Can Dogs Love? 
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A familiar connection between dog and human often gives the impression that love is involved. But can dogs love?
Dog owners are unanimous: Dogs are capable of feeling love. But what does current science say in response to the question “Can dogs love”? This article sheds light
Table of contents
Can Dogs Love? Here’s What Science Says
Love is probably one of the strongest emotions we humans are familiar with. It’s the feeling of an inner connection with another being. In recent years, the scientific interest in the behaviour and psychology of pets, such as dogs, has been on the rise. More and more studies are exploring whether dogs consciously perceive emotions and how they express them – particularly regarding their ability to love.
Communication Between Dogs and Humans
Many researchers believe that dogs have developed a special way of communicating to interact with humans. And it is precisely this that leads many dog owners to think their dogs literally understand them.
For example, researchers have found that dogs are sensitive to the exact tone of voice of their owners. In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports in 2021, scientists posited that dogs can differentiate between intentional and accidental actions of their human companions.
The Puppy Dog Eyes
A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science in 2019 concluded that a particular muscle around the eyes triggers the irresistible ‘puppy dog eyes’. Wolves, on the other hand, are believed not to have this muscle.
It is assumed that dogs learned this emotional expression over the course of evolutionary history – as a step towards emotional communication with humans. The facial expression mimics a sad look similar to that of a dog’s owner, prompting the owner to develop a feeling of care.
Oxytocin for Love?
Science has repeatedly observed that dogs release the hormone oxytocin during positive interactions with humans. Known as the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone,” it creates a sense of connection with the other party.
Large surges of this hormone are found, for example, in the interaction between mothers and their babies or between loving couples. These observations suggest that dogs can develop a deep bond with humans.
However, scientists are still unsure whether this equates to the romantic concept of love as understood by humans. Instead, the oxytocin surge is thought to trigger a familial bond.
Passionate Scents
Most dog enthusiasts are aware that dogs have a particularly well-developed sense of smell. But did you know that dogs can have emotional experiences through scents?
Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a method for visualising organ structures and functions, researchers at Emory University in Atlanta showed that familiar scents activate the reward centre in dogs’ brains. A similar mechanism occurs in humans when they look at photos of loved ones. Hence, dogs seemingly use scents to experience positive emotions.
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Proofs of Love: How Do Dogs Show Love to Humans and their Fellow Dogs?
When people are in love, they want to spend every free minute together. A kiss here, an embrace there – these are the clearest signs of love between humans. But how do dogs express their affection?
Love Between Dog and Human
As man’s best friend, dogs have been our faithful companions for many centuries. In a close relationship with your dog, it will look to you for guidance and seek your presence.
Other signs of affection, like licking your hands or cuddling, indicate that you have established a wonderful relationship with your dog.
Love Among Dogs
When dogs play together, their oxytocin levels also rise. However, this isn’t described as being akin to romantic love. Rather, the animals develop mutual trust, caring for one another.
This hormone, therefore, helps the animals develop a protective instinct, paving the way for long-term cohabitation. Reports suggest that dogs may feel similar emotions after a separation, akin to heartbreak, which may manifest through a sorrowful facial expression or whining.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Love?
Not long ago, researchers assumed that dogs were incapable of feeling pain, fear, or love. However, the latest findings suggest that dogs can indeed experience hurt feelings or form deep emotional bonds with each other or with humans. However, caution is required here. Due to the complexity of this topic, current knowledge is too limited for definitive conclusions. Although your dog may seem to love you when snuggling, you should be wary of anthropomorphising it.
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At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene. Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future. Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
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