Nothing beats the warm, fuzzy, happy feeling of a dog cuddle. Those dog snuggle moments can melt away stress faster than a bar of chocolate on a sunny day.
Do you know that dogs cuddling isn’t just cute? There are scientific benefits for both you and your pup. Whether your buddy is a certified snuggle dog, an occasional cuddling dog, or just leans against you every so often, each interaction of affection has surprising benefits.
I know I love it when my dog, Henry, wants to cuddle with me. He settles down and naps, and I feel more at ease. I love it! With this in mind, today, let’s dig in and discover the reason why you should encourage your pup to love affectionate behavior with a snuggle, both for your buddy and you.
Budget tip:
Your dog cuddling with you doesn’t cost a cent. But the benefits of feeling more at ease, happier, and even improved heart health is rather amazing. That makes it a major win-win for you and your pup.
Why Dogs Like to Cuddle?
There are generally several reasons your pup likes to cuddle. These include:
- Warmth
- Comfort
- Sense of feeling safe and secure
- Reinforcing their bond to you
Also, when you and your dog shares a snuggle, you both release the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is called the love hormone because it boosts feelings of trust and happiness. This hormone is why you and your pup will feel better after snuggling.
Do All Dogs Like to Cuddle?
No. In fact, my childhood dog, Tag, was not a cuddle dog at all. But he did love physical closeness with his humans. He was a Jack Russel terrier mix. He loved his independence, which can be indicative of certain breed types or personalities.
There could be times when your dog likes to cuddle more or wants physical contact. For example, my dog, Henry, loves to snuggle in the mornings before breakfast while I enjoy my coffee. It’s truly one of the best parts of my day.
But even if your canine companion doesn’t like to cuddle like Henry or even Tag, you can encourage more snuggling behavior. Simply create a cozy space to snuggle and offer treats. However, always respect your dog’s space and never force your buddy to cuddle with you.
Benefits for Humans of Cuddling With Dogs
You may think that cuddling dogs is just fun or that it’s only for a lap dog. While it is, it’s also good for your health. Some benefits you can experience from snuggling with your furry friend include:
- Reduced stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved mood with an increase of hormones serotonin and dopamine (the feel-good hormones)
Even if you don’t have a long time to spend cuddling with your dog, you can still see benefits. Short dog snuggles give you a sense of feeling calmer and more relaxed.
Note: All dogs, including rescue dogs, may love physical affection with a cuddle. Although some dog breeds, like a golden retriever, labrador retriever, king charles spaniel, german shepherd, bulldog, and dachshund, are often known as snuggle pups.
Benefits for Dogs of Snuggling With Their Humans
Dogs who like to snuggle gain benefits as well. The benefits of cuddling for your dog include:
- Emotional comfort, emotional support, and improved emotional bond
- Reduce anxiety
- Sense of feeling safe
- Increase in trust with their humans
- Warmth for cold pups
- Ease of pain with the release of the love and feel-good hormones
Note: Snuggling with your dog isn’t just for you. It’s a critical part of a happy dog and even a healthy dog life.
Why Does My Dog Cuddle With Me?
Have you ever wondered, “Why does my dog cuddle with me?” It’s simple; there’s a feeling of trust and love when your dog snuggles with you.
Also, your dog is drawn to your scent, your heartbeat, and your calming presence. Additionally, your pup responds to your emotions and attempts to offer comfort through closeness and snuggling. This means when you’re sick or feeling sad, your pup may be more cuddly. It’s good for you to accept this snuggle gift.
Note: When you are chosen as a cuddle partner by your dog, it means your buddy sees you as being safe and an important member of their pack. Think of a dog snuggle as a silent, often wagging tail “thank you hug” of unconditional love.
Best Times For Snuggling and Cuddle Do’s & Don’ts
You may find a time that naturally works well for you and your pup. In general, a few of the best times to snuggle with your dog include mornings, after walks, post-playtime, or while watching TV. Always let your dog choose the pace.
Keep in mind that an adult dog, puppy, and senior dog may have different needs for affection.
