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I know! I know! Many of you hug your dog daily! But, for those of you that don’t, you can start today. Today is National Hug Your Dog Day. Furthermore, this national day is celebrated every year on April 10th.
Ami Moore, an author and canine behaviorist, known as the Chicago “dog whisperer” devised this fun day. She sought to increase the health and happiness of canines. Therefore, National Hug Your Dog Day was born.
Moore’s purpose of this special day is for dog owners to appreciate their dogs. For instance, appreciate the joy your dog brings you. Then, show your love for their loyalty. So, to hug your dog sounds like a good place to start.
In addition, Moore reminds people that it is important to have a long and lasting bond with your dog.
Why Hug Your Dog
When you hug your dog, great things happen!
First, studies show that when you hug your dog, it’s calming and stress relieving for both of you! So, if you are feeling anxious about the happenings around you, try giving your dog a hug.
Secondly, research evidence shows that when you hug your dog, oxytocin releases in both of you. Oxytocin is a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter for love, attachment, and trust.
Furthermore, it is known as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” because it releases when bonding socially. Therefore, when you hug your dog, there is an oxytocin surge. This plays a role in the emotional bonding between you and your dog.
Thirdly, when you hug your dog, you both get a greater sense of unconditional love and connection.
Lastly, when you hug your dog, you are showing your affection and appreciation for their loyalty and friendship.
Should You Hug Your Dog?
Although it’s National Hug Your Dog Day, your dog may not want a hug. Seriously! I mean, we all know a human or two, who do not like to hug. So, just like humans, some dogs enjoy a hug and some do not!
Therefore, you need to know what your dog likes. For example, I have a hugger and a non-hugger. Edward will lean into me and literally hug me back. Bella, on the other hand, gets stiff and turns her head away from me.
However, you can figure out if your dog enjoys hugging or not. It’s all about the nonverbal cues. So, learn to read your dog’s signs, because he or she can’t verbalize what they are feeling.
Most importantly, respect your dog’s body language that says they don’t enjoy hugs. Your dog will use the following nonverbal cues to let you know if a hug is causing anxiety:
- Turns head away to avoid eye contact
- Shows the whites of eyes
- Cries, whines, barks
- Yawns
- Ears are down and back
- Stiffens body
- Tries to wiggle away
- Scrambles away as soon as hug is over
- Growls, scratches, or bites
- Licks lips
If you have a dog who enjoys hugs, consider yourself blessed! Some signs that let you know you have such a dog are:
- Body relaxes
- Ears up and mouth open
- Breathing slows
- Hugs back or leans into the hug
- Tail wags
After a hug, your dog may shake off as if wet. According to Modern Dog Magazine, shaking after something intense, whether good or bad, is like “walking it off.” Similarly, a coach tells a momentarily hurt player to “shake it off” or “walk it off.”
Although not all dogs love to hug, most love to feel close to you. So, don’t take it personally if you have a non-hugger. Consequently, it just means that they prefer affection from you in other ways. For example, Bella will roll over for a belly rub or sit for a muzzle scratch.
Now This Is Something To Bark About!!
Observe National Hug Your Dog Day Without Hugging
So, your dog is not a fan of hugs, but you want to observe National Hug Your Dog Day. There are other ways to show your appreciation of your dog without making them feel uncomfortable.
Choose one or all from the following list to observe this fun day with huggers and non-huggers, alike!
Caressing, Such as Belly Rubs, Scratches, and Petting
Your dog will more than likely completely relax with you giving her or him a belly rub. Furthermore, it’s a sign that your dog trusts you. For instance, a dog is most vulnerable when they’re flat on their back with their belly exposed. So, if your dog rolls over for a belly rub, then by all means, oblige!
Why do dogs love caressing? The stroking of hair could be linked to social grooming according to a study published in Nature Neuroscience. Stroking of hair follicles stimulates a particular set of neurons in the brain. Therefore, caressing feels really good to your dog.
Cuddling
Your dog may not like feeling restrained by a hug, but cuddling is totally different. For instance, dogs may get physically close by snuggling into you or putting their head in your lap.
This ensures they don’t feel trapped and know they can leave when they’re ready. As a result, you both can relax together and enjoy the connection.
Remember the hormone, oxytocin mentioned above? Well cuddling releases this hormone for both you and your dog, as well.
Good ‘Ol Playing and Exercise
Does your dog have a lot of energy? To observe this fun day with them, try extending their playtime. Certainly, a good game of fetch or tug of war will be fun for both of you. Even if your dog doesn’t have a lot of energy, they probably have a favorite activity they enjoy.
In addition, most dogs love going for a walk. So, take your dog on an extra-long walk. Likewise, treat your dog to an extra-long visit at the dog park.
Bake Some Treats
Have you ever baked for your dog? Well, you can’t hug them, so give him or her homemade treats instead. It doesn’t matter if it’s for this fun National holiday or any day, your dog wants treats.
The Dog Chef section of our blog can get you started on baking delightful treats for your dog. However, if you aren’t a baker or you don’t have time, store bought treats work, too! Your dog will love either one!
Take Your Dog on a Date
Treating your dog to a date is a fun way to observe any National dog day. For example, take your dog on a date to a dog-friendly eatery. There are lots of eateries that will cater to your dog.
For instance, you can go to Starbucks to enjoy a latte while your dog enjoys a puppuccino. However, if coffee isn’t your thing, then head over to Ben & Jerry’s for ice cream. Your dog will love their Doggie Desserts.
I’ve created a freebie guide for you that features 32 dog-friendly eateries and what their specialty is. Grab your copy of A Foodie Guide Gone to the Dogs here.
Furthermore, for more dog date ideas, see our post, Dog Date Ideas for a Perfect Doggy Date Night.
In Conclusion
Life is short, so hug your dog often! Furthermore, in your dog’s mind, it probably feels like years since you gave her or him a hug! HaHa! Plus, make sure your dog feels the love in your hug!
If you have a dog that loves hugs, then hug them today, tomorrow, and the next day. Heck, just go ahead and them every day of every year. They certainly deserve it!
So, how do you plan on observing National Hug Your Dog Day? Let us know in the comments below.
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