'I'm a vet - here's what your dog is trying to say when they nuzzle you'

Daily Mirror

07-05-2025

A vet has explained some of the reasons why dogs nuzzle their owners, and it turns out many owners may have misunderstood the signals
A leading vet has shed light on the true meaning behind your dog's nuzzles, offering insight into their canine communications. With 10.6 million pet dogs across the UK, it's no wonder many of us consider them part of the family and try to decipher their every move.
According to Pure Pet Food there has been a whopping 200% spike in searches for "dog communication signals" in recent months. TikTok is brimming with clips exploring "dog body language", featuring tips from both seasoned pros and enthusiastic amateurs alike.
Among various doggy behaviours, nuzzling stands out as a frequent yet often misinterpreted gesture.
To give an insight into this behaviour, Pure Pet Food turned to their go-to veterinary expert, Dr Julian Norton – widely recognised from the hit TV series, 'The Yorkshire Vet'. He reveals why your pooch is so keen to cozy up with a nuzzle.
Dr Julian 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."
But nudging isn't the only tactic dogs use to capture our attention, there can be more to their interaction than meets the eye.
The pet expert revealed three key ways your dog may be trying to convey messages to you, along with the meanings behind these actions.
Wagging their tail
It's a common misconception that a wagging tail always indicates a happy dog. In reality, a dog's tail is a vital means of expressing a range of emotions.
To decipher the meaning behind your dog's wagging tail, pay attention to its height, speed, and stiffness. A high, relaxed wag generally signifies that your dog is delighted to see you, whereas a low, tense wag may imply anxiety or fear.
Licking
Dogs engage in licking behaviour for various reasons, but it's primarily a social action. In their natural habitat, dogs lick the mouths of pack members as a sign of submission or affection – a behaviour that has extended to their interactions with humans.
When your dog licks your face, hands, or feet, it could be their way of bonding with you or checking on your well-being.
Smiling
While dogs don't "smile" in the same way humans do, they do display their own unique version of this facial expression. Some dogs pull back their lips, creating a grin-like appearance.
If this expression is paired with relaxed, playful body language, such as a wagging tail, it suggests they're content and ready to play. PetMD offers an explanation about dogs' grins, saying: "Most scientists think the canine smile stems from a combination of evolution and the fact that dogs are masters of analysing human behaviour."