While you may have noticed your dog wink at you, really, few dogs wink with one eye. It’s certainly possible that a dog may accidentally or momentarily wink at you, especially if he has something in his eye, but it’s unusual.
If you do catch it and can click and reward (a positive reinforcement of the movement), you might be able to teach your dog to wink. Otherwise, focus on your dog’s blink. Many trainers have long recognized the communication significance of your dog blinking at or with you, however.
Have you ever caught your furry friend giving you what looks like a wink? That little one-eyed blink that makes you wonder if your dog is trying to send you a secret message? As a dog parent myself, I’ve noticed my Lab occasionally closing just one eye and it always makes me smile. But is this normal behavior, or should we be concerned? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of canine eye behaviors and uncover the truth about whether dogs actually blink one eye at a time.
The Truth About Dog Winking: Natural Behavior or Something More?
Yes, dogs do wink! While it may not be as common as other behaviors, many pet owners have observed their dogs winking at them. A dog’s wink typically looks like a slow blink followed by a brief closure of just one eye, similar to how humans wink.
But here’s the interesting part – unlike humans who wink intentionally to convey messages, dogs usually don’t wink on purpose in the same way For us humans, winking is often a playful gesture or a way to share a secret However, for our canine companions, there’s typically more to the story.
Why Do Dogs Blink One Eye at a Time?
There are actually several reasons why your dog might be blinking just one eye. Some are completely harmless, while others might require a trip to the vet Let’s explore these causes
1. Harmless Causes of Dog Winking
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Submissive Gesture: Dogs sometimes break eye contact during a stare-down with a blink, turn away, or wink. This can be their way of showing submission and acknowledging your dominance, indicating they don’t want to challenge you.
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Attention Seeking: If you’ve reacted positively when your dog winked in the past, they might have learned to repeat this behavior to get your attention. Dogs are incredibly smart and may mimic human behaviors!
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Light Sensitivity: Dogs might wink or squint if they’re sensitive to bright light. This is a natural response to protect their eyes from glare.
2. Medical Causes That Require Attention
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Canine Blepharospasm: This is the technical term for an involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. It may appear as a squint, wink, quick twitch, or blink, and commonly occurs if the eye is painful or irritated.
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Eye Irritation If something like dust, dirt, or a chemical irritant gets into your dog’s eye, they may frequently appear to be winking or squinting. This might be accompanied by attempts to rub the eye on furniture or with their paws.
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Entropion: This condition, where the upper or lower eyelid flips inward causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball, is most common in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Boston Terriers or Pugs.
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Eye Infections: Infections can cause discomfort or itching in the eyes, leading to increased blinking or winking. Symptoms include redness, discharge, swelling, or excessive blinking.
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Foreign Object: Something as simple as a tiny piece of debris or an eyelash stuck in your dog’s eye can cause them to wink repeatedly as they try to dislodge it.
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Corneal Ulcers: These painful erosions on the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) can cause dogs to blink excessively in one eye. They might also rub at their eye or have cloudy or red eyes.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog Blinking One Eye?
While occasional winking is usually nothing to worry about, there are certain warning signs that indicate it’s time to visit the vet:
Red Flags to Watch For:
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Excessive or Persistent Winking: If your dog is winking or blinking excessively or holding one eye shut for long periods.
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Redness or Swelling: Red, swollen, or puffy eyes can signal inflammation or infection.
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Discharge or Crusting: Any discharge from the eyes, whether clear, yellow, or green, should be taken seriously.
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Pawing at the Eye: If your dog frequently paws at or rubs their eye against furniture or the floor.
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Changes in Vision or Behavior: If your dog seems disoriented, bumps into objects, or appears to have difficulty seeing.
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Cloudiness or Changes in Eye Color: Any changes in the appearance of your dog’s eyes could indicate serious conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.
Remember, eye issues are considered emergencies. If left untreated, they can cause significant pain and even affect your dog’s vision. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian.
The Difference Between Dog Winking and Blinking
It’s important to understand the difference between winking and normal blinking in dogs:
| Behavior | Description | Potential Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Winking | Closing just one eye while keeping the other open | Could be behavioral or medical |
| Blinking | Both eyes closing and reopening together | Normal reflex to moisten eyes |
Dogs, like humans, naturally blink to keep their eyes moist and protected from dust and debris. They also have an additional eyelid called the nictitating membrane that helps spread tears and protect the eye.
