Do Dogs Really Love Us Back? Science Says…

Ever wonder just how much your dog really loves you? A recent study might just warm your heart—and possibly raise your dog’s too!

In 2023, a UK-based team from Canine Cottages decided to explore this age-old question with a playful experiment. They fitted four dogs with heart rate monitors to track how their hearts responded to different interactions with their humans.

So, What Did They Find?

Across seven days, the dogs’ average resting heart rate was 67 beats per minute (bpm). But when their humans told them “I love you”, their heart rates jumped 46%, landing at 98 bpm. That’s a big spike from just three little words!

It’s a sweet sign of emotional connection—and yes, your dog probably does get the feels when you talk to them.

Is This Real Science?

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a peer-reviewed, large-scale scientific study. It was a small, informal experiment intended for public interest and entertainment. Only four dogs were monitored, and there was no control group or detailed methodology.

That said, it builds on a body of existing research suggesting that dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and do experience affection, excitement, and social bonding.

So while this specific experiment is more heartwarming than rigorous, it still offers a lovely insight into how dogs react to their people.

What Else Gets Their Hearts Racing?

The same study found that cuddles and playtime also increased the dogs’ heart rates, suggesting joy and engagement. Simply being near their humans had a measurable impact—and for most dog lovers, that’s no surprise.

Bottom Line?

Telling your dog “I love you” probably does make them happy. It may not be lab-grade science, but it reinforces something dog owners already know: our dogs are bonded to us in deep, emotional ways.

So go ahead. Say it again. And maybe toss in a belly rub for good measure.

Source

Canine Cottages (2023). Dog heart rate study. United Kingdom.
https://www.caninecottages.co.uk/dog-heart-rate-study