Dogs' Blinks: A Secret Social Signal?

Research suggests that blinking in dogs may have evolved a social dimension in interactions with humans. A recent study analyzed recordings of 35 dogs, showing them videos of people blinking or maintaining a steady gaze.

Findings revealed that dogs increased their blinking rate when observing blinking individuals, with this effect being more pronounced when the blinking person was their owner. This indicates that the social importance of the interaction partner influences a dog's response.

While the study did not find evidence of synchronized blinking between dogs and humans, it points to blinking as a potential subtle feedback mechanism. This behavior could aid in coordinating social interactions, particularly with significant partners, though it's not interpreted as deliberate communication from the dog.