2025 Vet Insight: Why Dogs Look at You When They Poop—Trust, Protection & Potty Cues 🐶💩

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hello! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. It might seem odd when your pup pauses mid‑poop to lock eyes with you, but this behavior often reflects deep trust and communication. In this comprehensive 2025 vet insight, we'll unravel why dogs look to you during elimination moments, what it signals about your bond, and how to respond thoughtfully to support their emotional well‑being.

1. A Vulnerable Position, Seeking Protection 🛡️

While pooping, dogs are physically vulnerable and instinctively alert. By making eye contact, they're looking to you for reassurance and protection—an evolutionary remnant from their pack behavior.

2. Eye Contact Builds Trust & Bonding 🤝

Maintaining gaze during powerless moments deepens the bond. Eye contact boosts oxytocin levels in both dog and owner, strengthening social connection. It’s your pup’s way of saying, “I trust you.”

3. Seeking Approval or Praise 👍

Many dogs associate potty time with rewards or praise. Looking at you mid‑poop may mean they're wondering if they did the right thing or hoping for encouragement.

4. It’s Not Embarrassment … It’s Instinct 🐾

Unlike humans, dogs don’t feel shame while pooping. Their gaze isn’t about embarrassment—it’s about scanning for approval or safety cues from a trusted leader.

5. Comfort, Consistency & Potty Training

If your dog grew accustomed to praise during potty training, they may still look to you out of habit or expectation, even long after training ends.

6. Reading Context: Confident vs Anxious Stares

• Calm, relaxed body and glance? They're likely seeking reassurance or checking for praise.
• Tense posture, stiff tail, or ears? The look may indicate nervousness—observe cautiously.

7. How to Respond Supportively

1. ✅ Stay present: A soft smile, relaxed attention reassures them.
2. 🗣 Offer calm praise after finishing—“good potty!” helps reinforce positive behavior.
3. 🚶♂️ Avoid looming or sudden movement; it may startle them in their vulnerable state.
4. 👁️ If it's too awkward, glance away, then praise post-poop—it still offers reassurance.

8. Monitoring Health During Potty Time

Use potty breaks to check stool consistency and frequency. Formed, mid‑brown stools are normal. Hard, strained or diarrhea-like stools signal potential problems—monitor and consult via Ask A Vet if concerns arise.

9. FAQs on Potty-Time Eye Contact ❓

Q: Should I look away completely? 

A: It’s fine to look away if it’s awkward—just offer praise once they finish to maintain reassurance.

Q: My senior dog stares more—problem?

Not necessarily. An increase in glances paired with discomfort may warrant a health review.

Q: My dog poops facing away or hides—normal? 

Yes, some feel safer out of direct eye contact. Just ensure they feel comfortable and unthreatened.

Q: What if they poop more often? 

Changes in frequency, consistency, or behavior during elimination should be monitored and possibly discussed with a vet.

🔧 Ask A Vet Tools & Support 🛠️

• 📹 Submit potty-time videos for expert behavior & health analysis
• 🧠 Track elimination patterns, stool quality, and contextual cues
• 📋 Access potty training refreshers and calm reinforcement plans
• 🏥 Remote vet evaluation for stool changes or elimination issues

🩺 Final Vet Reflection

Your dog’s gaze during potty time is a gesture steeped in trust and instinct, not embarrassment. By responding with calm presence, reassurance, and praise, you deepen your bond and support their emotional comfort. Stay alert during these moments to monitor their health, and if anything seems off, Ask A Vet is here to help guide you and your pup toward happy, healthy habits. 🐾❤️