Sure , it might seem a little flirty at first , but there ’s more to the motion than that .
You ’re hanging out on the couch with your bounder when you peek over and she … winksat you . At least , that ’s what it look like . Is this for real ? perchance . After all , study showdogs are in - tune with their families , pick up on all variety of look of our own doings and watching for our cues .
So why do dogs nictitation ? Megan Conrad , DVM , is a veterinary consultant atHello Ralphie , a telehealth veterinary Robert William Service . She says nictation is often an intentional behavior with various meanings — but there could be some health reasons behind it , too .
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Why Does My Dog Wink at Me?
Depending on the situation , you’re able to read dog winking in many way . " Winking can be a polarity of affection , that the dog is at peace , seek attention , or maybe mimic their possessor if this is an action they do oft , " Conrad say . Your pooch may also just be condition in with you from across the lounge with her playful nictation — a " Hey , howyoudoin ' ? " or " I love you this much ! " kind of moment .
If you ’re trying to decipher what it signify when a dog winks at you , take note of herbody voice communication , too . If her tail is in high spirits and wagging and she has erect ears , this shows stake or is a request for attention ( alike to when shepaws at you ) .
Canines who crouch , wander on their backs , or slip their tail between their leg may be communicating they ’re submissive . They frequently demonstrateappeasement gestureslike these to show they mean no damage . Winking , blink , play bow , backtalk licking , and lower their head and capitulum are extra ways pup let you and other dogs know they ’re eager to get along .
Can a Winking Dog Have Health Problems?
Frequent winking , particularly with the same eye , can be a sign of something incorrect . Dogs may be apposite to close an eye repeatedly if they ’re experiencing botheration , light sensitivity , or discomfort . And , just like humans , dogs wink or blink when they come in liaison with an irritant such as dust , soil , or hairsbreadth . Other reasons why andiron wink are due tosymptoms of an eye infection .
" If you notice outpouring , increased or unvoluntary blinking ( called blepharospasm ) , inflammation in or around the eye , or any trauma , schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right forth , " Conrad says .
Another cause of frequent winking and winkle isentropion , a inherited eye condition that affectsbrachycephalic breedswith heavy brows , plump faces , and short noses . Some of thelargest dog breedsdevelop entropion too . As the ligament of the outer corners of their eyes sag , this causes the eyelids to slow up inward . The good news is this condition is often successfully corrected with surgical procedure .
But overall , winking is a normal and benign behavior commonly seen in dog . If yours is prostrate to the occasional eye blink , it wo n’t take much to determine what she ’s try out to pass along , and you may even have fun winking back or instruct her to blink on cue .
Training a Dog to Wink
As long as there are n’t any wellness issues , Conrad says eye blink is atrick you could teach your dog . And just like any otherpositive support training , using atreat to reinforce the actionhelps her learn .
When involve for a wink , a verbal command should be used and can be accompanied by a gestural action like the wink itself , Conrad allege . Here ’s how it might sour :
