Does your pooch need a little extra loving today? Or do you just need a little extra loving today? Studies show that hugging is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.
A famous quote by psychotherapist Virginia Satir states, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
Twelve hugs a day seems like a bit much, but if your dog doesn’t mind all the puppy loving then we encourage it! A hug can’t hurt; it can only help, so why not? Whether you’re upset, sick, or are just in need of some TLC, it is always a good idea to hug it out. We’re here to give you the lowdown on the benefits of hugging your hound….
1. Hugging your hound releases the natural “feel good” hormone we all carry called Oxytocin. This loving hormone promotes stress reduction, contentment, and lowers heart rates and cortisol levels.
2. Show me the love! The gesture of hugging is a nonverbal way of expressing the love you feel for your pet (although your dog might still prefer the almighty treat now and then). Love is the best medicine.
3. A furry embrace and affection prevents disease by minimizing a pet parent’s stress and helps to decrease pain. Hugs relax the muscles, relieving tension and aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.
4. When you share a hug with your furry four-legged family member (works on the two-legged members as well), your pet will feel secure, empowered, and a higher level of self-esteem. Your alpha dog will definitely feel like the top canine at the dog run after a huge hug!
5. The medicinal value in hugging your dog is worth howling about! Who knew?! It stimulates the thymus gland which balances the body’s production of white blood cells keeping us healthy, stimulates the brain’s release of dopamine which reduces depression and activates pleasure, and releases endorphins and serotonin which also promotes pleasure and reduces pain! Feeling good yet?
Watch this adorable baby express her puppy love for her Siberian Husky!
Now that we gave you a lesson on hugs, go and run up to your pooch with open arms and go to town. Your furry friend will always be there when a good pick me up is needed, but take advantage because its the gift that keeps on giving. Hugging is always appropriate, not just on holidays dedicated to the act of embracing. So, the next time you have a ruff day at work hug away the stress, while having your friends with four (or two) legs on the receiving end. If you do not have a furry friend, adopt one for the holiday.
You can adopt a hound worth hugging HERE!
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