Introduction
Pug owners often find it difficult to decipher their dog’s emotions due to their brachycephalic faces, which lack expressiveness. Determining if your pug loves you can be particularly challenging. However, rest assured that your pug does love you. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive list of 21 signs to help you understand if your pug is happy and loves you.
How can I tell if my pug is happy and loves me?
If you come home to an excited pug jumping up at you, it’s a clear sign of affection. However, there are other subtle indicators to look out for as well.
1. Your pug has a smile-like expression
Pugs can relax their mouths, lips, and tongues, resulting in a smile-like appearance. Although it may not be a big toothy grin, when their lips curl up, their eyes soften, and their tongue pops out, it means they’re happy.
2. Your pug wiggles its bottom and wags its tail
Pugs may not wag their tails vigorously, but they will do little tail wags when they’re in a good mood. What’s even more noticeable is their adorable bum-wiggling when they’re happy.
3. Your pug gives you the puppy dog eyes
Pugs are known for their expressive eyes, and they use this charm to their advantage. The iconic puppy dog eyes are a sign of happiness and love, as your pug knows it evokes a positive response from you.
4. Your pug shows no aggression
Happy pugs are not aggressive. If your pug is snarling, baring their teeth, and acting defensively, it’s a sign of unhappiness.
5. Your pug has a relaxed body
A pug that loves you will have a relaxed body. You’ll notice their whole body wiggling with happiness. On the other hand, stress and unhappiness manifest in a rigid body posture.
6. Your pug initiates play
Playfulness is a clear indication of a happy pug. If your pug tries to engage you in a game, such as fetch or tug of war, it’s a sign that they love you.
7. Your pug does not engage in destructive behavior
Unhappy pugs may exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing and tearing things apart. Separation anxiety can be a major cause of this, so make sure your pug gets enough exercise and attention.
8. Your pug has a healthy appetite
A healthy pug will have a good appetite. If your pug is eating well, it’s a positive sign. Conversely, a loss of appetite can indicate sickness.
9. Your pug sticks its tongue out
While hanging tongue can be a medical condition, a relaxed pug sticking out its tongue is a sign of contentment and relaxation.
10. Your pug has a healthy coat
A shiny and healthy coat signifies a happy pug. On the other hand, flaky skin, excessive scratching, and hair loss can indicate stress.
11. Your pug wants to be close to you
When your pug leans into you, it shows their love and satisfaction with you as their owner. They seek your proximity as a sign of trust and admiration.
12. Your pug follows you like a shadow
A pug that follows you everywhere, from room to room, demonstrates their attachment and dependence on you. This behavior is often a result of separation anxiety, and it signifies their love for you.
13. Your pug gives you “pug kisses”
Pugs show affection by getting up close and personal with your face, sniffing or giving you a lick. Encouraging this behavior is fine, but avoid letting them lick your mouth.
14. Your pug brings you their toys
When your pug brings you its favorite toy, it signifies their love and trust. By sharing their toys with you, they show that they consider you the leader of their pack.
15. Your pug yawns back at you
Dogs can display contagious yawning as a biological response triggered by empathy. If your pug yawns when you do, it means they have an empathetic bond with you.
16. Your pug raises its eyebrows
Although subtle, raising eyebrows is a way for your pug to express love and happiness. Research suggests that dogs only do this with their close humans, making it a special sign of affection.
17. Your pug jumps up on you
Though we discourage jumping behavior, it’s still a sign of your pug’s affection for you. Pugs that jump up are expressing their love and adoration.
18. Your pug rolls over
When your pug rolls onto its back and asks for a belly rub, it shows trust and happiness. This submissive behavior indicates that your pug is secure and content.
19. Your pug lets out a little sigh
Pugs may occasionally make little contented sounds like a soft sigh. If your pug does this, it means they feel safe and happy in your presence.
Signs of a depressed pug
Pugs, like any other dog, are prone to depression. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Growling and aggressive behavior
- Narrowed eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Increased panting
- Howling and whining
- Indoor urination and/or defecation
- Fearful behavior
- Destructive behavior
- Disobedience
- Lack of interest in playing and toys
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Excessive sleeping or lack of sleep
- Excessive self-licking
- Lack of response to love and affection
Conclusion
Raising a healthy and happy pug requires commitment and understanding. The signs of a happy pug include excitement upon seeing you, a relaxed and playful demeanor, and overall good health. By being attentive and responsive, you can ensure that your pug loves you unconditionally.
