10 Ways Your Dog Says "I Love You" 💘

10 Ways Your Dog Says “I Love You”

Ever wondered if your dog truly loves you? Studies says yes! Research into dog behaviour, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology has revealed that dogs have deep emotional bonds with their humans. Here’s how your pup shows love:

💕 1. The Slow Blink (A Sign of Trust & Affection)

A study found that dogs use slow blinks and soft gazes to show relaxation and trust—similar to how humans soften their eyes around loved ones. If your dog blinks at you slowly, it’s the canine equivalent of a love note.

💕 2. Leaning on You (Oxytocin Release & Bonding)

Research showed that when dogs lean against their humans, their bodies release oxytocin (the "love hormone"), the same chemical that strengthens parent-child bonds.

💕 3. Bringing You ‘Gifts’ (Pack Instinct & Social Bonding)

Wild dogs and wolves reinforce pack bonds by sharing food or objects. Studies suggests domestic dogs have retained this behaviour—so when your pup drops a toy (or a slightly gross sock) at your feet, they’re treating you like family.

💕 4. Following You Everywhere (Attachment Theory in Dogs)

Dogs form secure attachments to their owners, much like human infants do with caregivers. Research confirmed that dogs display behaviours similar to human toddlers, using their owners as a "secure base" to explore from.

💕 5. Excited Zoomies (Dopamine Regulation & Emotional Release)

That manic run-around when you get home? It’s a dopamine surge! Research suggests zoomies help dogs regulate their energy and excitement—proving their love in a very high-speed way.

💕 6. Sleeping Near You (Evolutionary Safety & Trust)

Dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, they sleep close to those they trust. A study found that dogs who sleep near their humans have higher oxytocin levels and lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, meaning they feel totally secure.

💕 7. Licking Your Face (Endorphins & Canine Social Bonds)

Licking isn’t just affection—it’s a stress reliever! Studies found that licking increases endorphins in dogs, helping them feel happy and connected while reinforcing their bond with you.

💕 8. Wagging Their Tail to the Right (Emotional Tail Language)

Tail wagging isn’t random! A study found that dogs wag their tails more to the right when greeting loved ones and to the left when feeling anxious or cautious. So if your pup’s tail is wagging right—it’s love!

💕 9. Raising Their Eyebrows (Facial Expressions & Emotional Connection)

Researchers discovered that dogs lift their left eyebrow more when they see their favourite humans, but not strangers. This suggests a subconscious emotional reaction, much like how humans express emotions with facial movements.

💕 10. Sighing When Near You (Cortisol Reduction & Relaxation)

That deep, happy sigh your dog lets out when they cuddle up beside you? It’s a sign of low cortisol (stress hormone) levels, meaning they’re completely at ease. Research has confirmed that sighing is a physiological response to comfort.

BONUS: Dogs Recognise & Love Your Scent!

A groundbreaking fMRI brain scan study from Emory University in Atlanta found that when dogs smell their owners, the reward centre of their brain (caudate nucleus) lights up, just like in humans when we see someone we love. Your scent is their favourite smell in the world!

So, next time your dog blinks at you, follows you from room to room, or wags their tail just right—know that science confirms it: They absolutely adore you.

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day with the true love of your life—your dog, of course! ❤️🐶 (They’ll never ghost you, steal the duvet, or judge your snack choices!)

Talk Soon!

Fiona