A Hug A Day Could Keep The Vet Away: The Benefits Of Affection On Pets
As many pet owners will agree – nothing quite compares to the feeling of cuddling with your pooch – but did you know that a simple hug can positively impact the owner's physical and mental health, as well as strengthen the bond with the animal?
To explain how, dog insurance provider, Animal Friends Pet Insurance, has revealed the benefits hugging your pet can have on both the human and the furry friend, as well as the most affectionate dog breeds.
The benefits of affection on humans
Beyond the sheer enjoyment petting and hugging your pet brings, research has shown that being affectionate with your dog has a number of benefits1 on humans, particularly in relation to your hormones.
Cortisol – also known as the stress hormone – can be lowered just by petting your pooch, which in turn will reduce stress levels and have a positive impact on the body and mind. Similarly, oxytocin – nicknamed the love hormone – is boosted when holding a dog, which can help to keep blood pressure regulated and instil feelings of joy.
Caring for a pet and showing them love also helps to give pet owners purpose, which can help to ease feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
The benefits of affection on your pet
It’s not just humans that feel the benefits of interacting with dogs. Catrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, explains: “In the same way that oxytocin positively impacts the pet owner, it can help to create a strong bond from the animal’s perspective too.
“If the dog enjoys physical interactions, oxytocin will be released, and will help with building trust and support their need for social interaction. If you ever notice your dog gazing at you, or even shedding tears when you come home from work, this could be the effect of the love hormone.
“Showing them affection can also help them to feel more comfortable around other people and other dogs, as well as decreasing feelings of separation anxiety. Research has also shown that if you need to be away from your dog for a period of time, hugging them before you leave can help to alleviate their negative feelings and make them feel safer and more secure when you’re not around.
“Oxytocin works in the same way for cats too, promoting feelings of safety and helping the owner to bond. However, whether a cat wants to be petted in the first place tends to vary a lot more and it’s best to let them show you if they do or don’t.
“If you are unsure, follow the CAT guidelines that were coined by Dr Lauren Finka and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home… provide the cat with choice and control (C), pay attention (A) to the cat’s behaviour and body language and think (T) about where you are touching (T) them.”
The most affectionate breeds
Like people – dogs have many different personality traits – but some dog breeds are more known for showing and receiving affection than others. Catrin shares: “Whilst every dog is different, research has shown that they do love their owners and they’ll show this in their own ways. Signs to look out for include wagging their tails, leaning into you, nudging you with their noses, or even sitting near or sometimes, on you.
“There are a number of different breeds that have earned the name ‘Velcro Dogs’ because they want to be as close to their humans as possible. These include the energetic Brussels Griffon as well as the ever-loyal Labrador and Golden Retriever.
“The Boxer is known for being a protective breed that gets on well with strangers too, making them a great addition to any family looking for an affectionate pooch. Dogs that were bred to hunt in packs such as the Beagle and the Dachshund, are naturally inclined to enjoy the company of others, whether that’s dogs or humans, and as a result are known for being loving.
“The Bichon Frise and King Charles Spaniel also fall into the affectionate breed category, as both are known for being lap dogs, and would make a great addition to the family if you are looking for an attentive dog.
“When it comes to cats, some breeds are known for being more easy going than others. Those that are mellow, such as the Ragdoll, Scottish Fold, and Sphynx, are more likely to enjoy being touched or held. That being said, it won’t be a given, and you’ll need to let your cat lead the way.”
Alternate ways to show love to your pets
Whilst hugging is one way to show your pet affection, it’s not the only way to build a connection with them and some breeds will prefer alternate forms of touch and petting.
Catrin continues: “When it comes to dogs, look out for the signs that they aren’t comfortable when cuddling, these include them leaning away or licking their lips when you touch them. They might also avoid looking at you or move further away from your touch. If they show these signs, it’s best to stop and find other ways to show your love and be affectionate.
“Taking the time to get to know what they like is important and again, this can vary a lot by breed. For example, arctic breeds, such as a Siberian Husky enjoy playtime with their owners, and being active with them is a great way to build a connection. Similarly, sporting breeds, for example Spaniels, running, swimming, and playing fetch will likely make them happy.
“Lastly, breeds such as the Chow Chow or Shiba Inu can be a little more aloof and will likely want to come to you, as opposed to you going to them. They prefer things to be on their own terms.
“For cats, it tends to be much more obvious if they’re not enjoying something. They can be subtle creatures, apart from when something is bothering them. Observe their body language when you touch them, and if they are enjoying it, they will likely lean into you and purr, to show that they like it. Other ways to show them affection include scratches behind their ears or under their chin, grooming them with a brush, and of course, giving them treats.”
