When you turn to look, she’s winking at you while you’re relaxing on the couch with your dog. At least, thats what it looks like. Is this for real? Possibly. After all, studies have shown that dogs are in tune with their families, observing our cues and picking up on a variety of aspects of our behavior.
The veterinary consultant at Hello Ralphie, a telehealth veterinary service, Megan Conrad, DVM, explains why dogs wink. She claims that winking is frequently an intentional behavior with a variety of meanings—but there may also be some health-related factors at play.
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The obvious sign of fear/concern/anxiety. … “Blinking is always a good sign. It is intentional communication if a dog blinks more frequently than usual, blinks more slowly, or holds the blink: “See my eye contact is friendly.” It conveys non-threatening intentions and demonstrates the dog’s ease, according to Aloff.
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Can a Winking Dog Have Health Problems?
Winking frequently, especially with the same eye, can be a warning sign. If a dog is in pain, is sensitive to light, or is otherwise uncomfortable, they may repeatedly close one eye. And just like people, when dogs come into contact with an irritant like dust, dirt, or hair, they wink or blink. Other causes of dogs winking include signs of an eye infection.
“Make an appointment with your veterinarian right away if you notice discharge, increased or involuntary blinking (called blepharospasm), redness in or around the eye, or any injury,” advises Conrad.
Entropion, a genetic eye condition that affects brachycephalic breeds with heavy brows, round faces, and short noses, is another reason for frequent winking and blinking. Some of the largest dog breeds develop entropion too. The eyelids sag inward as a result of the ligaments of their outer corners drooping. The good news is that surgery can frequently successfully treat this condition.
But generally speaking, winking is a common and harmless dog behavior. If yours is prone to the odd wink, it won’t take much to figure out what she’s trying to say, and you might even have fun teaching her to wink on cue or winking back.
Conrad advises using a verbal command when requesting a wink, which can be accompanied by a nonverbal gesture like the wink itself. Heres how it might work:
FAQ
How do dogs blink?
The upper and lower eyelids should briefly make contact when the dog blinks in order for the “eye shuts” or “closes” completely. Some dogs’ eyelids do not close completely or do not close correctly, which can cause a variety of eye issues, including dry eyes.
Is it normal for dogs to wink?
But generally speaking, winking is a common and harmless dog behavior. If yours is prone to the odd wink, it won’t take much to figure out what she’s trying to say, and you might even have fun teaching her to wink on cue or winking back.
Can dogs wink on command?
Say “Really?” and then gently stroke your dog’s whiskers on the side of his muzzle that corresponds to the side of his face you want him to wink at. 3) He will automatically blink that eye.
What does it mean when your dog only blinks one eye?
Dogs who squint one eye are most frequently affected by corneal ulcers, glaucoma, anterior uveitis, dry eyes, and ocular foreign bodies. Take your dog to your vet for a checkup if you think it may have any of these ailments.