Pet lovers across Birmingham have taken to TikTok to find out if their four-legged friends reciprocate their love. Hashtags for ‘signs my dog loves me’ and ‘does my cat trust me’ have been used in over one million videos, so it seems as though owners are desperate to find out if the feeling is mutual.
In the UK, there are more than 20 million pets, according to the PDSA. In 2022, the estimated population of pet dogs in the UK increased to 10.2 million while there were 11.1 million pet cats. Many of us wonder have wondered what our pet is thinking, if they like us, and if they love us.
With National Pet Day (April 11) upon us, Buzz Bingo spoke to psychologist Dennis Relojo-Howell, managing director of Phsyreg, who revealed the top five signs that show our pets love us.
Dennis Relojo-Howell said: “Pets, regardless of species, have their own unique ways of expressing love and affection towards their owners. Recognising these signs can not only help strengthen the bond between the owner and their pet, but also provide reassurance that the relationship is based on trust and mutual understanding.”
Here are the top five hints your pet drops, to show you they love you:
1. Eye contact
“When your pet gazes into your eyes, it often signals a strong connection and trust. Prolonged eye contact releases oxytocin, the ‘love hormone,’ in both humans and animals, indicating a sense of bonding and attachment,” says the pet psychologist. (Photo - Unsplash)
2. Physical proximity
“If your pet seeks out your company and enjoys spending time close to you, it’s a sign that they feel secure and happy in your presence. Whether they’re resting by your side, following you around the house, or snuggling in your lap, these actions suggest a deep affection,” says the pet psychologist. So, when your dog follows you to the kitchen or bathroom, you should take that as a sign of affection. (Photo - Unsplash)
3. Body language
“Depending on the species, pets may exhibit different forms of body language to show their love. Dogs wag their tails when they’re excited or happy, while cats may slowly blink their eyes or knead you with their paws. Noticing these subtle cues can help you understand how your pet expresses their feelings,” says the pet psychologist. (Photo - DoraZett - stock.adobe.com)
4. Vocalisation
“Pets may use various vocalisations to communicate their feelings. For example, a dog’s excited barking or a cat’s purring can indicate contentment and affection.” In some cases, dogs have quite literally said ‘I love you’,” said the pet psychologist. (Photo - Igor Normann - stock.adobe.com)