into theirs; approaching head-on like that will almost certainly trigger fear and a defensive reaction. A special warning for small breeds being held by their owners: Be extremely careful. If you touch them too quickly, you might get bitten. When held, small dogs often feel empowered and 'backed up' by their owner, making them more likely to act out. In this case, it’s safer to avoid direct contact altogether.

Slowly extend your hand toward them—not necessarily for them to smell you (they smelled you long before they saw you!), but rather to gauge their reaction. Speak in a soft, gentle tone, or even use your 'pet voice' to show you're friendly.

If the dog shows no signs of fear, you can gradually move in to touch them. If you have a treat, try offering it; if they approach you with relaxed body language, you're in the clear! However, I would advise against patting their head during the first meeting. Many dogs actually dislike being touched on the head. It is much better to stick to petting their sides or back, while avoiding both the head and the tail area for now.

Signs of Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Pets 

• Yawning   
• Lip Licking 
• Restless Eyes 
• Whale Eye
• Ear Positioning  

A common misconception is that a wagging tail always means a dog is friendly. In reality, a wag only indicates that the dog is 'interested' or 'stimulated.' To know if that interest is positive or negative, you must look at their entire body language. If you see the stress signs mentioned earlier, stop immediately. Pushing further might provoke a defensive bite, or worse, cause the dog to 'shut down'—where they stay still but are actually paralyzed by unavoidable fear.

If a dog is already growling or baring its teeth, the message is clear: stay away. You may have seen internet advice suggesting you should 'challenge' or 'show dominance' to a fearful dog to make them submit. I strongly advise against this. It is cruel to the animal and puts you at a high risk of injury.

Even if a new friend seems relaxed, playful, or even rolls over for a belly rub, stay observant. Their mood can shift quickly. And most importantly: Always ask the owner for permission before you approach or touch any pet. It’s the best way to ensure a happy and safe experience for everyone.