If your dog winks at you, it could be one of several things. Some reasons include submission, happiness, eye problems, and aggression.
The first thing you should do is make sure it’s not a health issue. If it is, contact your vet.
It’s a sign of submission
When my dog winks at me, it’s a good sign that they respect me and mean no harm. It’s one of the many ways dogs communicate with each other - unlike human eye contact, which is a sign of aggression and dominance.
You may also notice your dog’s crouching, rolling on their back, or slipping their tail between their legs, which are all submissive gestures. Appeasement signals such as licking, blinking, and play bowing are also common for pups to use.
However, you should never give your dog a cold stare. It’s a bad idea for you and your dog because it can cause an aggressive response from your pet, depending on their strength and breed.
It’s a sign of happiness
Winking at people is one of the most adorable things you can see in a dog. This simple gesture communicates a lot, and it may make you wonder what it means when your dog winks at you.
Your dog will wink at you to show you affection, happiness, and attention-seeking. This is also a sign that they are imitating your behavior and that they are learning what you do.
However, if your dog is winking too much, it could be a sign of a health issue that needs to be addressed by your vet. This includes eye problems like entropion, which is a genetic condition that causes the upper lid of the dog’s eye to grow inwards and affects the cornea of the eye.
In many cases, this condition is treatable, but it’s important to visit the vet as soon as you notice your dog winking frequently. Leaving the condition untreated can lead to blindness in some dogs.
It’s a sign of eye problems
Winking at you is a natural behavior and one that dogs will learn, but sometimes it can be a sign of health problems. This is especially true if your dog squints or blinks rapidly and frequently.
A dog’s eyelids can be irritated due to dirt, dust, or hair that gets in the eye. They also can get poked, scratched, or hit by other objects.
They may also have an issue with their tear ducts that causes dry eyes and irritation. Excessive blinking is a way for the body to clear the tear duct and reduce the eye irritation.
If your dog is constantly blinking or squinting, you should seek veterinary attention. These conditions can be painful and cause other health issues throughout the rest of your dog’s body if left untreated.
It’s a sign of aggression
Winking is an incredibly cute behavior that dogs do. However, it can also be a sign of something more serious.
Dogs are smart animals, and they have a lot of tricks up their sleeves when it comes to communicating. They might try to mimic your movements or paw at you when they want attention.
When your dog winks at you, it means that they’re letting you know they recognize you as their leader. It’s also a submissive gesture that can help your dog feel safe in your presence.
Another reason your dog might be blinking at you is if they’ve got some eye irritation from dust or other debris. As dogs sniff so low, it’s common for them to get stuff in their eyes.
If this is the case, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about it. It could be a sign of a health issue, or it might just be a learned behavior that you can train them to stop.
