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It’s no secret that a dog really is the best friend you could ever have. You’re already aware that your own love for your dog knows no bounds. After all, why else would you brush their teeth each night or wake up at 6:00 a.m. -- even on the weekends -- to take them for a walk around the yard? Yet at some point, you might find yourself wondering, “But does my dog love me?”
Rest assured that your dog probably does actually feel warm and fuzzy inside when you get home after a long workday (or even that 30-second walk to the mailbox!). A canine’s way of showing love may look a little different than a human’s, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t incredibly attached to their owner.
Let’s take a look at some of the sure signs your dog loves you—and we promise it’s not just because you keep their bowl filled with delicious food!
Understanding Dog Love Through Science
Science has already posed the question, “Do dogs love their owners?” While a dog obviously can’t verbalize the word love, they can certainly feel it. Studies have shown that levels of oxytocin, a hormone that influences bonding, rise when humans make eye contact with their dogs. This is the same “love chemical” that’s responsible for helping human mothers bond with their children.
In other words, there’s a lot more to a dog’s feelings about their owner than simply viewing a human as a means to get snacks!
What a Dog’s Love Language Looks Like
You won’t be getting a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day card from your pup, as evolution has helped them find other ways to express their affection. The next time your dog drops their beloved tennis ball at your feet or wags their tail when you open the front door, take a moment to think, “What is my dog really saying?” Dog body language isn’t as complicated as you might expect.
How Do I Know If My Dog Loves Me?
Read through the following list and see if any of the statements ring true.
My dog snuggles with me at random times. Some dogs want to be by your side whether you’re sitting on the back porch, hanging out on the living room couch, or even lying in bed. This is your dog’s way of saying they consider you part of their pack!
My dog barks playfully when I get home. You know your home is filled with love when your dog barks to let you know they’re thrilled you’re back. It’s their way of saying, “I really, really, really miss you when you’re gone even for a few minutes. Don’t leave me ever again, please.”
My dog wags their tail excitedly when they’re around me. The faster your dog wags their tail, the happier they are. Tail wagging can signal other emotions at times, but when a dog holds its tail slightly elevated and wags it quickly, they’re most certainly letting you know you’re their favorite person in the world.
Other Ways to Tell if Your Dog Loves You
How else can you tell if your dog loves you? Spend a little time reflecting on your dog’s other behavior. Does your little Fluffy stare at you from across the room even when you’re doing a mundane task like reading a book? Making prolonged eye contact with you (in a relaxed, nonthreatening manner, of course) is a dog’s way of bonding.
Does Remus follow you from room to room, ready to join you for the next big adventure? He doesn’t want to lose a moment being by your side because he thinks you’re a fantastic owner. He’s ready to play with you or yes -- get fed by you -- at a moment’s notice!
A dog that adores their owner might even bring their toys over to them. This is a signal that not only do they want to play, but they view you as a friend they can trust to borrow their treasured chew toy!
Interestingly, a seemingly unrelated question, “Why does my dog lick me so much?” actually sheds light on another way canines show devotion. While excessive licking can be signs of a problem, a dog that licks your face is often showing affection. They may even try to lick your ears in an attempt to “groom” you! Just think of it as payback for all those baths you’ve given your pup.
Building an Even Stronger Bond with Your Dog
To keep a close relationship with your dog, make sure you spend plenty of quality time with them. This can be done through a combination of outside time, belly scratches, and treats (in moderation, of course). Additionally, being consistent with your dog is a perfect way to show them you’re a human they can rely on. Feeding them and walking them at the same times each day helps them know what to expect each day. This can help strengthen their comfort level around you and your home.
Emotional Benefits of a Loving Dog-Human Relationship
Just as important as knowing if your dog loves you is knowing how your own feelings are influenced by them. The right pet can provide not only companionship but mental health advantages as well. In fact, many people have emotional support dogs who provide therapeutic benefits.
It’s also worth noting that being around your dog can have a positive impact on your physical health, including lowering your blood pressure. Clearly, as with any lifelong friendship, the dog-human relationship is one that’s mutually supportive!
The Role of Pet Insurance in a Loving Pet Relationship
Investing in pet insurance is one way to show your dog you love them just as much as they love you! Taking care of your dog’s physical health can deepen the bond you have with your pup. With the right insurance policy and an optional wellness plan to help you budget for routine care, you’ll have more control over your finances when it comes to vet bills.
Think of it as a safety net. When your furry friend gets into a bit of mischief or comes down with an unexpected illness, those vet visits can add up quickly. A good pet insurance policy helps alleviate that financial stress, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: getting your dog back to their happy, healthy self.
The next time you wonder, “How do I know my dog loves me?”, you can think back to all the visits you’ve made to the vet to keep them healthy. Your pup may not show it at the time, but deep down, they’re grateful you’re taking them to someone who can take care of that upset tummy!
A Dog’s Attachment Grows Over Time
The relationship between a human and their dog is a unique bond that is constantly growing stronger. Consider all those times they’ve gotten the zoomies when you walked in the door or snuck into bed in the middle of the night and then ask, “Does my dog love me?” The answer is crystal clear: Your pup loves you with all their canine heart!