However, if you notice your dog consistently blinking one eye more than the other, it might be worth investigating further.
Can You Teach Your Dog to Wink?
If you find dog winking adorable (as I do!), you might be happy to know that yes, you can train your dog to wink on command! Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose a quiet environment with minimal distractions
- Select a cue word like “wink” or a hand gesture
- Capture the natural behavior – reward your dog immediately when they naturally wink
- Encourage the behavior by gently touching the whiskers on one side of your dog’s face
- Practice regularly in short, fun training sessions
- Use positive reinforcement – treats, praise, or a favorite toy
Just remember to keep these training sessions enjoyable and positive. And of course, make sure your dog isn’t winking due to a medical issue before you start training this cute trick.
Should You Wink Back at Your Dog?
As long as your dog isn’t winking due to a health problem, winking back can actually be a fun and harmless way to communicate and bond with your pet!
Winking can be a subtle way to show affection and reinforce positive behavior. Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on human gestures and expressions. When you wink back at your dog, they may interpret it as a friendly or playful gesture.
Some dogs might even respond to your winking with their own form of communication, like a tail wag or a head tilt. These interactions strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend, as they enjoy the attention and engagement.
My Experience with My Dog’s Winking
My chocolate Lab, Baxter, occasionally gives me what looks like a deliberate wink when I come home from work. At first, I wondered if something was wrong with his eye, but after a vet check, I learned it was just his way of communicating with me. Now I find it endearing, and sometimes I even wink back!
I’ve noticed he tends to do it more when he’s excited or wants something, almost like he’s trying to charm me into giving him an extra treat. It’s become our little inside joke, and I can’t help but smile every time he does it.
Final Thoughts on Dog Winking
If your dog is winking excessively, or their eye appears sore or irritated in any way, they should definitely see a vet. Eye issues can escalate quickly, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your furry friend’s health.
But if it’s just the occasional wink, you probably have nothing to worry about! It could simply be your dog’s unique way of communicating with you or showing affection.
Have you noticed your dog winking at you? What do you think they’re trying to say? I’d love to hear about your experiences with your winking canine companions!
FAQs About Dogs Blinking One Eye
Is it normal for dogs to blink one eye at a time?
Occasional blinking of one eye is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your dog consistently blinks only one eye or shows signs of discomfort, it’s best to have them examined by a vet.
Can I train my older dog to wink on command?
Yes! Dogs of any age can learn new tricks with patience and positive reinforcement. Older dogs might take a bit longer to learn, but they’re certainly capable of picking up this cute behavior.
Why does my dog wink at me when I talk to them?
Your dog might be showing submission, seeking attention, or responding to your tone of voice. It could also be that they’ve learned this gets a positive reaction from you!
Could seasonal allergies cause my dog to wink?
Absolutely. Allergies can irritate your dog’s eyes, causing them to blink more frequently or wink to relieve discomfort. If you suspect allergies, consult with your vet about potential treatments.
Is winking more common in certain dog breeds?
While winking can occur in any breed, it may be more noticeable in breeds with prominent eyes or those prone to eye conditions, like Pugs, Boston Terriers, or Cocker Spaniels.
Remember, understanding your dog’s behavior is key to maintaining their health and happiness. Whether they’re winking to communicate, out of necessity, or because of a medical issue, paying attention to this subtle behavior can help strengthen your bond and ensure your furry friend stays healthy.
Research on Dog Blinks
A research study from the University of Parma in Italy reinforces what dog trainers have known. The researchers started by making videos of some lucky dogs staring at toys or treats (I assume the dogs got the rewards at some point!). The videos were edited to show blinking or nose licking (the other sort of appeasement behavior the researchers were studying) occurring every 4 seconds.
Then, a group of pet dogs were drafted to watch the videos (no popcorn). The 54 canine “volunteers” wore heart monitors to check their physiological reactions plus were videoed to see if they blinked in response to the dog on the video.
Some dogs quickly became bored and napped. The dogs who stayed awake blinked about 16% more while watching the dogs on screen blinking than at other times.
The lead researcher, Chiara Canori, an evolutionary biologist, felt that the dogs who blinked more were mimicking the other dog. She said this could be an unconscious response as opposed to intentional “synchronized blinking.”
Interestingly, the dogs did not respond to the nose licking with licking of their own. They tended to show more of the whites of their eyes during that activity. That is a behavior commonly associated with strong emotions, but these dogs stayed quiet. Another conundrum for behaviorists.