The frequency of a dog’s blinking can vary depending on who is in front of it. Scientists have identified an intriguing response in animals specifically towards their owners.
Why a dog often blinks when looking at its owner / © Unsplash
Dogs communicate with humans through a variety of gestures and reactions—from tail and ear movements to changes in facial expressions. Now, researchers have discovered that a less obvious behavior may also hold significance: how often an animal blinks in the presence of a specific person.
This was reported by the publication Daily Mail.
Dogs may alter their blinking rate based on their owner’s behavior. Researchers from the University of Parma in Italy found that animals blinked more frequently when they observed a familiar person doing so.
Scientists involved 35 dogs in the experiment. The animals were shown videos of people either blinking or looking straight ahead with their eyes open. Researchers observed how the dogs’ blinking frequency changed in response.
When the animals saw a person simply looking at them, their blinking rate remained unchanged. However, the dogs began to blink more often when their owner appeared to be blinking in the video. No such reaction was recorded when the person on the video was a stranger.
The researchers also noted that the effect was strongest when the dog’s owner was female. The authors suggest that the findings may be related to the greater attention and social interaction an animal has with its owner compared to a stranger.
Canori noted that blinking is primarily a physiological behavior that protects the eyes and helps maintain the health of their surface. However, the experiment’s results indicate that this automatic behavior can be influenced by social context.
Scientists emphasize that the study does not prove that a dog intentionally tries to “say” something to its owner every time it blinks. Furthermore, it is not yet possible to determine if such blinking carries a specific meaning beyond social interaction.
As a reminder, experts previously named seven dog breeds known for their affection, loyalty, and strong bond with humans.
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