A few things to keep in mind when cuddling with dogs include:
Do:
- Respect the dog body language. Know the “I’m done” signs. For my dog, Henry, that means he wants down.
- Create a cozy space with blankets or beds. Henry loves to snuggle down into a blanket on my lap.
- Reward your dog with gentle petting or praise during cuddles. Your dog may even want a certain spot massaged or petted, like his ears or belly. Henry loves a massage while cuddling.
Don’t:
- Force cuddles if your dog is restless. Let your dog be comfortable with the idea of snuggling.
- Use cuddle time as a punishment or distraction. This will quickly turn a good thing into something that’s associated with a bad thing.
Are there any cost savings to cuddling with my dog?
There are a few savings you may realize when you cuddle with your pup. These include:
| Improved heart health for you | Fewer possible medical bills |
| Less anxiety for your dog | Less calming aids |
| Reduced stress/happier mood for you | AMAZING!!! |
| Better bond with your pup | PRICELESS!!! |
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- Why Your Brain Needs Dog Self-Talk
- Adopt a Foster Dog and Be Their Hero!
- Is Meditation With Dogs Good For People?
- Quick Simple Dog Massage Therapy at Home
- Effectively Calm a Dog: Surprising Solutions!
- Unleashing the Truth About Dog Adoption: 23 Myths Busted!
- 12 Surprising Small Dog Myths Busted
Amazing Benefits of Dogs Cuddling You
Dogs cuddling isn’t just adorable for dog lovers. It benefits both you and your pup. A simple snuggle can reduce stress, make you happier, and strengthen bonds. I know I treasure Henry’s snuggles. It’s a priceless moment that helps us both. Truly, it’s the best part of every day for me. So, don’t forget your daily dog cuddles.
My little pup is a huge cuddler. Somedays i wonder whos supporting who emotionally! However, my big guy is an occassional cuddler and spends more time cuddling with his fur siblings than with me. He is also a cobbler! So he “chews” as a sign of affection.
Aww, aren’t those cuddles the best? They do have a way of getting the attention they need.
Not all my dogs were cuddlers, but even those that weren’t interested did love human interaction, especially massage or taking up the whole bed! Glad to know there are so many benefits to what can only be described as one of the best feelings in the world.
Exactly, Hindy! It really is one of the best feelings in the world. I bet your pups loved all the massages and bed snuggles.
Nili loves her morning and night cuddles but when she has had enough she moves to another place on the bed or her box which is fine with me as I feel if she is relaxed and happy that is all that counts. She loves belly rubs and will never stop you LOL. Pets and cookies for Henry with a hug from Nili.
That’s like Henry. When he’s had a enough, he’s done. Funny how Nili and Henry are similar on several things. Pets and cookies right back to sweet Nili and hugs to you!
I loved cuddling with my Dog Phoebe, she was a great cuddler. Jessie is kind of “wired” all the time, she rarely sits still long enough to cuddle LOL! But I clearly see the benefits of cuddling to both pets & their humans. I miss it
Oh, I bet Phoebe was a great cuddler. She was such a cutie. Jessie is just on her own agenda. I tell Henry when he’s bouncing off the walls that he has ants in his pants and I need to get him pants to hold his ants. 😀
Oh, Terri, I just love this! Cuddling was my very favorite thing to do with my FiveSibes…and boy do I miss that and them. I especially relished in the group snuggles! For me, there was nothing more wonderful and relaxing than just cuddling with my five furry beautiful Huskies. Our bond was amazing, and oh, boy, they were good medicine for me! This past week especially, I really could use some of their cuddles and snuggles, so much so, I’ve been reminiscing and looking back over photos to remember that calm, loving, homey feeling. I can still feel their silky fur, hear their steady breathing, and feel them all leaning against me, or on me…heaven! Just remembering fills me with a peace that I’m really missing. Brilliant post and so needed! xoxo
Aww, Dorothy! I’m so sorry. Those heartbreaks never really heal. Sometimes I close my eyes and remember the smell, feel, and love I felt as I rode my horses. I love that those memories still are readily accessible in my brain. Memories are a good thing for comfort. Enjoy those heavenly cuddles, my friend. Sending hugs and love your way!