Dogs, like People, May Use Blinking to Bond

A new study suggests that dogs blink in response to other dogs blinking, similar to how humans and primates unconsciously mimic blinks to bond. Researchers found that dogs watching videos of blinking dogs blinked 16% more often than when viewing non-blinking clips, indicating potential facial mimicry.

While dogs likely aren’t aware of their reactions, experts suggest blinking may serve as a subconscious signal of relaxation and social bonding. Unlike blinking, dogs did not mimic nose-licking behavior in the study, though they showed the whites of their eyes more—a response typically linked to strong emotions. The findings highlight the complexity of canine communication, challenging assumptions about dog signals and encouraging pet owners to observe their dogs more closely. Scientists believe further research is needed to determine whether dog blinks are synchronized responses and how they contribute to social interactions.