Getting Along with the Neighbors' Pets

Hello, I'm writing in some distress because a neighbor who had been very friendly with me has suddenly become cold and avoids talking to me. I don't want to get into the details in case there's identifying information but I just wanted to get other people's perspectives here. We're fairly new neighbors, both of us moving in next door to each other a year ago. Up until recently, whenever we'd see each other we'd have lots to chat about and there was just an overall nice vibe. I think things turned when I made what I thought were well-meaning comments about their dog but which I think they took as criticism. I truly meant no harm but I can see how a sensitive person could take it the wrong way. Since then it has been cold shoulder or avoidance. On the one hand I feel terrible because I truly like them, didn't mean to offend, and want to have a sense of community, especially right next door. On the other hand, I don't want to spend time and energy feeling bad about this because sometimes things just happen the wrong way. I tend to be a direct / straightforward person so have thought about approaching them and bringing this up but based on their actions so far, I'm almost certain I will be gaslighted, that they will deny that anything is wrong.

I hate tension and unspoken conflicts but I'm leaning toward just going about my business, continuing to say hi genuinely and trying to engage when it feels natural, as long as I can keep their coldness from distressing me. Right now it feels like a terrible way to live many, many years next to each other, but I guess I've heard stories of many neighbors like this and they just cope with it.  Your perspectives or how your handled situations like this are greatly appreciated. Thank you!