10 signs that your dog loves you
Tesco Insurance, in collaboration with Vetfone has shared the top ten ways to tell if your dog loves you
45% of dog owners say their pup sits on them when they want attention, Tesco Insurance’s latest research reveals
41% say their furry friend comforts them when they are upset
31% say their dog shares their favourite toys with them as a sign of trust and love
Tesco Pet Insurance policy holders have 24/7 access to expert medical, nutritional, and behavioural advice with Vetfone
Natasha Watson, Veterinary Nurse at Vetfone commented: “Dogs have a unique way of expressing their love and affection. From wagging their tails to giving you gentle cuddles, their actions speak volumes. They are very social animals who are great at understanding human emotions and will often learn to mirror them. By recognising the signs your dog shows to let you know just how much they adore you, you can deepen your bond with your furry companion.”
Tesco Insurance, in partnership with Vetfone, shares 10 ways your dog tells you they love you:
A Waggy Tail Greeting
Dogs use their tail to communicate a range of expressions. You cannot always assume a wagging tail means the dog is happy as different types of wagging communicate different emotions, but a slightly upright side-to-side slow wag may indicate happiness and contentment. If your dog greets you when you walk in the room with a happy tail wag, then this is a sure sign they love you and are happy to see you.
And if you get a ‘helicopter’ tail, then they are more than a little excited to see you!
Eye contact
Dogs that feel trust and affection toward their owners often make prolonged eye contact. Research has found that when a dog looks at you, it can trigger the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone," in both the dog and the owner. So, when your dog looks at you with gentle eyes, it's a clear sign of their love.
They present you with toys
According to Tesco Insurance’s latest research, 31% of dog owners report that their pup shares their toys with them. Most dogs are good judges of character so if your furry companion brings you a toy to play with, then it is a sign that you have reached an unconditional level of trust and love with them.
Being close
Dogs will cuddle in and lean on people they feel comfortable with. In fact, 39% of dog owners report that their pup will shower them with cuddles and kisses - and this rises to 41% when owners are upset. This is because cuddles bring back feelings of maternal closeness and release pheromones that soothe the dog. Most owners will agree that the comfort given goes both ways!
They follow you
If your dog follows you from room to room, they’re likely showing affection. This behaviour signifies that they want to be near you. It can also be a sign of attachment or loyalty, as dogs are naturally pack animals.
Whilst this can be cute, your dog should still be able to have some alone time.
Protectiveness
Dogs are naturally protective of those they love. If your dog shows signs of guarding you or their home, it can be a sign of affection. They want to keep you safe and are demonstrating loyalty and love.
‘Talking’ to you
Dogs communicate with their owners in various ways, and vocalisations are one of them. While some breeds are more vocal than others, many dogs will "talk" to their owners with barks or whines to get attention or express emotions. If your dog barks or makes sounds when they see you or during moments of excitement, it could be a sign of love and attachment.
Jumping up
While jumping up can sometimes be seen as a sign of excitement or a way to get attention, it’s also a common way dogs show affection. When your dog jumps on you, they may simply be expressing their joy at seeing you or seeking closeness. On a similar note, almost half (45%) of dog owners say their furry companion sits on them when they want attention.
However, it’s important to manage this behaviour to ensure it’s polite and not overly excessive.
Recall and training
Dogs that respond well to recall and commands are often eager to please their owners. Their willingness to obey shows trust and a desire to make you happy. Training strengthens your bond as dogs enjoy the positive reinforcement and the satisfaction of making you proud. Your dog wants to please you as well as receive their reward so next time they come back when called, give them an extra special ear rub.
Mirroring your emotions
Dogs are remarkably empathetic creatures. If your dog mirrors your emotions, it’s a sign they love you. They may sense when you’re upset or happy and adjust their behaviour accordingly. For instance, if you’re feeling down, your dog might come and sit by you or offer comfort.
10 signs that your cat loves you
Natasha commented: “While dogs are known to be very expressive, cats tend to show their affection through subtle cues with their body language. However, their quieter communication style does not mean they do not love humans, that’s often a big misconception.
“Many cat owners, enthusiasts, and experts will attest to this - they are capable of forming incredibly strong connections with humans. Understanding their signals can help strengthen your bond with your pet, while also making you more aware of the hints they give when they're unhappy or unwell.”
The Slow Blink
Cats often communicate with their facial expressions and eyes. If they feel they need to be on high alert, their eyes will be wide and focused. A cat with partially open, relaxed eyes is showing you that they feel content and safe in your presence. If your cat slowly blinks at you, it is an ultimate sign of trust and affection. Next time you see your cat looking your way with relaxed eyes, try slowly blinking at them and see how they respond!
The headbutt
Cats living in bonded groups will greet one another by butting heads as a way of scent swapping, so a cat who does this to you is saying “hello friend”. A cat that rubs and head butts is a way of showing you that they see you as one of them.
Tail language
Cats use their tail positions to communicate their mood. A happy cat that is greeting you as a member of their family will hold their tail high and sometimes curved in a question mark pose. This is their way of saying “Hi, I’m friendly and happy.”
Grooming
Although their tongues feel a bit peculiar, your cat grooming you is a clear sign that they consider you family. Cats are self-sufficient in terms of grooming, however bonded groups of cats will groom one another, which is known as ‘allogrooming’. This is a way for them to bond, swap scents and unify the group.
Kneading
Often referred to as making bread or biscuits, kneading is a sign that you make your cat feel safe. The happier your cat is, the firmer they knead so having a soft blanket between your skin and their claws to protect yourself can be a good idea if your cat is particularly loving.
Experts have theorised that the action, performed by kittens to help stimulate milk flow from their mothers, is continued into adulthood as it reminds them of feeling safe and warm.
Showing you their bellies
Cats are both predators and prey, so when a cat rolls onto their back to expose their belly, they’re putting themselves in a vulnerable position. This gesture is a sign of trust—they’re letting you know they feel safe and comfortable with you. This is a very common sign as Tesco Insurance’s research found that more than two-fifths (42%) of cat owners say their furry friend shows them their belly.
However, while it may be tempting, most cats don't enjoy having their belly rubbed, and they often misinterpret it as threatening. Unless you’re sure your cat is one of the rare ones that enjoys it, avoid stroking their belly, as it could be seen as a betrayal of trust.
Showing you, their bottom
Similar to when they show us their bellies, presenting their bottom is another way cats display vulnerability. Cats that love and trust us will often bring their backside close to our face. Though it’s not the most enjoyable sign of endearment, your cat is essentially saying, “I trust you, let’s be friends.”
Meowing and purring
Cats only meow in a friendly manner to humans and kittens, rather than their feline counterparts who rely more on body language and scent to communicate.
A higher pitched ‘thrill’ or ‘chirrup’ is synonymous with a friendly greeting. These noises are also used by mothers communicating with kittens.
The purr is another noise that can indicate happiness, but it is important to note that cats will also purr when they are in pain or stressed, as a way to self-soothe.
Bringing you gifts
Cats are instinctively hunters; even those that live indoors will hunt their toys to satisfy these natural urges. As solitary survivalists, cats typically don’t share their catch with others (except for nursing queens). So, when your cat offers you their prey, it’s a clear sign of affection, as a quarter (24%[1] ) of cat owners have found out. They’re not only showing love but also, in a way, implying that they think you might be a bit helpless and need their help.
Sleeping near you
Sleeping is a cat's most vulnerable state. In the wild, they only sleep in places where they feel hidden and safe. So when a cat chooses to sleep near you—or even on you—it's their way of saying, "You make me feel secure." Any cat owner can agree that there's nothing more comforting than having a cat sleep peacefully on your lap.
