Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Baby
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Meme of the day: That’s true!
10 Weird Little Hacks Costco Shoppers Should Know
Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!
Do Dogs Feel Loved When You Kiss Them? The Science Behind the Smooch
We’ve all been there: your dog does something impossibly cute, and before you know it, you’re planting a big kiss right on their forehead. It feels like the most natural way to say "I love you" in the world. But as you pull away, you might notice your pup giving you a confused blink, a big yawn, or even just wandering off to find a tennis ball.
It begs the question: Do dogs actually understand that a kiss is a sign of affection, or do they just think we have a strange habit of bumping faces with them?
The Language Barrier: Lips vs. Licks
To understand how a dog perceives a kiss, we have to look at how they communicate with each other. In the canine world, "kissing" isn't really a thing.
Licking: Puppies lick their mothers’ faces as a sign of respect and to ask for food. Adult dogs lick each other to show submission or to bond.
Space: For many dogs, putting your face directly into theirs is actually a bit "rude" in dog language—it can be seen as an intrusive or even threatening gesture.
So, when you first bring a puppy home, they don't instinctively know that a human kiss equals love. To them, you’re just a very large, hairless pack member getting surprisingly close to their nose.
The "Association" Factor
Here is the heartwarming news: Even if they don't understand the gesture itself, dogs are masters at reading us. Over time, your dog learns to associate kisses with "The Good Stuff." When you kiss your dog, you are usually:
Using a high-pitched, happy "baby voice."
Petting them or giving them a belly rub.
Looking at them with "soft eyes" (which releases oxytocin—the "cuddle hormone"—in both of you).
Because kisses are almost always followed by praise and attention, most dogs grow to love them. They realize that when the human brings their face close and makes that "mwah" sound, it means they are the center of your world.
Signs Your Dog Loves the Love
While most dogs tolerate or enjoy the affection, every pup has a different "love language." Here’s how to tell if your dog is feeling the vibe:
The "Yes, Please" Signs | The "I'm Over It" Signs |
Tail wagging or "wiggle butt" | Turning their head away |
Licking you back | Licking their own lips (a sign of stress) |
Leaning their weight into you | Excessive yawning or "whale eye" (showing the whites of their eyes) |
Relaxed ears and soft expression | Stiffening their body |
The Verdict
Do they feel loved? Absolutely. While they might not understand the cultural history of the human kiss, they definitely understand the intent. To your dog, a kiss is a warm, physical signal that they belong, they are safe, and they are cherished.
So, go ahead and plant one on that fuzzy head—just make sure to watch their body language to ensure they’re enjoying the moment as much as you are.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Lucy!
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We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @stellasgoldendays
