When we get a dog, we become the center of the world for it.
However, how do we know if she really loves us? How do we know if your dog has genuine affection and love for you?
Glad to see you
A happy tail wagging means joy. Even if the owner is out for a few minutes, the dog will greet him when he returns.
Shaking and wagging the tail lets you know that the dog is happy to see the person, no matter how long the person has been gone.
Licks you
There are many studies on why dogs lick humans, but the general consensus is that dog licking is a sign of love.
Some people believe that dogs like the smell and salty taste of skin. In any case, when a dog wants to lick a person, it is most likely showing affection.
Lies down next to or touches the body
Dogs love to be around family members all the time, to lie down, to lean against, to lie on their feet, to join their owner on the couch for a hug or belly rub. This makes the dog feel closer to the person.
Like their ancestors, physical touching of those a dog considers important is an act of respect and affection. When a pet drives its owner crazy by insisting on always being there, it shows how important the person is to it.
It is worth noting that some dogs do not like to cuddle, which is completely normal because each dog has its own way of showing affection.
A dog can be happy just by being in the same room with its owner. To understand how comfortable it feels, you can watch its body language.
Some dog breeds are more affectionate than others, but they will still give signals that let you know how much they love you. For example, a pet may share a favorite toy with its owner.
Stares at you
People look into the eyes of those they love. Dogs do it too.
Making direct eye contact with a person with a relaxed expression releases oxytocin, the love hormone, into the brain, giving the dog a feeling of happiness.
However, not all looks are a sign of affection, so it is important to understand your dog's body language. When his eyes are slightly narrowed and his face is relaxed, it means he is content.
Smiles
Some dogs will "smile" by lifting their lips and showing their teeth, others will do it with their eyes. If the body is relaxed, the ears are perked up, and the dog looks into the owner's eyes, it is showing love and affection.
Studies have shown that dogs respond to and even sense mood from human facial expressions.
When people smile at dogs, they feel happy and respond accordingly.
If a person is angry, upset or depressed, dogs can sense this through facial expressions and body chemicals and will “pick it up” or mimic the mood.
Follows you everywhere
Dogs are incredibly social animals. Following their owner around the house or waiting for them, for example, if they are behind a closed door, are ways to show that they are comfortable and feel safe.
If a dog constantly gets in the way while a person is going about their daily business, it is annoying, but it is a way for the dog to show respect and love.
When dogs interact with someone they love, their brain releases oxytocin, the love hormone. So not only does the dog want to be with the person because it loves them, but it also makes them feel good.
Wants to sleep next to
Dogs' ancestors slept cuddled up to each other to feel safe and warm. A dog likes to sleep next to its owner for the same reasons. The pleasant atmosphere helps both relieve anxiety, depression, and provides a sense of security.
Some people believe that letting a dog sleep next to a person disrupts both the dog's and the person's sleep, can worsen allergy symptoms, or cause injury. Many people find it difficult to say no to their pet when it's time to go to bed.
Checks a person
The dog may constantly check on the owner, especially if he is sleeping or accidentally sneezes. Sometimes, it may even wake him up, just to make sure that everything is okay with the owner. Only then will the dog be able to do its business or go back to sleep.
Dogs sleep a lot during the day. At night, they have periods when they are alert and likely checking their surroundings to make sure everything is okay.
Earlier we wrote about what influences a cat's life expectancy.
