6 Signs Your Pet Loves You

You spend a lot of time, money, and energy on your pet – no doubt in hopes you’ll gain a best friend out of the deal. And while most days it probably feels like you have that “unconditional love” thing nailed, your pet’s sometimes-sketchy behavior may prompt you to question just how much he really cares.

So, how can you tell if your pet truly loves you? Here are six telltale signs:

1. His tail does the talking. With dogs, the more wind his tail creates, the better (unless there is a glass knickknack nearby, then watch out!). Happy dogs have relaxed, loose tails and fling them around to show joy. His whole bottom may move along with his tail, and he may even wag in a circular motion.

With cats, a tail held straight up as they approach you is a sure sign of trust and affection. Kittens greet their mothers with this stature and adult cats use the same greeting later on with their human "parents."

2. Licking = Love. Dogs have a couple interpretations of face licking and both are signs of love. First, she may lick you as a sign of submission and to signify she’s not a threat. Dogs also groom each other as a sign of intimacy, so if your dog grooms you by licking your face, she’s proving that you have a strong (albeit sloppy) bond.

Cats also lick to show affection. They’ll often target their human’s skin or hair, and even suck and nibble clothing or blankets. This slobbery behavior helps spread familiar scents and marks you as an important part of her trusted family.

3. He outwardly displays, ahem, inappropriate behaviors. It's not uncommon for dogs to shove their snouts in your crotch or for cats to put their hindquarters in your face. But don't take this as a sign of disrespect - it's quite the opposite, actually. Since both species identify friends and foes by scent, bum and crotch sniffing - or a face full of tail - is equivalent to a friendly handshake.

4. He sleeps on or with you. Wolves in the wild sleep together in packs. This is a trait passed on to domesticated dogs as well. He could choose to sleep alone, but since you are your dog’s friend and family, it’s only natural that he loves to snuggle up with you, too.

Cats also show trust by snoozing on your lap. Since they’re at their most vulnerable while catching Z’s, the fact that they chose to settle in with you is the ultimate compliment.

5. He sprays or pees as you stand idly by. In dog language, peeing in front of you is a sign of respect. He’s recognizing you as the leader and the one in charge. 

Kitties, on the other hand, use their own scents to calm themselves down. They spray their owner’s belongings in an effort to stake their claim and mark their territory. Funny way of showing love, but, hey, animals can’t run out and buy their humans flowers, now can they?

6. They bunt, lean, and nudge. When your pup leans against you, he’s looking for love, plain and simple. And he’s giving love, too. Since your dog can’t hug (or, maybe he can?), this is the next closest thing.

With cats, rubbing, nudging, and bunting is usually two-pronged. She’s leaving her scent (as she so often does) while also showing and asking for affection. She’s probably also purring, which makes her gesture that much sweeter.

True, sometimes it may feel like all you are is a treat dispenser and poo cleaner. But what you really are is your pet’s forever human – the one they’re grateful to and completely in love with … even if a urine-soaked rug is all you have to show for it. 

Let's chat: What does your pet do to show his or her love? Share your cute/funny/
sloppy stories with us - we'd love to hear them!

Image credits:

Buzzle
Attack of the Cute