Vet says dogs are trying to do one thing when they nuzzle you

A top vet has shed light on the true meaning behind your dog’s nuzzling behaviour, offering insights into what they might be attempting to communicate. Dogs are incredibly popular throughout the UK, with an estimated 10.6 million pet dogs in the country.

While many owners believe they can interpret their dog’s actions, others are eager to deepen their understanding. Searches for “dog communication signals” have skyrocketed by 200% over the past three months, according to Pure Pet Food.

The topic of “dog body language” is also a hot trend on TikTok, with countless videos from both experts and novices alike keen to offer insight.

Nuzzling stands out as one of the most frequent yet often misinterpreted behaviours dogs exhibit.

To demystify this behaviour, Pure Pet Food consulted veterinary expert, Dr Julian Norton, well-known from the hit documentary series, The Yorkshire Vet. He detailed why dogs are so fond of nuzzling their owners.

Dr Norton said: “People sometimes ask why dogs nudge and nuzzle with their noses. Part of the reason is that dogs really feel part of the family and part of the tribe, and they’re trying to get attention by nuzzling you.

“It’s quite endearing. I think it’s a bit like when dogs come and lick us on our face or hands or that sort of thing. They’re just really wanting to be part of the family and get some attention.”

However, nuzzling isn’t the only tactic dogs use to capture our attention.

Pet experts at Pure have shared three key behaviours your dog may use to communicate with you, along with their meanings.

Tail wagging

It’s a common misconception that a wagging tail always means a dog is cheerful. In practise, a dog’s tail is a powerful tool for conveying a range of emotions.

To truly grasp the message behind your dog’s tail wagging, it’s important to observe the tail’s height, speed, and stiffness.

A high, gentle wag often signals that your dog is delighted to see you, while a low, stiff wag might indicate discomfort or anxiety.

Licking

Licking serves multiple purposes for dogs, but it’s fundamentally a social gesture. In nature, canines lick the mouths of fellow pack members as an act of submission or endearment, and this behaviour has carried over into their interactions with humans.

When your dog licks your face, hands, or even feet, they may be trying to strengthen their bond with you or sense how you’re feeling.

Smiling

While dogs don’t “smile” in the human sense, they do exhibit a version of this affectionate facial expression.

Some dogs pull back their lips in a manner akin to a smile. This ‘grin’, coupled with a relaxed posture and a happy tail wag, usually means they’re content and eager to play.

According to PetMD: “Most scientists think the canine smile stems from a combination of evolution and the fact that dogs are masters of analysing human behaviour.”