Do your Dogs know you Love Them

Do your Dogs know you Love Them?

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Team Carniwel
Celebrating Pet Parenting
author https://carniwel.com/pages/about-us

Carniwel, where love, happiness, and togetherness come together to celebrate the extraordinary relationship between pets and their parents.

Have you ever found yourself feeling sad, only to realise your dog has snuggled up to you and is trying to make you feel better? Have you ever asked yourself how they know that you’re sad?

Research shows dogs are highly sensitive to our nonverbal cues—tone, facial expressions, and touch. UCLA scientists found that dogs mirror human neurophysiology: when we’re stressed, dogs too can show altered heart rate and brain activity—suggesting a profound emotional relationship.

Studies note that dogs integrate our body language and voice to interpret intentions and emotional states.

Can Dogs Really Feel Love?

Do you feel happy when you hug a loved one, or when you spend time with your dog? This is probably because of oxytocin—the “love hormone”—which rises in both dogs and humans when we gaze at each other. This hormonal exchange strengthens emotional attachment between pet and pet parent. 

Dogs tend to respond with genuine affections to cuddles, greetings and even calming behaviour. This suggests that, not only can they pick up on cues to human emotions, they can also replicate them. Their love language may be in their wagging tails, demands for pets or the snuggles they give you, but there is a definite emotional exchange that takes place. This emotional connection is also why dogs seek out proximity, just like children like to be close to their parents.

These behaviors go beyond instinct—they indicate dogs do sense and reflect love in their own way.

Did You Know? Dogs can recognize your voice even through screens. This helps maintain that emotional bond, even when you’re not home.

How Love Affects Feeding and Nutrition

Think of the feeling you get when a loved one plans a meal just for you? What does it feel like to know that you were thought of? Dogs too react to love, security and emotional connection:

  • They are more likely to relax during feeding time.
  • Stress hormones decrease, which can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.  

This is why a loving, nurturing household is important for both dogs and humans alike. Choosing high-quality dog food can demonstrate this care in every meal. For puppies, ensuring balanced nutrition with puppy food formulated for growth builds trust and emotional stability in their early weeks. Carniwel offers a wide range of proteins for your pup to choose from, because love is about giving them a choice in what makes them happiest!

Little things to show your love!

Activity Why It Strengthens Bond
Gentle play sessions Builds trust and shared joy
Calm cuddle time Releases oxytocin in both you and your dog
Walking together Reinforces partnership and security
Training them right Positive reinforcement builds trust and safety

Pair these joyful moments with pet food made from fresh, honest ingredients to make pet parenting a truly joyous celebration!


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