New Study Reveals Dogs Use Blinking to Communicate—Even With Humans

Your dog may be trying to tell you something—and not with a bark or a tail wag, but a blink.

New research from evolutionary biologists at the University of Parma in Italy suggests that blinking in dogs isn’t just a physical reflex.

It might actually be a subtle form of communication, especially among other dogs—and possibly even with humans.

A Closer Look at Dog Communication

We’ve long known that dogs are intelligent, emotional creatures. They can follow commands, recognize familiar voices, count treats, and even respond to our emotional states.

But now, a team of scientists observing 47 pet dogs—26 females and 21 males—has uncovered a surprisingly overlooked behavior that could be a part of dogs’ social toolbox: blinking.

During the study, dogs were shown videos of other dogs performing common, relatable gestures—such as licking their noses, staring, and blinking. Remarkably, when the dogs saw another dog blink, they often responded by blinking back.

This wasn’t random. The dogs didn’t blink more while watching general movement or nose-licking. Their blink rate increased specifically in response to seeing another dog blink.

This strongly suggests that blinking—far from being just an automatic response—is used as a kind of visual “signal.”

What Are Dogs Saying With Their Blinks?

Researchers believe that when a dog blinks at another dog, it may be sending a message of peace.

“In dogs, blinking has been considered an appeasement behaviour,” the researchers explained. “It’s used to express non-aggressive intentions toward others of their kind.”

In other words, blinking could be your pup’s way of saying, “I come in peace,” or “I mean no harm.”

This mutual blinking—when dogs mirror each other’s eye behavior—might help strengthen social bonds, reduce tension, and even offer reassurance in stressful situations.

It’s a social cue with a calming effect, like a friendly nod in human interaction.

Synchronization: A Silent Dialogue Between Dogs

The researchers describe this mirrored blinking behavior as “synchronized blinking.” It happens quickly and naturally—often unnoticed unless you’re looking for it. But its function appears to be significant.

Much like yawning can be contagious among humans and dogs alike, blinking might also trigger empathy-based reactions within dog groups.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting: past studies have shown that this synchronization can also happen between humans and their canine companions.

That means your dog might be mirroring your blink—or you might be mirroring theirs—without either of you realizing it. It could be part of the special unspoken bond that pet owners so often feel with their dogs.

Are Dogs Trying to Talk to Us?

While this study focused on dog-to-dog interactions, it raises an intriguing question: could dogs also be blinking at us intentionally? The researchers admit that more evidence is needed to say for sure.

However, many dog owners are already convinced their pets are deeply attuned to their every move.

If you’ve ever locked eyes with your dog and noticed a soft, slow blink in return, you might not be imagining the connection. That blink could be a gentle signal of trust, submission, or affection—especially if paired with relaxed body language.

Given how dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, it’s not far-fetched to believe they’ve developed subtle ways of expressing themselves beyond barking, whining, or tail wagging.

A New Way to “Listen” to Your Dog

This research opens up a fascinating new dimension in how we understand our pets. If dogs really do blink to show friendliness, cooperation, or de-escalation, paying closer attention to their eyes might help us respond better to their emotional needs.

For instance, a blink during a tense interaction with another dog could signal a peaceful gesture, not a flinch. Similarly, your dog blinking while looking at you could be a sign of emotional comfort or a desire to engage in a non-threatening way.

As the study authors emphasize, “Reciprocal blinking in dogs might help facilitate social bonds, cope with frustration, and communicate non-aggressive intentions.” That’s a lot of meaning packed into something as small and subtle as a blink.

What This Means for Pet Owners

While more research is needed to fully decode this “secret language,” there’s no harm in observing your dog more closely during moments of interaction. Next time your dog blinks at you, especially after eye contact, consider blinking softly back.

You may be doing more than just mirroring their action—you might be speaking their language. And if that language is built on trust, empathy, and connection, it’s one more reason dogs continue to be humanity’s most loyal companions.