Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
You love your dog, but why are they always looking at you?
Dogs may stare at their humans for attention, food, or other reasons. Learning what they need when they stare can help you break the stare-off.
Supporting your dog by fulfilling their needs is easy when you are attentive and use supportive treats like Yummy Combs®.
There you are, trying your best to binge-watch the latest season of your favorite Netflix series, when you feel eyes boring a hole into your skin. It’s your favorite furry friend, and instead of watching the television, they are busy watching you.
To some, dog stares can feel invasive and leave you wondering why they can’t find something else to do, like stare at a wall or play with one of their million squeaky toys. Those in the know understand that dog stares are usually a way for dogs to communicate a basic need. If that need is met, the staring stops.
Let’s look at some of the common reasons why dogs stare and what you can do about it.
Dogs stare at their humans primarily as a form of communication. Dogs use different methods of communication, including:
Your dog might be staring at you because they need something or because they simply adore you. Sometimes, it could be a combination of the two.
Dogs stare for multiple reasons, and usually, there is no need to panic or call their veterinarian. If you can determine the reason why they are staring, you can help them find something else to focus on instead of you.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your dog may stare at you:
In your dog’s pack, you are the leader. They’re reading you like a best-selling novel, paying attention to your every move and learning from you if a situation is safe or not. Watching their humans is like a competitive sport, and they’re taking cues from your movements, actions, and how they perceive your mood.
Sometimes, your dog may be staring at you to make sure the situation they’re in is okay and they don’t need to feel afraid. Dogs collect much of their information about a situation from their humans. If you’re in a new place or doing something different, your dog may be looking at you to find out what to do next.
Many times, a dog will stare at their human to get attention for a need. Your dog may need to go out, need fresh water, or have an upset stomach, ache, or pain. Some dogs will lie on the floor near the door they use to go out and stare at their owner instead of barking.
Others may come to their owners and stare at them when they perceive it is close to mealtime. If it’s near mealtime or they haven’t been let out in a while, try to attend to these needs and see if the staring is related.
Some dogs crave attention more than others. If your dog frequently stares at you, it could mean they simply want more attention. If it has been a while since you took your dog for a walk or played a game of fetch, take a 15-minute break and indulge them. You may find they settle down for a nap afterward.
Yes, dogs can get bored, too. Dogs need both physical and mental exercise to stimulate them. If your dog is getting regular walks and still staring, try offering them a toy with a hidden treat or a dog-safe chew to stimulate their brains.
Additionally, dogs need plenty of exercise. If you aren’t sure how much exercise your dog needs, speak to their veterinarian. Some dogs may not be healthy enough to walk, but there may be alternate exercises they can do (like swimming with a life vest).
You read that correctly. Dogs tend to stare at their owners when they poop. When a dog eliminates waste, they’re in a somewhat defenseless position. If a predator were to attack, they’d be harmed.
They may stare at their owners to feel safe and to make sure that their owners “have their backs.” If you want to keep your dog calm while they potty, you can try offering cue words that they may associate with safety like, “safe” or “calm.”
As a side note, this also works in reverse. If you’ve ever found yourself staring into those puppy eyes while you attempt to use the toilet, take it as a vow of loyalty from your pup, who is simply trying to offer you their protection while you’re on the porcelain.
Yes, it’s true. Sometimes, your dog may stare at you simply because you are the most important person in their little world.
Staring at you is a sign of affection, just like cuddling or pawing at you. If you find your dog staring at you and you’re certain you’ve adequately met all their needs, enjoy the little love gaze from them and offer some cuddles.
It’s unusual, but in some cases, your dog could be staring at you to let you know something is wrong. If you can’t pinpoint any other reason why your dog could be staring, look for other symptoms, like:
If your dog displays any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to take them to their veterinarian for a check-up. Your dog may have an underlying medical issue that needs addressing. One issue that dogs may have that could be hard to notice is a sore tooth.
Sore teeth and/or gums can cause your dog to stare, whine, paw at their mouths, and even avoid food or water. If you think your dog could have a dental issue, take them to the veterinarian for a cleaning and x-rays. Then, do your part to keep their teeth and gums healthy at home.
Your dog’s oral care is important and often overlooked. In fact, 80% of dogs over age three have some level of periodontal disease, but only 20% of their owners know about it. Unfortunately, gum disease can lead to systemic illness and even organ failure in dogs, so protecting them against it is an important task.
It can seem like a tall order to brush your dog’s teeth, but in time, your dog will get used to the routine and may even look forward to it. You’ll need a dog-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to properly clean your dog’s teeth.
Start by cleaning the front teeth only and work up to the back teeth as your dog becomes more comfortable. Always end a tooth-brushing session with praise and rewards so your dog associates the experience with something positive.
Getting your dog’s teeth checked at least once a year is important. Some breeds, especially small ones, may need their teeth cleaned more frequently because they are at higher risk of developing gum disease and dental decay. Ask your veterinarian how frequently your dog’s teeth need to be cleaned.
Dental treats help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh. If you offer Yummy Combs, you’ll be giving your dog a treat that is safe, effective, and nutritious.
Yummy Combs are the only treats that are scientifically proven to remove hardened tartar from your dog’s gumline and teeth. In addition, the shape of Yummy Combs treats helps scrub all surfaces of your dog’s teeth while the thin walls floss hard-to-reach spaces.
Unlike other treats, Yummy Combs are wide to deter gulping and contain a proprietary ingredient known as Slick’M™ to help them dissolve quickly once they are swallowed, reducing the risk of blockages.
Lastly, Yummy Combs are made with 44% chicken protein for a complete and balanced treat that won’t leave holes in your dog’s diet. We also include 12 wellness ingredients to keep your dog supported and healthy.
Your dog may stare at you for numerous reasons, but dog staring isn’t usually a cause for concern. If you’ve met all their needs and they aren’t displaying other symptoms, enjoy the love and adoration your favorite dog is displaying for their favorite human.
Offer them Yummy Combs as a reward for being a good dog and to help keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Sources:
A Dog’s Submissive Grin: What To Know | Pet’s Best Life
Why does my dog stare at me | The Kennel Club
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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