How do dogs say I love you?
How Do Dogs Say They Love You?
Dogs are experts at reading human body language, which means they can tell when you're feeling happy or upset.
They have a natural tendency to try and comfort you, whether it's licking your face or giving you a hug.
A long intense eye gaze from your dog is pup-speak for, "I love you, human."
Raising the Left Brow
If your dog is raising their left brow to you, that is a sure sign of love. This is because the left side of their face is controlled by the right side of their brain, and the right side of their brain controls emotions.
A Japanese study, published in the September 2013 volume of Behavioral Processes, found that dogs raise their left eyebrows more when they see their owners. The researchers used a high-speed camera to watch the movements of 12 dogs when they were greeted by their owners or by strangers.
Gazing Into Your Eyes
When you look lovingly into your dog's eyes, they often release oxytocin, which helps you bond with them. This is similar to the way mothers bond with their babies through gazes into their eyes.
Researchers found that when owners and dogs spent 30 minutes gazing into each other's eyes, levels of oxytocin rose in both humans and their pets. In fact, the pairs who spend the most time staring into each other's eyes saw a 130% increase in their own oxytocin levels.
This suggests that the gaze is a form of affection that dogs have adopted from their wild wolf cousins. It may be one of the reasons dogs left the wilderness and became man's best friend.
Leaning Against You
When your dog leans against you, it's a big sign that they really love you. They may be feeling anxious, nervous, or just wanting to cuddle.
They also want you to feel secure and comfortable. This can be an indication of their trust in you or a way for them to show that they're protecting you from harm.
If you reward this behavior with lots of snuggles and pets, it'll become a habit. And it'll show that your dog loves you — no matter how busy they are!
Scratching Behind Their Ears
Despite their sensitive skin, dogs love their ears being rubbed. They like it because the ears have a lot of nerve endings and it's a good place to release oxytocin and other hormones that help bond them with you.
But, be sure to approach ear rubbing carefully and pay attention to their body language. If they appear nervous or uncomfortable, it may be best to back off.
Giving You a Hug
Hugs are one of the most powerful forms of human touch. Depending on the type of hug, they can be a sign of romantic intimacy, security, emotional support, friendship, or love.
Besides being comforting and calming, hugs release the hormone oxytocin, which can also boost immunity and reduce stress. In fact, a study in Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology found that touch and being hugged reduced cortisol responses to stress.
But if your dog doesn’t enjoy hugs, there are other ways to show them how much you care. For example, you can give them belly rubs or scratch their back. But don’t force them into a hug if they don’t want to, as it could lead to injury.
Reciprocating With a Smile
One of the most common ways dogs say they love you is by smiling. While it might seem like a silly gesture, it can be incredibly effective.
New research has found that when you smile, your dog’s oxytocin levels increase. This helps them to bond with you and feel more connected to you.
It also boosts your own oxytocin, which can help you to live longer and healthier. Smiling may help to lower blood pressure, as well.
