Tips for Celebrating National Hug Your Dog Day - April 10th

Man's best friend works hard all year long—believe it or not, just having a canine companion around can benefit you in a lot of ways. Aside from lifelong friendship and a permanent snuggle buddy, studies have shown that having a dog can help with depression, anxiety, PTSD and a variety of other issues. Dogs can encourage healthy lifestyle changes by helping you get outside, make new friends and build a structure within your day. Petting them has proven to be effective at calming your nerves and can even lower blood pressure. Basically, dogs are one of the best things that could ever happen to you.

Naturally, your furry friend deserves to be celebrated, and what better way than by giving them a good squeeze? National Hug Your Dog Day is coming on April 10th, and it's the perfect opportunity to show your beloved pet just how much you appreciate them. The most obvious way to celebrate would be to throw your arms around your pup, but why not take it a step further? Here are a few ways to make your dog feel extra special this holiday.

Be Mindful

One of the most important things to keep in mind is how your pet feels about affection. Every dog is different and has his or her own preference for personal space, so it's important to respect their needs. Often, dogs put their limbs on top of another dog as a sign of dominance. When their owners do this, it can be a little confusing and might even make them feel intimidated. If your dog gets a little stiff when you try to hug them, it's probably safe to say they don't care for it. Squirming or trying to get away is another good indicator, so be sure to let go when your pet is ready to get up. If he or she doesn't care for hugs, try belly rubs or back scratches instead.

Of course, this doesn't mean that all dogs dislike hugs. Sometimes, your pooch may even purposefully put themselves under your arm because it brings them a sense of comfort and security. If your dog enjoys being hugged, consider bringing them on the couch for a cuddle and a movie—one about a dog, of course!

Invite Some Friends

Dogs are very social creatures, so why not get some friends involved? National Hug Your Dog Day is a great chance to go on a group walk with other pet owners, make a friend at the dog park or invite the neighbors to join a game of fetch. Being around other animals gives your pup a chance to socialize, play and get some exercise. It's great for your social life, too—whether you're chatting with fellow pet owners or enjoying the company of even more happy canines, it’s good for all parties involved.

Speaking of parties, why not host a real celebration for your human and furry loved ones? Bring over some friends, have a potluck of everyone’s favorite dishes and be sure to provide lots of treats for all your canine companions! You can throw picnic blanket in the backyard and discuss your favorite subject—your pets—while enjoying a nice cuddle with your own dog. Remember to be mindful if any other animals don’t want to be cuddled, but be generous with head scratches and tummy rubs. Before you host a gathering of any kind, you should also make sure all the pets who will be attending get along first.

Volunteer

For every dog who is part of a loving family with a happy forever home, there are even more who have taken refuge at your local animal shelter. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate National Hug Your Dog Day, volunteering your time to help care for some of these animals will do a lot of good for all involved. Get in touch with your neighborhood SPCA or animal rescue and see if you can come in and help with bath time, meals and of course, some much needed cuddles. Rescue animals are often sensitive and looking for extra comfort, and it costs nothing to give them a little love. As an added bonus, you’ll be helping the regular volunteers more than you realize.

Volunteering is great for anyone who wants to celebrate but doesn’t have a dog of their own. You may even find a brand new forever friend to adopt while you’re there! If you do already have a dog, consider bringing them in with you to socialize and play with the other animals. This is especially important if you do want to adopt, as you need to make sure they get along with your pets before you commit to bringing them home.

Your dog does a lot for you, even when you don’t realize it. All they ask for is a safe place to call home and someone to provide their basic needs, and they offer lifelong friendship and happiness in return. Most pet owners want to spoil their pets with affection all year, but National Hug Your Dog day is a wonderful opportunity to really show them how much they mean to you. This April, give your dog a well-deserved squeeze or nice belly rub and don’t be afraid to get some friends involved. Whether you’re enjoying a cuddle at home, hosting festivities or spending time with the dogs at your local shelter, mark your calendar and remember to celebrate this extra special holiday.