There is no better feeling than coming home after a long, tiring day to a wide-eyed, tail-wagging dog brimming with excitement.
In the Philippines, a rising number of young Filipinos are showing keen interest and fondness for animals as pets. Pets are now regarded not just as animals but as beloved companions and even integral members of the family.
These fur parents go beyond mealtimes, extending their care to grooming, clothing, training, and daycare. But while you may treat them like your child, does that mean they see you as their ‘pawrent’?
Dogs are known for their loyal, affectionate, and energetic nature. Although they can’t verbally call you “mom” or “dad,” they have many other ways to show love and affection.
Here are 5 signs your dog loves you “fur real,” according to experts:
- Your dog follows you everywhere
Dogs are pack animals, and they have a tendency to stay close to their pack. If your dog constantly follows you around the house, to every room, or even to the toilet, it is a clear indicator of deep attachment.
Dogs that constantly stay by their owners’ sides are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” due to their desire to stick to you at all times.
Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian, explains, “Young puppies, anywhere from birth to six months of age, can often imprint on their owners and look to them as they would their mother.”
- Your dog looks to you for guidance
Similar to how children seek assistance from their mom and dad when they are unsure of something, dogs do the same with those they regard as parents. If your dog constantly looks to you for comfort in unfamiliar circumstances, it means they trust you and rely on your direction.
“For instance, if your dog encounters a new or uncertain situation and seeks reassurance from you by making eye contact or following your lead, it illustrates their trust in you as their mom or dad,” says Travis Brorsen, Animal Planet’s pet expert and trainer.
- Your dog brings you gifts
Dogs are usually possessive of their belongings, so when they offer you gifts—anything from a fallen leaf to their favorite toy—it is not just an invitation to play but also their way of sharing their prized possession with someone they adore.
“In the canine world, this behavior is akin to offering a token of appreciation and trust… Your dog sees you as a source of joy and security, and these gestures are their way of expressing love and reinforcing the bond between you as their mom or dad.” Brorsen explains.
- Your dog makes eye contact with you
The beauty of their nonverbal communication lies in the profound love they express through their gaze. Dogs form strong emotional connections with humans through eye contact. When they look into your eyes, it’s a powerful manifestation of their recognition and trust in you as their caregiver.
In fact, a study led by Takefumi Kikusui, an animal behaviorist at Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan, found that mutual gazing between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, the same hormone involved in maternal bonding, trust, and altruism in humans.
- Your dog likes to sleep with you
In the wild, dogs are inherently alert to their environment, and they sleep huddled with the pack members to protect themselves from predators. If your dog likes to snuggle with you, it means that they feel safe and consider you part of the pack.
“They sleep with their human companions whom they consider pack-mates and who they feel comfortable with and want to protect,” says veterinarian Dr. Laurie Hess.