What Does it Mean When A Dog Winks At You?

We know dogs can stare at you occasionally, and we know our dogs like to follow us, but what does it mean when your dog winks at you? 

Do Dogs Wink? 

Yes, dogs do wink! While it may not be as common as other canine behaviors, many pet owners have observed their dogs winking at them or others. A dog’s wink is typically a slow blink followed by a brief closure of one eye, resembling the human action of winking. This action can be endearing and often catches the attention of pet owners, leading to curiosity about its meaning.

Do Dogs Wink on Purpose?

The question of whether dogs wink on purpose or if it’s an involuntary movement is intriguing. In most cases, dogs do not wink as a conscious, deliberate action like humans do. For humans, winking is often used as a playful gesture, a way to share a secret, or to convey a message subtly. However, for dogs, winking is usually not a purposeful form of communication.

While dog winking is often not intentional or purposeful in the same way it is for humans, it can still be a cute and endearing behavior. If your dog winks at you, it’s usually a harmless action. However, if you notice frequent winking or other signs of discomfort in your dog’s eyes, it may be worth checking for any potential eye issues with your veterinarian.

Why Do Dogs Wink? 

If you’ve caught your dog winking at you (where one eye closes temporarily, but the other stays open), this can be for a variety of reasons. Some may be harmless or cute expressions of behavior, while others indicate an underlying eye or medical issue.

• Canine Blepharospasm: This technical term refers to an involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. Itmay appear as a squint, wink, a quick twitch, or a blink, and commonly occurs if the eye is painful or irritated.
• Eye Irritation: If dust, dirt, or a chemical irritant gets into a dog’s eye, they may frequently appear to be winking or squinting. This could be accompanied by attempts to rub the eye on furniture or with their paws. It’s advisable to consult a veterinarian if this occurs, as they can help clean and clear the eye of the irritant. In some cases this could lead to a scratch or ulcer on the cornea.
• 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 such as Boston Terriers or Pugs. This requires professional veterinary intervention to alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues.
• Eye Infections: Infections can cause discomfort or itching in the eyes, leading to increased blinking or winking. Symptoms of an eye infection can include redness, discharge, swelling, or excessive blinking. If you suspect an eye infection, it’s important to have your dog checked by a vet to receive appropriate treatment.
• Other Eye Issues: Other serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma,  uveitis, or dry eye, can also lead to winking due to eye pain. 
• Submissive Gesture: In canine communication, direct staring can be a sign of impending aggression. If your dog breaks eye contact with a blink, turn away, or wink during a stare-down, it might be their way of showing submission and acknowledging your dominance, indicating they don’t want to challenge you.
• Attention Seeking: If you’ve previously reacted positively when your dog winked, they may have learned to repeat the behavior to get your attention. Dogs are highly perceptive and may mimic human behaviors, such as yawning or eating at the same time as you, and winking can be a similar learned behavior.
• Light Sensitivity: Dogs can also wink or squint if they are sensitive to bright light. This could be a natural response to protect their eyes from glare or could indicate an underlying issue like cataracts or other eye conditions. Monitoring your dog’s reaction to different lighting conditions and consulting with a vet if the sensitivity persists can help address any potential problems.

Should I Wink Back at My 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, similar to how they might perceive a smile or gentle touch.Moreover, some dogs may even respond to winking with their own form of communication, like a tail wag or a head tilt. This interaction can be a delightful way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, as they enjoy the attention and engagement.

Do Dogs Blink? Differences Between Winking and Blinking

Dogs, like humans, blink. Blinking is a natural and necessary reflex that helps keep their eyes moist and protected from dust, debris, other irritants, and injury. It also refreshes the eye’s surface, providing clear vision. Dogs also have an additional eyelid, known as the nictitating membrane, to help spread the tear film and protect the eye.

Winking vs. Blinking: What’s the Difference?

• Winking usually involves a dog closing one eye while keeping the other open. This can be a voluntary or involuntary action and may happen for various reasons, such as signaling submission, seeking attention, or responding to an irritant in the eye.
• Blinking, on the other hand, involves both eyes closing and reopening in a coordinated manner. This reflex action is crucial for maintaining eye health, as it spreads tears across the eye surface, keeping it moist and free of irritants. Slow blinking can also be a sign of relaxation and contentment in dogs.

Dog Winking: When to See a Vet

While occasional winking and blinking are typically normal behaviors in dogs, there are times when these actions might indicate an underlying health issue. It’s important for pet parents to be vigilant and seek veterinary care if they notice certain symptoms accompanying their dog’s winking or blinking.

When to See a Vet: Key Indicators

1. Excessive or Persistent Winking or Blinking

If your dog is winking or blinking excessively or holding one eye shut for long periods of time, it may require medical attention. Persistent winking may be a sign of an eye infection, corneal ulcer, allergies, entropion, glaucoma, uveitis, or other serious issues that need to be addressed by a veterinarian.

