Having an animal companion at home can ease many of your worries and help you beat everyday stress. Studies have proven how pet ownership can reduce loneliness and isolation and promote mental health. While having them around can improve many aspects of your health, cuddling them every day will increase those benefits. Try cuddling your dog and the action immediately causes an increase in oxytocin, the love hormone in both you and your pet, which also inhibits cortisol production.
Cuddling your dog can also be good for your heart. It lowers your heart rate, lowers blood pressure and fills you with an overall sense of well-being. Hugging can also help pets in many ways. It is the best way to bond with them and make them feel loved. It can also work for their socialization skills as they will feel more comfortable around people. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, try cuddling them before you go into your workplace, and they’ll be more likely to feel at ease. (Also Read: World Health Day 2023: 7 ways to keep your pet’s heart healthy)
“Cuddling your dog is not only a great way to show your love and affection, but it also has many benefits and importance,” Dr. Lalit Kenza, vet at Wiggles MyVet explains.
1. Boosts your mood and reduces stress
When you hug your dog, it releases a hormone called oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘love hormone’. This hormone helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Cuddling your dog can help you feel more relaxed, calm and connected to your pet, which can have a positive effect on your overall mood.
2. Improves your dog’s socialization skills
Hugging plays an important role in improving your dog’s socialization skills by helping them feel more comfortable around people. When you hug your dog, you show them that you love and care for them, which helps build trust and strengthen your bond. This can make your dog more confident and social around other people, which can help them interact better with other dogs and people.
3. Promotes good health
Hugging your dog can also have physical health benefits. Studies have shown that petting and cuddling your dog can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and improve immune function. Additionally, cuddling your dog can help reduce anxiety and depression, which can improve your overall health and well-being.
4. Strengthens your bond
Hugging your dog is a great way to strengthen your bond and deepen your relationship with your furry friend. Dogs are pack animals and thrive on social interaction, so cuddling your dog can help them feel more loved and secure. This can help improve their behavior and make them more obedient and well-behaved.
5. Helps with separation anxiety
Cuddling your dog can also help reduce separation anxiety. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often feel stressed and anxious when left alone, which can lead to destructive behavior and other negative behaviors. By cuddling your dog, you can help reduce their anxiety and make them feel more secure, which can help reduce the likelihood of negative behaviors.
“In conclusion, cuddling your dog is not only a great way to show your love and affection, but it also has many benefits for both you and your furry friend. From boosting your mood and reducing stress to improving and promoting your dog’s socialization skills . health, cuddling your dog is an essential part of pet ownership. So, the next time you see your furry friend, don’t hesitate to give them a warm hug,” says Dr. Kenzale.
More stories to follow Facebook and Twitter