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National Hug Your Dog Day

Give your pup a big, loving squeeze on National Hug Your Dog Day - they deserve it! Show them some extra love with treats and toys too.
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Category
Animal
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When it is?
April 10
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

Get ready to show your pup some extra love on National Hug Your Dog Day on April 10! This special day has been celebrated since the mid-2000s, when it was first created by animal lovers around the world. It's a great way to express how much you care for your four-legged friend and appreciate all that they do for us. So grab your pooch and give them a big hug today - they deserve it!

History of National Hug Your Dog Day

National Hug Your Dog Day Dates

National Hug Your Dog Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dogs as Pets</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1800s, more people started to keep dogs purely as pets, increasing the emotional bond between humans and dogs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Service Dogs</div><div class='timeline-text'>The role of service dogs in supporting people with disabilities began to be recognized and appreciated more widely.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Animal-Assisted Therapy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The therapeutic benefits of close interaction with dogs and other animals, such as hugging, was acknowledged and promoted by health professionals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Pet Culture</div><div class='timeline-text'>There was a significant growth in pet culture characterized by a greater expression of affection towards dogs such as public hugging.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Mid-2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of National Hug Your Dog Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Hug Your Dog Day was created to further encourage people to show affection towards their dogs.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Hug Your Dog Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take your pup for a walk</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Taking your pup for a walk is one of the best ways to show them you care. Enjoy some fresh air and make sure to include lots of snuggles!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Give your pup a special treat</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Letting your pup indulge in something special like a new toy or favorite treat is a great way to show them love.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a homemade dog treat</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Making homemade treats for your pup is an easy way to show them you care. There are many recipes online, just make sure to avoid anything that might be dangerous for them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on an adventure together</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Planning an outing with your pup is a great way to celebrate National Hug Your Dog Day. Whether it be a trip to the beach, park, or just around town, you both can enjoy the time spent together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spend quality time cuddling</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Simply relaxing on the couch with your pup and giving them lots of hugs and cuddles is one of the sweetest ways to show them how much you care.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Hug Your Dog Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Hugs show your love</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hugs are a way of expressing your affection for your furry friend. They show your dog that you care, and help strengthen the bond between pet and owner. Plus, it's just as satisfying for us humans to receive a cuddle from our canine companions as it is for them!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's good for their mental health</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Research has shown that physical contact with your pet is incredibly beneficial for both you and your pup. Hugs help release oxytocin hormones, which can be calming and reduce stress. So not only will you make your canine companion feel loved and appreciated, but you'll also be providing them with mental health benefits fit for a king (or queen!)</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps build trust</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The more hugs you give to your pup, the stronger the bond between you two becomes. Through regular physical connection, your dog will learn to trust you more and become more comfortable around other people or in strange environments. So this National Hug Your Dog Day, grab your pooch and show them how much they mean to you!</p></div></div>

5 Heartwarming Facts for Hug Your Dog Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div id='' class='facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dogs Can Deny you a Hug</h3><p id='' class='facts-content'>Dogs may show reluctance or even refuse to accept hugs from you if they feel uncomfortable or threatened.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div id='' class='facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hugs Can Have a Positive Effect on Dogs</h3><p id='' class='facts-content'>Dog owners can use hugs to reassure and provide comfort to their dogs when they are stressed or afraid.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div id='' class='facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hugging Can Help Improve Bonding</h3><p id='' class='facts-content'>Regularly hugging and cuddling with a pet can help build a stronger bond between you and your dog. The act of physical contact helps to promote feelings of love and comfort.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div id='' class='facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hugs Stimulate Oxytocin Release in Dogs</h3><p id='' class='facts-content'>Oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone," is released in both humans and dogs when they hug or cuddle. This hormone has a calming effect, promoting feelings of trust and security between the huggers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div id='' class='facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Some Breeds are More Affectionate Than Others</h3><p id='' class='facts-content'>Smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas and pugs tend to be more affectionate than larger breeds, making them great candidates for frequent snuggles and hugs. Additionally, certain errand breeds such as retrievers also enjoy a good hug now and then.</p></div></div>

National Hug Your Dog Day FAQs

When is National Hug Your Dog Day?

National Hug Your Dog Day is celebrated on April 10th every year. In 2024 National Hug Your Dog Day will occur on a Wednesday.

National Hug Your Dog Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Apr 10

Monday

2024

Apr 10

Wednesday

2025

Apr 10

Thursday

2026

Apr 10

Friday

2027

Apr 10

Saturday

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