2. Redness or Swelling Around the Eyes

Red, swollen, or puffy eyes can be a sign of inflammation or infection. If you notice these symptoms along with frequent winking or blinking, it’s crucial to consult a vet. Conditions such as conjunctivitis can cause these symptoms and require prompt treatment.

3. Discharge or Crusting

Any discharge from the eyes, whether clear, yellow, or green, should be taken seriously. Discharge can indicate an infection, allergy, dry eye, or other eye condition. Crusting or ulceration around the eyes can also be a sign of a more significant problem that needs medical evaluation.

4. Frequent Pawing or Rubbing at the Eyes

If your dog is frequently pawing at or rubbing their eyes against furniture or the floor, they may be trying to relieve discomfort or itchiness. This behavior, combined with winking or blinking, can indicate something is bothering the eye, such as a foreign object or an allergic reaction.

5. Changes in Vision or Behavior

If your dog seems disoriented, is bumping into objects, or appears to have difficulty seeing, these could be signs of vision problems or neurological issues. Vision changes, along with frequent eye winking or blinking, should prompt an immediate veterinary visit. Additionally, see your vet if your dog seems to be feeling unwell or is acting differently (for example increaed hiding, restlessness, or irritability). 

6. Cloudiness or Changes in Eye Color

Any changes in the appearance of your dog’s eyes, such as cloudiness, changes in eye color, or the presence of a blue or gray film over the eyes, can be signs of serious conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or corneal ulcers.

7. Breed Predisposition

If your dog has a history of eye issues or is a breed predisposed to certain eye conditions, any abnormal winking or blinking should be taken seriously.

When in Doubt, Consult Your Veterinarian

If you notice any of these symptoms or other unusual behaviors related to your dog’s eyes, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can prevent more serious issues and help maintain your dog’s vision and overall health. Your vet can provide a thorough examination and recommend appropriate treatments, whether it’s medication, dietary changes, or more specialized care.

Can You Train a Dog to Wink?

Yes, you can train a dog to wink! Just like with many other tricks and behaviors, winking can be taught to dogs using positive reinforcement techniques. While it may seem like a playful and fun trick, teaching your dog to wink can also be a good exercise in building communication and strengthening your bond with your pet.

How to Train Your Dog to Wink: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose a Quiet Environment

Start training in a quiet, distraction-free environment where your dog can focus on you. This helps ensure that your dog pays attention and can more easily understand what you’re asking of them.

2. Use a Cue Word or Gesture

Decide on a specific cue word or hand gesture that you’ll use to signal the winking behavior. This could be as simple as saying “wink” or gently pointing to your eye.

3. Capture the Behavior

The easiest way to teach a dog to wink is to capture the behavior when it naturally occurs. If your dog happens to blink one eye, immediately reward them with a treat and praise. Timing is crucial, so be ready to reward the instant they wink. You may want to consider clicker training to help with this. 

4. Encourage the Behavior

To encourage winking, you can gently touch the whiskers or eyelid area on one side of your dog’s face. Be very gentle to avoid causing any discomfort. When your dog blinks or winks, immediately use your cue word or gesture and reward them with a treat.

5. Practice and Reinforce

Practice the cue regularly in short training sessions. Consistency is key to helping your dog associate the cue with the desired behavior. Always reward your dog with a treat, praise, or a favorite toy when they successfully wink on command.

6. Gradually Phase Out the Prompt

As your dog starts to understand the behavior, gradually reduce the physical prompt. Continue to use the cue word or gesture, and reward your dog when they wink. Over time, your dog should be able to wink without needing a physical prompt.

7. Keep Training Sessions Fun and Positive

Make sure training sessions are enjoyable for your dog. Use plenty of positive reinforcement and keep the sessions short to avoid frustration or fatigue. End each session on a positive note, even if your dog is still learning.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Patience and Consistency: Training a dog to wink may take some time, as it’s a more subtle behavior than other tricks. Be patient and consistent with your training.
• Monitor for Discomfort: Ensure that your dog is comfortable and not experiencing any eye issues before attempting to train them to wink. If your dog shows signs of irritation or discomfort, stop the training and consult a veterinarian.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement methods. Avoid punishing or scolding your dog if they don’t get the trick right away. Training should be a positive experience for both you and your dog.

Training your dog to wink can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s a unique trick that can impress friends and family. And it’s a great way to strengthen your relationship with your furry friend.

Final Thoughts on Why Do Dogs Wink 

If your dog is winking excessively, or their eye appears sore or irritated in any way, they should see a vet. But, if it’s just the occasional wink, you probably have nothing to worry about! 

Sources

Why Do Dogs Wink?

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/eye-disorders-of-dogs/eye-structure-and-function-in-dogs

https://www.acvo.org/common-conditions1 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/clicker-training-your-dog-mark-and-reward/