Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason — there’s nothing as sweet or as satisfying as the unconditional love of a four-legged friend. It’s pretty much impossible to keep the smile off your face when you have a pup around, but even though we know how much we love our furry friends, many of us wonder if our dogs actually love us just as much.
Here are 10 ways you can tell your dog loves you!
1. They sleep near you
If you find yourself tripping over your dog whenever you get up from bed or watching TV, it’s not because your pup is trying to send you to the hospital. A dog who constantly stays by your side is one who is loyal and loves the idea of being near you no matter what you’re doing.
2. They’re protective of you
It’s not good to have your dog attack strangers, obviously, but if you find your pup barking at your window or gate when people walk by, it means that they’re hoping to protect their home and their human.
3. They play with you
Daily tooth brushing is advised for dogs and cats and only 2 percent of dog owners follow through! In addition, 65% of dogs with stage one periodontal disease often go untreated. Always have a veterinarian check your dog’s teeth at least once a year and prior to starting any home-based dental regimen.
4. They lick you
Sometimes you’ll find your pup licking you because you have some leftover spaghetti sauce on your chin, but most of the time, they do it as a way to show affection. Dogs also lick to clean each other, so if they’re doing it to you, it could also mean that they consider you a part of the family who maybe needs a bath.
5. They follow you
When a dog loves you, they’ll follow you no matter where you go. If you feel like you can’t go anywhere in your house without your loyal pooch staying by your side, try not to get annoyed — it just means they want to spend every waking moment with you! So grab that leash and embrace your pups presence.
6. They stay close to you when they are scared
When a dog is scared, they’ll often try to protect those that they love or find safety next to the ones they believe can protect them. If you find your dog by your side when they’re nervous, it means they’re either hoping to protect you or trust you to protect them.
7. They show you their belly
For many animals, including dogs and cats, rolling on their backs and showing their bellies is a sign of trust or surrender. The belly is a very vulnerable area for animals, so if your dog is willing to expose theirs to you, it means that they trust you not to hurt them and love you enough to ask for tummy rubs.
8. They jump on you
It’s not exactly desirable behavior when a dog jumps on you, but if your dog tries to jump on you, you can at least take some comfort in the fact that your dog is so riled up to see you that he can’t hold himself back!
9. They wag their tail
When a dog wags their tail, it doesn’t always mean they’re happy. It can also mean that they’re uncomfortable or about to become aggressive. But if they’re wagging their tail loosely and showing other signs that they’re comfortable and happy it means that they’re happy to see their favorite person!
10. They cuddle with you
Not all dogs are big cuddlers by nature, but if they at least tolerate you when you start to snuggle with them, it’s a good sign that they’re happy just to be around you. If you do have a furry cuddlebug in your home, don’t be surprised if they try to get as close to you as possible. It just means that they can’t get enough of you!
Go out and find yourself a new furry friend today! ADOPT!!
For the Best that Pet Lifestyle and animal welfare has to offer follow Wendy Diamond on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and right here at AnimalFair.com!