Whether you're more of a dog or a cat person, owning a pet is an incredibly rewarding experience and your four-legged friend can bring so much love into your life. But have you ever wondered what they're thinking about you?

It's only natural to question what exactly they're thinking and if they're happy - especially when they spend so long staring into your eyes. Another common question you might find yourself asking is whether or not they love you. Axel Lagercrantz, pet behaviourist and CEO of Pets4Homes, has explained the key signs to look for that show your dog really loves you.

“One of the great things about dogs is that their love is simple and unconditional," he explained.

"They don’t overthink relationships the way humans do, they just show how they feel through their behaviour. While every dog has its own personality, there are a few key ways they commonly express love and attachment."

Axel said that the first key sign to look out for is eye contact, explaining that if your dog looks at you with "a soft, relaxed gaze", this is actually a bonding mechanism.

"When dogs and their owners share eye contact, both experience a release of oxytocin, the same hormone that strengthens social bonds between humans, making it a sign of deep trust and affection," he added.

Axel said another way dogs show love is by choosing to be close to you. "Whether they lean against you, follow you from room to room, or settle next to you when you sit down, this is their way of saying they feel safe and connected," he said.

"Dogs are naturally social animals, and their instinct is to stay close to those they trust.

"Bringing you their favorite toy is another strong signal of affection. While it might seem like they’re just asking for a game, it’s also a gesture of trust, they’re sharing something valuable with you.

"Some dogs even present their toys without expecting you to throw them, which is an even stronger sign of attachment."

Axel explained that dogs are incredibly in tune with human emotions, so if they sense that you are feeling down, they might quietly sit beside you, rest their head on you or even nudge you as a way of offering comfort.

He continued: "Dogs can read human emotions remarkably well and often adjust their behaviour accordingly, which is a big part of why the human-dog bond is so special.

"Ultimately, dogs don’t love in complicated ways - they just show it through their actions, and if you pay attention, you’ll see plenty of small but meaningful signs of just how much they care."