Yes! Dogs Can Smile. Here’s how

Dogs are amazing. They’re loyal and loving, fun to play with, and make you feel like you’re the most crucial person in the world. Dogs are also intelligent and can learn things that will blow your mind. Sure, they don’t have opposable thumbs or the ability to speak, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be just as bright as any human being. For a good reason, dogs are popular pets around the world. They’re loyal, affectionate, and fun—but did you know that dogs can also smile? Yes, it’s true! Dogs display a wide range of emotions through facial expressions and body language. This includes smiling. Let’s find out more!

Why do Dogs Smile?

There are several reasons why dogs smile. As with humans, smiling is an involuntary response. It can be caused by happiness but also by pain or other emotions. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog smiles when they are feeling happy, there are several reasons for this, and they include:

They are Enjoying what they are Doing

Dogs often have a look of enjoyment when playing with people or other dogs. This can include rolling over on their backs during play or panting while they run around quickly. They may also jump up and down enthusiastically when anticipating something exciting, like going for a walk or mealtime.

These types of smiles are usually accompanied by other signs of joy, such as wagging tails and excited barking or yipping sounds.

They have Engaged Well with you

You may see your dog open his mouth wide and stick out his tongue exaggeratedly if he has done something you like, like sitting when asked. This means he knows what you want him to do and wants to please you by doing it.

They are Excited

Dogs also smile because they are excited to see someone or something else. Often when dogs meet new people or new dogs for the first time, they will show their teeth in what looks like a smile because this usually means, “I’m happy to meet you.”

To Show Submission

When dogs smile, they are not necessarily happy but want to signal that they are not a threat. This is especially true if the dog’s teeth are showing. For example, a dog may smile when meeting another dog or person for the first time so as not to scare them away. A more aggressive dog may also smile to appear submissive and non-threatening.

How to Tell if Your Dog Is Smiling

There is no way for a dog to smile as a human does—lips pulled back to reveal teeth. That is because their mouths are different from ours. But dogs do have other ways of showing happiness, including the following:

Wagging Its Tail

When you see a dog wagging its tail, it is happy or excited about something. You will notice that the tail is held high and moves from side to side in an arc shape (as opposed to straight up). 

If your dog isn’t wagging his tail, he probably isn’t feeling great. It is important to note that a wagging tail isn’t always a good indicator of how a dog feels. Some dogs wag their tails when they are afraid too. 

So if you see your pup moving its tail back and forth, but he doesn’t look excited or happy, it could mean something else entirely.

Bright Eyes

If your dog looks at you with bright, clear eyes, it is a good sign that he is happy to see you. Dogs have excellent eyesight and can see in color. The brightness of their eyes is tied to how much light is reflected from the back of their eyeballs. 

When a dog looks at something or someone, his pupils will dilate—expand outward—to gather as much information about that object as possible. The more dilated his pupils are, the brighter his eyes will appear. So if you notice that your pup’s eyes are bright and clear when he looks at you, chances are he is happy to see you.

Look at the Tongue

A smiling dog may stick out his tongue when he is about to lick something (or someone), but this isn’t always the case. 

If your dog has a long tongue that hangs out of his mouth when he’s relaxed, he might just be panting or showing off his teeth. But, on the other hand, if he sticks his tongue out while wagging his tail or licking another dog or person, he could be smiling at them.

Ears Forward

When a dog’s ears are forward, it indicates contentment and happiness. If your dog is relaxed and happy, you may notice that his ears are held back against his head or turned slightly to one side. But his ears will be pointed forward when he’s excited or anxious about something.

How to Keep your Dog Happy

When you first bring home a new dog, it’s natural to be excited about the little guy. But also remember that dogs are not human companions and their needs differ from ours.

Here are some tips to keep your dog happy:

Show Him Love and Affection

Dogs crave love just as much as humans do, if not more. If you can’t give your dog all the attention they need, at least provide him with plenty of affection. 

Dogs must know they are loved and cared for by their owner or family. This will make them happy and less likely to get into trouble or misbehave around the house. 

Petting him gently with your hand is usually enough when giving your dog affection. But if he likes being kissed on his head or snout, go right ahead. Just be sure not to kiss him on his mouth because this could lead to infection later down the road.

Increase Playtime

Playtime is an integral part of your dog’s life. It is how they release energy and have fun. You can increase playtime by increasing the number of toys available or playing with them more often. If you can’t play with them every day, consider finding someone else who would be willing to take them out for a walk to get exercise and socialize with other dogs or people.

Praise your Pet for Good Behavior

Praise is an effective way to reward your dog. It is also a way to communicate with your pet that he has done something right and you are pleased. If you want your dog to understand what he did wrong, you must use a different method than praise. 

Avoid yelling at or hitting him because this can make him afraid or angry, which will only worsen the problem. Instead, you will reinforce your dog’s behavior through praise because it encourages him to repeat the behavior that earned him recognition in the first place.

Give your Dog a Job to Do

Dogs have been bred for a very long time to be working animals. As a result, they need something to do, and they need it regularly. You can give them this by training them to do specific tasks—like fetching or guarding—or by giving them a good workout every day. Dogs who get regular exercise are less likely to get bored and destructive. 

Give your Dog Mental Stimulation

Dogs have brains as people do, but they can’t read minds. So if your dog is getting bored because he doesn’t know what’s going on in yours, give him something else to think about—like chew toys or interactive games that will help him learn new things.

Your dog will love having a job, whether fetching the paper in the morning before work or guarding your house at night when you are out late. He will also enjoy mental stimulation from puzzles and games designed specifically for dogs. These are great ways to bond with your canine companion while keeping him busy and entertained.

Socialization and Training

Socialize your dog to be around other dogs and people. This can help prevent barking, fighting, and other behavioral problems. Set up regular play dates with other dogs to learn to get along. If it’s impossible to set up play dates, make sure you walk your dog in areas where there are many other dogs so they can get used to them.

Poorly socialized dogs tend to be more nervous and afraid—even aggressive—when they meet new people or animals. They may also have trouble learning commands if they haven’t been exposed to any training program.

In Conclusion

To sum up, dogs can smile, which shouldn’t worry or scare you. So if you are a dog owner and see your dog smiling, don’t feel compelled to wipe that smile off its face. 

Have fun with it, and get the whole family involved in your pet’s happiness. Dogs can’t smile independently due to a lack of facial muscles and nerves required for different emotions. However, they can still express certain feelings through their teeth and paws, especially joy.

Up Next…

Check out some of our other articles below about pet behavior to better understand your furry friend.

• Top 9 Reasons Why Dogs Put Their Ears Back, and What They’re Saying
• Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads?
• This Is Why Your Dog Chases Squirrels
• 5 Reasons Dogs “Smile” And What They’re Communicating

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Julia Zavalishina/Shutterstock.com