​​Dogs ‘may be more in tune with each other than we realise’, say scientists, who think dogs may use blinking to bond – just like people and primates

Two dogs looking at each other to communicate.

Have you ever been speaking to somebody and noticed that they blink right after you blink, or vice versa? This brief exchange of blinking is thought to help humans and other primates bond. We know, too, that cats use a slow blink to communicate feelings of trust and safety.

And now it appears as though dogs might use blinking to help strengthen bonds as well, between getting the zoomies and hunting for the best dog treats, according to a new study published in Royal Society Open Science.