The ‘side eye dog’ meme has gained traction on the internet owing to its outlandish faces that amuse viewers. This meme is further enhanced by its ability to portray human emotions like surprise, doubt, or even humour. Social media users upload photographs, films, and GIFs of different dogs that show real emotions that vary by the situation, and meme marketing is done.
But do our beautiful pets’ side eyes reflect what emojis would depict, or do our side eyes have more meaning than that? Keep reading to understand more about dog side eye behaviour.
What is “side eye”?
The term ‘side eye’ refers to a gaze directed to the side, typically performed in conjunction with a slight rotation of the head. In many social contexts, humans offering someone a side eye do reveal some skepticism – as in the doubts placed on something’s truth – or discontent, signalling displeasure without directly confronting the issue, or even sarcasm, as in humour or irony.
When it comes to dogs, these meanings change. In dogs, the expression ‘dog side eye’ refers to a common expression especially when meeting other dogs or people. For dogs, it might suggest caution as they feel alert or anxious while surveying the environment; discomfort, which is indicated by avoiding direct eye contact because of feeling threatened or submissive to their environment; or curiosity, which expresses interest in something that is new or unusual. Comparing how humans and dogs understand these expressions can help us better understand our dogs instead of solely interpreting their behaviour through a human lens.
The Causes For Side Eye Dog
Every single animal has emotions and dogs are one such example. They analyse body language and depict them through their expressions. They seem to have a strong emotional connection with humans and other creatures.
Caution or Fear
Looking a dog directly in the eye can be interpreted as a threat, which is why some dogs try to resolve conflicts by avoiding eye contact. Since fierce looks are interpreted as a form of aggression, that sideways glance serves as a measure to ensure peace.
Lower-ranking dogs utilize this behavior to show respect for those in higher ranks. They respect authority without provoking a struggle. When dogs encounter new people or animals, they naturally turn their heads. This allows them to understand the issue while keeping themselves safe.
Discomfort
Sometimes, that glance can signal to the owner of the dog that they are anxious or stressed. In a state where sudden movements or loud sounds overwhelm them, they need an escape. The signs of discomfort can be in the form of a lowered head position combined with a tail tucked between the legs.
Most dogs tend to look towards their trusted owners, begging to be reassured when they are nervous. This sideways glance is a sign of anxiety and is more common in puppies. Having trust in humans gives much-needed respite for these animals when feeling anxious.
Instead of directly looking at a subject or object, dogs tend to gaze at a 45-degree angle, which helps them ‘spy’ and feel secure. It also enables them to assess what is around them without being too exposed.
For instance, a dog may bend its neck and turn its gaze to the side at an odd sound and try to figure out what is happening. This lets them evaluate a situation without taking any risks. Not making direct eye contact allows for a calm assessment of the situation, which makes them feel much more comfortable.
Curiosity
The side eye is a powerful tool for dogs. Dogs are always on the lookout for anything interesting and if they find something, they are intrigued by it. It also proves how they take into account changes in their surroundings. This shows how they balance curiosity with safety.
While dogs are attentive to a new object, they tend to get torn in two ways; they want to chase the object, and they want to ensure that they remain safe. When dogs meet new people, they often try to size the person up by looking sideways in order to get a clue of the person’s actions and intentions.
If the new person seems to be friendly, the dog starts showing relaxed body language and feels approachable. The dog uses side eye initially to remain safe, but if the person seems pleasant, it starts feeling relaxed.
A dog’s emotional state can easily direct its behaviour. Dogs that are confident are often more curious, while worried dogs are less so. In such cases, the side eye can suggest readiness to explore but also staying vigilant.
Submissiveness
Dogs tend to glance sideways to avoid looking directly at another dog’s eyes. The behaviour of direct looking can be seen as an attempt at aggression or disrespect. The sideways look, however, serves as a peaceful gesture. More importantly, it denotes that the dog does understand its social standing and wants to de-escalate any ongoing tension.
Social interactions are an aspect of great importance in the dog world. Dogs are natural animals, sideways looks that go with other forms of submission are efforts to promote peace. This glance for a subservient dog that meets a dominant one ensures that there can be no aggressive actions taken from the superior. It averts conflicts and encourages friendly manners.
Being uncomfortable in the dog world can make the upper rank of an aggressive dog cringe, mainly if, as in this case, they possess the upright demeanour of posing. Sideways looks like the one above are more typically accompanied by other submissive poses, like crouching down, tucking in the tail, and flattening the ears. All these signals are telling a dominant dog of their wish to walk away from confrontation.
In contrast to what people expect, dogs may offer a sideways glance as a sign of submission during social interactions. The dog is likely to do this when it encounters a strong individual; for example, when a person leans over and extends their body towards the dog, it may turn its head sideways as a sign of discomfort and non-threatening nature. This shows that the dog is aware of the human form.
The context behind this behaviour is deeply emotional. The anxious dog may oftentimes offer a sideways glance. This is a way of coping in difficult times for the dog. On the other hand, a confident dog may choose to use it selectively in order to remain calm while under stressful situations. This shows how complex emotions can get for a canine to deal with in addition to their adaptable ways of communication.
Health Issues
A sideways glance may suggest an eye problem, specifically, irritation. If the dog becomes too irritated by the sores, then it may cause the dog to tilt its head. If the dog does this too often, then it will be a worry for the owner.
Excessive side eyeing might show that the animal is annoyed or concerned. It may also indicate lazy nystagmus. Conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers can be a more serious reason. Such behaviour can stem from more than satiable curiosity or submission; it can be a panic cry or a hidden way of seeking help.
Once again, owners should note how often this is done and under what conditions. It may be necessary to examine the dog’s health in a veterinary context when needed. If a suspected problem is treated in the most timely manner possible, pets can be much more comfortable. This also increases the level of trust between them.
A very important realisation is what the dog’s side eye actually is; it goes beyond just action. It can facilitate swift responses to issues and ensure that pets have a higher quality of life.
Conclusion
The canine “side eye” is an activity that serves as an emotional and social display. This glance, far from unusual, may show tension, interest, unease, or even submission depending on the given situation. Grasping side eye nuances helps pet owners develop deeper relationships because owners will enhance communication with the pets and understand their needs. Furthermore, recognising chronic side eye as a health issue means that this aspect of behaviour ought to be monitored. Side eye glancing is one of the passive body gestures that suggest the need for assuming an active approach to the dog’s well-being as well as trying to understand the nature of its interactions. Adoption of this approach, in my opinion, creates an environment within which the needs of the animals are perfectly coordinated with the need for protection and admiration for the pets.
Q&A
What is the side eye behavior in dogs, and what does it indicate?
The side eye behavior in dogs refers to a sideways glance, often accompanied by a slight head turn. This behavior can signify various emotions, including caution, fear, curiosity, or submissiveness. It allows dogs to observe their surroundings without direct confrontation.
Does the side eye in dogs mean they are feeling scared or anxious?
Yes, the side eye often indicates that a dog is feeling scared or anxious. When encountering unfamiliar people or animals, dogs may use a side glance to avoid direct eye contact, signaling that they do not pose a threat.
How can I tell if my dog’s side eye is a sign of a health problem?
If your dog frequently exhibits side eye behavior, especially accompanied by other symptoms such as excessive tearing, frequent blinking, or signs of discomfort, it may indicate an eye issue, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. It is advisable to take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination to ensure its health.
How should I respond to my dog’s side eye behavior?
When your dog displays side eye behavior, first observe its overall body language and emotional state. If it appears anxious or fearful, provide it with space and comfort to ensure it feels safe. Additionally, engage in positive interactions and encouragement to help build its confidence and reduce future anxiety.
