At some point or another, everyone has laughed at the “dog bombastic side eye” trend. It all started with the now-famous meme. Who knew that dogs could give such a hilarious, judgmental look, right? But dogs don’t just randomly give side eyes. Like many animals, they use body language to communicate with their owners, and the side-eye is one of those expressions.
So, what does it mean when your dog gives you a side eye? Experts say it could indicate anything from simply judging you to expressing emotional discomfort. Some dogs give side eyes just to acknowledge you while keeping their focus on something else that interests them. If you’re curious about what your dog’s look means, keep reading—this blog breaks it all down for you!
What Is the Dog Side-Eye?
Commonly known as the “dog side eye,” this look is technically referred to as the “whale eye.” While it might not have anything to do with whales themselves, the term comes from the way whales expose the whites of their eyes while navigating dark waters to help them see better. Similarly, when a dog gives a side eye, it shows the sclera (the white part of the eye), which looks similar to a whale’s eye. Sometimes, it even forms a “half-moon eye” shape.
While a human side eye often signals judgment, a dog’s glance can have multiple meanings. It could mean your dog is feeling confused, sad, or even alert to something interesting. To fully understand your dog’s expression, it’s important to look at their overall body language and the situation at hand.
What Does a Dog’s Side Eye Mean?
A dog’s side eye can mean a variety of things, from showing signs that they’re about to snap because their patience is wearing thin to simply expressing curiosity or discomfort. Here are the 7 most common meanings behind your dog’s look:
Possessive About Toys: Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
Your dog might adore you, but sometimes it can get possessive about its toys or food. If you approach your dog while it’s enjoying something, you may notice a “Back off” look. In these situations, you can either allow your dog to enjoy its time alone (if there’s no harm in doing so) or distract it with some treats.
Running Out of Patience: What It Means
If your dog is having a rough day or has simply had enough of dealing with annoying things, the look can be a warning sign. To determine if your dog is reaching its limit, pay attention to its body language. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Dilated pupils
- Constant lip licking
- Complete stillness
- Baring teeth or gums
- Avoiding eye contact
- Soft growling
- Perked-up ears (depending on breed)
- Unusual tail positioning, either tucked or stiffly upright
- Deep breathing
- Drooling
These signs are just clues. As a responsible dog owner, it’s up to you to interpret them and act accordingly to avoid any escalation.
Toddler Trigger: Why Dogs Give Looks to Little Ones
If you’re wondering why dogs give side eyes, especially around children, here’s the answer. Many dog breeds aren’t always fond of the chaos that kids can bring. While your pet might not be outright aggressive, it may not appreciate the constant tugging on its fur or ears. In situations like this, the dog’s side-eye is often a silent plea to be rescued from the discomfort.
During Feeding Sessions
If you’ve ever noticed your dog giving you a side-eye during feeding time, it’s probably a sign they want to enjoy their meal without interruptions. While not all dogs may be bothered, many would rather eat in peace. If your dog gives you that look, it’s best to give them some space and let them savor their food. Soon enough, you’ll see your pup turn into a cuddly, happy dog again!
New Locations: Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
A change in location or situation can be stressful for many pets, including dogs. If your dog gives you a side eye in these moments, it’s likely a sign that they’re uncomfortable with the change. When this happens, it’s important to pay attention to their body language and try to help them feel more secure in their new environment. This will help reduce their discomfort and ensure they feel safe and at ease.
New Pets and Strangers: How Your Dog Reacts to Change
In our dog breed guide, we’ve highlighted that some dogs aren’t too fond of other pets or strangers. If you get that judging look, it’s likely because your dog isn’t thrilled about sharing its space or your attention with new animals or people. To help ease the tension, make sure to give your pet extra attention until they get comfortable with the situation. This will help your dog feel secure and less stressed.
Is Your Dog Giving You the Side Eye Due to Illness or Discomfort?
Ever wondered, “Why does my dog give me that look?” Not all moments are about mood or environment. Sometimes, dogs use this gesture to signal physical or mental health issues. Illness or discomfort can also lead to depression and anxiety. To determine if a vet visit is needed, check the color of your dog’s sclera (the whites of the eyes). If they’re red, yellow, or not as clear as usual, it could indicate a health problem. In such cases, it’s best to take your dog to the vet immediately.
Why Do Dog Side Eyes Make Us Laugh?
Understanding the meaning of a dog’s side eye doesn’t quite explain why they’re so funny. The key lies in our tendency to project human emotions onto animals. For us, a side eye often signals sarcasm. Now, picture your dog giving you a sassy, smug look with all the attitude—this resemblance to human behavior is what makes it hilarious! It’s one of the main reasons behind the meme culture.
On top of that, dog owners add to the fun with creative captions like, “When you catch your human eating without you,” or “When they say ‘vet’.” These playful moments are what make the side eye so entertaining and shareable!
Conclusion
Dogs use side eyes to communicate their feelings and emotions to their owners. A dog’s side eye can indicate stress from their environment, illness, discomfort, or even judgment. This adorable way of dogs showing their “judgment” led to the creation of the dog side eye meme culture, which has pet owners and others swooning over the pictures. And let’s not forget the laughter that follows as these funny memes take over the internet!
FAQ – Why Is My Dog Giving Me Side-Eye?
Why is my dog giving me the side eye?
Dogs give side eyes for various reasons. Some dog breeds, especially those with rounded or bulging eyes, naturally give the appearance of a side-eye. Dogs may also avoid direct eye contact to signal deference or prevent conflict. Additionally, they might learn to mimic human behavior, like shaking hands, and use the dog side-eye as a playful trick. Every dog has its own way of communicating, and the side eye is just one of them.
Why are my dog’s eyes looking to the side?
A dog might glance to the side because direct eye contact can be perceived as threatening. The dog-side eye is often a way for dogs to communicate with their owners or other animals. In some cases, health conditions like strabismus can cause one or both eyes to involuntarily drift to the side.
What does a dog’s side eye mean?
A dog’s side eye can occur when a dog looks at another dog or person with a sideways glance to avoid direct eye contact, which can be seen as threatening. In other instances, the dog’s side eye is a learned behavior, mimicking human actions, such as a handshake. When a dog shows the whites of its eyes, it might be a sign of “whale eye,” indicating stress or anxiety.
