I’m a vet – here’s why YOUR dog is staring at you

Whether you’re walking on the beach with them on a sunny day, or chasing their tails in circles for hours, it really is a wonder what’s on our dogs’ minds half the time.

In the UK, we’re a nation of dog lovers, with 29% of adults owning a pet dog, according to PDSA – that’s a whopping 11 million pet dogs.

But even though a dog is man’s best friend, it’s sometimes hard to tell what’s on our furry friends’ minds, especially when they’re staring at you intensely.

Luckily for us, vet Christine Colamonico has shared some inside information on her TikTok channel, @the.frenchie.vet, about why your dog looks at you that way.

And it can be useful knowledge to have. After all, you don’t want to end up like the owners who shelled out thousands of dollars in vet bills just to be told their pets were being dramatic.

She told her TikTok followers that it may be because your dog wants something from you, for example, he may want “a piece of cookie” or his “favorite treat.”

1. Your dog wants something from you.

Probably not a day goes by for most dog owners that they don’t share their pack of Wotsits or half a sausage roll with their dog.

Dogs are often obsessed with food and once you give them a piece of the pie, it’s hard to stop – indicates *puppy’s sad eyes*.

And if your furry friend is looking at you, chances are he really wants something from you.

Sometimes they may look at you because they want to take a walk, but they also likely want a sneaky part of your gift, according to Christine.

The vet who is committed to helping dogs with arthritis told him this: “For example, you may want a piece of biscuit or you may want your favorite treat.”

2. They are trying to understand what you want.

What an easier world it would be if our animals could talk and we knew exactly what they wanted.

But unfortunately, we can’t and it’s probably just as hard for them to understand what we want, and with that comes the second reason why your dog looks at you sheepishly.

Christine quipped: “She might wonder why you’re looking at her or what you’re saying to her.”

3. They love you!

There are many reasons why your dog, perhaps similar to the one pictured in this stock image, is staring at you. But the most important thing is that they love you

Whether he’s looking to you for guidance or you’re confused, there are many reasons why your dog may be staring at you, beyond what Christine has already mentioned in her sage advice.

One important reason is that, most of the time, they look you in the eye because they love you, according to the kennel club.

A dog’s loving gaze is said to release oxytocin, also known as the “feel good hormone,” to both you and your furry friend.

This hormone makes the owner and the dog feel comfortable and happy. It also helps them maintain the loving bond that really solidifies dogs as humans’ best friends.

So if your furry friend catches your eye from the end of the couch, he may be trying to express how much he loves you, or that he wants some of your bangers and mash for dinner.