True or False?

Dogs can see UV light.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

We all like to think our dogs love us—but science is now inching closer to saying it out loud. For decades, researchers avoided the word “love” in animal studies. But when it comes to dogs, it's getting harder to ignore what looks like real affection.

Dogs show “attachment” to their humans in similar ways children bond with parents—getting anxious when we leave, and calming down when we return. Some studies have even shown that when a dog and their person reunite after a short time apart, their heart rates drop together. Two hearts beating as one? That’s not just poetic—it’s measurable.

Another big clue: oxytocin. It’s the same hormone that helps parents bond with babies. When you and your dog gaze at each other, both your oxytocin levels go up. The stronger your bond, the stronger the effect.

So while your pup can’t say “I love you,” they might be showing it in all the ways that matter—sniffs, wags, whines, and science-backed heart flutters.

You’ve probably seen those TikToks: a dog presses a button that says “outside” or “play,” and their human obliges. At first glance, it looks like a cute trick. But new research from UC San Diego suggests something deeper may be happening—dogs may be deliberately using soundboards to communicate.

The study looked at over 150 dogs using word-button boards across 21 months. What they found was surprising: dogs often strung together meaningful two-word combos like “treat food” or “want toy.” And unlike their humans, who leaned on “love” and “later,” dogs mostly stuck to practical needs. Importantly, the sequences weren’t random, and they differed from what humans modeled.

So, does this mean dogs understand English? Not exactly. Scientists say pups likely associate buttons with outcomes, not abstract ideas. Still, the fact that they’re pressing buttons intentionally and often creatively is a step forward in understanding dog cognition.

One fun twist? Dogs with higher anxiety might use the buttons more, possibly as a way to feel more in control. More data is coming in now from 10,000 participants, so we may soon know if our dogs are saying more than “walk, please.”

Ever wonder why your pug wheezes or your husky howls? A lot of it traces back to how humans have shaped dog breeds—not just for function, but for looks. Originally, dogs were bred for jobs: hauling sleds, herding sheep, turning meat on spits. But in the 19th century, priorities shifted. Breeders began crafting the "perfect" dog based on physical standards, not performance.

That shift meant using a narrow gene pool to produce dogs that looked just right. Want a tightly curled tail? Or ears that nearly sweep the floor? You can thank a few powerful genes—and a whole lot of inbreeding. But there’s a cost: Many purebreds now carry inherited health problems, like breathing trouble in bulldogs or eye diseases in Labs.

Some traits are even exaggerated versions of what breeders originally wanted. In bulldogs, for instance, the demand for shorter snouts has led to serious respiratory issues.

As for behavior? It’s less predictable. A Labrador might love to fetch—or not. Genes play a part, but so do training, early experiences, and a little luck. Whether mutt or purebred, every dog is, well, just a dog.

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1. A safer alternative to pain relief

2. How to choose the right crate for puppy training

3. Do dogs really know when they did something wrong?

4. The best way to clean your dog's paws

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False? True, dogs can see UV light! They can detect some ultraviolet light.

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