We’ve all faced that hypnotic stare from our pets before. The one that says “I’ve never been fed in my life, or “If you feed me a morsel, I’ll leave you alone”. The thing is… it’s not just you.

It’s hundreds of years of behavioural evolution among cats and dogs, who’ve learned a thing or two about how to manipulate us.

With respect to our canine friends in particular, dogs have successfully evolved the levator anguli oculus medialis muscle - A.K.A the LAOM muscle, A.K.A the begging muscle. It’s the key to those famous puppy dog eyes we all know and love. However sadly, the LAOM muscle and all its might is also likely a contributor to over NZ$3 million in claims, annually.

As Southern Cross Pet Insurance is on a constant mission to help Kiwi pets live their best pet life, we worked with the New Zealand Veterinary Association to create an awareness piece to get pet owners thinking about the influence their pets are having on their mind.