Do Dogs Know You Love Them? Here’s How to Tell

As pet parents, you do little things to let your furry friend know you care. You feed them only the highest-quality, protein-filled food, take them to the vet, and play with them daily. However, have you ever wondered if your dog knows you love them?

While this may seem like a strange question to some people, pet parents know that dogs can feel love or disappointment from their owners. In fact, scientific studies have examined how dogs feel about their owners. Oxytocin gets released when you’re with someone you love; this is also called the love chemical.

Your dog releases that same chemical, so they know you love them, and everything you do for them is out of love. So, now you’re wondering how you can tell if your dog knows you love them. We’ll discuss the signs that your dog does indeed feel the love and give you tips on how to show your dog you love them even more.

The 5 Ways to Tell Your Dog Knows You Love Them

1. Snuggling

As a pet parent, you love snuggle time with your canine pal. When you invite your dog onto your lap or pat the couch beside you for a snuggle, they usually jump at the chance. If your dog hops in your lap or snuggles next to you on the couch, it’s a clear sign that they're feeling the love and returning it in spades.

2. Staring

We’ve all been there. You’re sitting on the couch reading a book or maybe watching television when you look over, and your dog is just sitting there staring at you. If you’re creeped out by this, don’t be!

When dogs stare at someone they adore, they release oxytocin. This is the dog's way of letting you know they adore you and know you love them. Think of the stare like a big hug, with their puppy dog eyes.

3. Licking

Many pet parents consider their dog licking them as the dog’s attempt to give them kisses. Dogs don’t see kisses the same way that humans do, however. Instead, when your dog licks you, they're trying to groom you. Since dogs groom one another when they are in a pack, this is a clear sign that your dog has accepted you and knows you love them.

The dog licking you is their way of keeping you clean and healthy. However, it’s best not to let your dog lick you if you have a wound since it can get infected.

4. The Doggie Lean

According to loving pet parents everywhere, this is one of the most adorable things a dog can do. You already know that your dog can’t hug you, but when they lean into your leg or against your hip when you’re sitting down, they're displaying their love for you.

Don’t be afraid to reach over and hug your dog back. However, it’s best to hug with one arm since hugging with two can make your dog feel trapped, which can ruin a snuggling session.

5. The Wagging Tail

We’ve all seen a dog wagging their tail softly from side to side when we walk into a room. Have you ever wondered why your furry friend does that? This isn’t the rapid tail wagging that happens when they want to play or are excited about something. This is a slow, gentle tail wagging.

This is how the dog tells you they're happy to see you. Even though you’re not playing with them or feeding them, they're happy you’re in the same room.

How to Show Your Dog You Love Them in 3 Easy Ways

Now that you know that dogs know you love them, you might be wondering how you can show your dog you love them even more than you already do.

1. New Toys

What dog doesn't love a new toy? Surprising your pet with a new ball, chew stick, or rope can go a long way toward showing them that you love them. Give your dog the new toy and let them play with it for as long as they want to. Even better, play along with your dog for a bit of bonding time.

2. Stare Back

We’ve already determined that your dog stares at you to show they love you, so why not return the favor and stare back? This is the perfect way to show your dog you care. However, you only want to do this if the dog already trusts you. If you just adopted the dog, and you stare back, they may see it as a threat and become scared.

3. Spend Time with Your Dog

The best way to show your dog extra love is by spending time with them. Whether snuggling on the couch watching television, taking an afternoon walk, or playing fetch in the backyard, your dog loves the time you spend together.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a few signs that you can look for in your furry friends to determine if they know that you love them. If you’ve recently adopted a dog, you’ll need to give them time to trust you and to realize that you love them. Some dogs take longer than others to become comfortable in a new environment. It takes time, patience, and a lot of love, but most dogs eventually display their undying appreciation for their owners.

• Related Read: Weird Things Dogs Do When They Love You

Featured Image Credit: Roger costa morera, Shutterstock