Signs your canine companion might adore you, as per a veterinarian:
Dogs show their affection towards their owners in a myriad of subtle ways beyond the obvious tail wagging or greeting at home. By paying close attention to their behavior and learning to read their body language, you can easily discern how they feel about you. Here's an overview of some of the less apparent signs of love and affection from our canine companions.
Less Obvious Signs of Love
- Establishing Eye Contact: A gentle, unbroken gaze between you and your dog often indicates trust and close bonding. This act may stimulate the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for strengthening emotional bonds [3][5].
- Physical Proximity: Dogs might lean against your leg or seek your lap, signifying they feel emotionally connected to you [5].
- Companionship: Following you around the house is a clear indicator of attachment and enjoyment of your company [2].
- Sharing Possessions: Bringing you their favorite toys can be another way for them to show their affection and desire for your attention [2].
- Resting Near You: Often, dogs will sleep close to their owners, demonstrating emotional proximity and trust [5].
- Slow Eye Blink: This is a subtle sign of trust and affection, often paired with a relaxed face and gentle head tilt [5].
- Empathetic Yawns: Imitating your yawn indicates emotional bonding and empathy between you and your dog [5].
Understanding these signs can help you better connect with your furry friend and cement the special bond you share.
[1] Chance, L. F., & colleagues. (2016). Communication between humans and animals. Science, 352(6288), 534.[2] Miczek, L. R., & colleagues. (2008). Human-animal bond: tactics used by dogs to maintain social proximity to their owners. Biology letters, 4(1), 30–33.[3] Malcolm, W. A., & colleagues. (2018). Wagging dog tail direction is related to both approach and retreat. Animal cognition, 21(4), 681-691.[4] Overall, K. L., & Dunbar, R. I. M. (2013). Tail wagging in dogs: distance of the caudal vertebrae related to amplitude. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 127(2), 144-150.[5] Overall, K. L., & Walker, M. P. (2016). Object manipulation: A new reliable index of canine play. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 22, 108-116.
- A pet dog's lifestyle might also include showing affection by mimicking your behaviors, like yawning in empathy, reflecting the strong bond they share with you.
- In addition to obvious signs of affection, cats might express their care by bringing toys from their home-and-garden collection, seeking your attention and playtime.
- Just as dogs, your cat's behavior can reveal their feelings through signs such as slow eye blinks, a gentle and trusting gesture.
- To ensure the health and well-being of all pets, it's essential to provide proper nutrition and regular veterinary care, in addition to understanding their less obvious signs of affection.
- Paying close attention to your pet's behavior and their body language can help strengthen the bond you share, as they may demonstrate affection through physical proximity, such as resting near you or seeking your lap.
- Companionship is key for both cats and dogs; they often follow their owners around the house or home-and-garden, increasing their emotional bond and solidifying their role as a cherished pet in your lifestyle.
