I’m convinced after owning dogs for over 14 years that dogs just love to be loved.
Dogs Who Love To Cuddle
These dogs love to cuddle. They cuddle with each other, with other pets like cats and with their fellow humans.
Dog Cuddles To Ease Anxiety of His New Friend
Watson is a huge love bug. He’s become famous for his hugs! When his mom adopted two siblings for him who were anxious and confused about their new surroundings, Watson knew exactly what to do to help! Even the household cat joins in on some cuddle love!
Dog Shares His Blanket With Stray Dog For Comfort
On an early Tuesday morning, Lana decided to give comfort and friendship to a stray dog in need by sharing her blanket with a dog living on the streets in need of love and shelter.
Image Credit: Suelen Schaumloeffel
Stray Puppies Hug and Cuddle Each other
On the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, these two lost puppies cuddle and comfort each other.
Kitten and Puppy Wrestle and Cuddle
“Gimme your face….oh ok let’s cuddle then”
Image credit: Reddit
Irish Wolfhound Cuddling With Kitten
Who says a cat and a dog can’t be best friends and cuddle on the couch?
Image credit: Reddit
Mischievous Cat Snuggles Dog
“Shhh it’s ok now go to sleep Dog…”
Image credit: Reddit
Cat and Dog Matching Scarfs
The most adorable “besties” a cat and dog with matching scarfs cuddle together.
Image credit: Reddit
Dog and Toddler Cuddle On The Couch
These adorable buddies love to cuddle and watch TV on the couch – just look at those sleepy eyes!
Why do dogs like to cuddle?
Over hundreds of years, dogs and man have become interconnected. Dogs like to cuddle for comfort, warmth, and security. At the early stages of their life, cuddling is a basic instinct.
They love to cuddle, play and just be apart of the family. Some dog breeds love to cuddle more than others. Some dog breeds just don’t like to cuddle. If your dog is in pain or is not happy, they may not be affectionate towards you and will shy away from wanting to cuddle with you on the couch. Be aware that some dogs have anxiety and a strong “bear” hug may not be appropriate for some dog breeds.
Then you have dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds and Jack Russell Terriers who can show dog cuddling dominance. This usually occurs when they are adults but some show signs of dominance when they are a young puppy. You can correct this behavior over time to make sure dominance doesn’t become a problem. But if your dog insists on cuddling with you, just make sure it’s on your own terms.
The Benefits of Cuddling With Your Dog
Science shows that cuddling with your dog is good for you and your dog!
Dog cuddling releases a hormone called oxytocin which is the same hormone released during childbirth and breastfeeding. It has a calming effect and has been studied extensively by Takefumi Kikusui, an animal behaviorist at Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan. The results of the study showed that the interactions with human and dog elicit the same type of oxytocin positive feedback loop as seen in mothers and their babies. This is why we feel so connected to our dogs when we cuddle and stare into their eyes.
Is it ok to cuddle my puppy?
Puppies can benefit from a gentle cuddle session too. When they are first born and while breastfeeding with their mother, the same hormone (oxytocin) is released in the mother and puppy. If you have a puppy who’s mother is no longer near, it’s very important that you play a role in feeding and nurturing your puppy the same as her mother would. When that puppy grows up to be an adult, your bond is going to even stronger!
Do dogs like to be stroked?
This depends on the dog breed. I love to message by dogs and they love it too. Messaging your dog with gentle strokes and targetted finger pressure can be very therapeutic to a dog, especially if they are in pain or are senior dogs. I have two senior dogs with hip and joint problems and messaging seems to help. But be careful as to never force any pressure and observe your dog’s reaction when you are stroking him. You don’t want to injure or make his condition worse.
Should you cuddle and sleep with your dog in your bed?
Sleeping with your dog can be comforting for you and your dog. But just know that dogs can have fleas, ticks and other bacteria or chemicals they’ve stepped in with their paws outside. You may not want them sleeping with you unless you know they are clean! Also, if you re-enforce a behavior that it’s ok to sleep in your bed, you may not get them to stop!
Why do dogs like to cuddle under blankets?
My dogs love to burrow and cuddle under blankets. Dogs with anxiety love a comforting blanket as they feel protected. Other dogs may have instincts to dig and have a history of going into caves (think Rat Terriers who were bred to go underground and chase rats). The bottom line is that dogs want to feel secure, warm and comforted.
It’s Clear Dogs Love To Cuddle
Now that we’ve shared the science behind why dogs love to cuddle and showed you some adorable examples of dogs cuddling, it’s time for you to share your dog cuddle stories! Leave a comment below if you enjoyed this and have a story to share!
