You may not realise it, but your dog can actually tell if you love them. While you may think you can show them your feelings easily by cuddling them, giving them treats and showering them with attention – they also look for something a bit more specific to see how you really feel about them.
It was recently brought to people’s attention on TikTok when a video was shared by Rory and Gunner. A clip was posted alongside the caption: “Today I learned that dogs can smell you love them.
“They detect a rise in your oxytocin in your brain and it makes them feel happy too.” While you may think the theory sounds too good to be true, there is apparently an element of truth in it.
This was previously reported by Wag!, who explained: “If we look at this behaviour from a scientific standpoint, your dog can sense love because they can sense the levels of oxytocin in your brain rise when you are feeling happy to see them. They use their sense of smell to detect this rise in your hormone, oxytocin, which is your happiness hormone.
“Once your dog senses this, they begin to feel happy and excited as well. This, along with a combination of facial expressions, tone of voice and body language, help them make this conclusion as well.”
Some studies also suggest your dog can see you as a part of their pack and their family. In one study, dogs were given objects that had their owner’s scent and objects that didn’t, to see how they would react to them.
Wag! added: “When the dog smelled the object that had their owner’s scent, parts of their brain lit up with high levels of activity, compared to the object that didn’t have this special and recognisable scent. This interesting study confirms that your dog has a special love and connection with you.”
Experts say there are some easy ways to pinpoint if your dog can sense love. For example, if your dog likes to make eye contact with you, and locks their eyes for a long time, this implies they are showing you love.
The gaze implies your dog has a strong connection and bond with you and is comfortbale to be around you. As well as this, if your dog is somewhere new to them, they may often look back to find you and ensure everything is ok.
Sometimes dogs can also jump bark, howl, spin in circles or make excited noises when you’re near them. If you show you are just as excited to see them, then you’ll be able to tell them you love them back.
Dogs are able to pick up on your happiness and energy, as well as read facial expressions and body language. When you love them, your dog can really sense it.
Since the post was shared, it’s been viewed thousands of times, and people were quick to share their thoughts too. They found the news totally adorable.
One said: “I need this to be real. I feel like 1,000 kisses a day on his fluffy snout isn’t cutting it.” Another added: “Yes – they see, hear and smell all our emotions.”
A third replied: “I feel this is true. When i blowdry my dog after his bath, he prefers to be cuddled whilst I do it rather than standing on the floor.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Oh, their senses are amazing. They know more about us than we know ourselves.” Someone else also chimed in with: “Aww, that’s good to know.”
