A great way for people to bond with their dogs is to give them the occasional hug. Scientists have proven that when a pet owner hugs their dog, it releases oxytocin not only in their brains but also in the dog’s brain. Oxytocin is a hormone that’s associated with love and trust, and it also tends to have a stress-relieving effect.

It’s such an important act between pet owners and pets that a whole holiday has been created around it. This holiday is known as National Hug Your Dog Day, and it’s observed on the 10th of April each year.

The History Of National Hug Your Dog Day

Although we’re not sure when this holiday was created, we do know that it was created by Ami Moore. She created this holiday to remind people of the importance of creating a lasting bond between them and their pets. For those people who aren’t familiar with Ami Moore, she is regarded as one of the world’s most accomplished dog experts and is often called the “Dog Whisperer of the city of Chicago.”

Some Amazing Facts About Hugs

Okay, since we’ve covered several holidays dedicated to dogs, we have also listed quite a few facts about dogs in those articles. That’s why we decided to switch gears and, instead of listing facts about dogs, take the time to list some facts about hugs. After all, how much do you really know about hugs? If you’re like most people, not very much. And that’s why everyone needs to check out the following amazing facts about hugging.

• According to psychotherapist Virginia Satir: we need 4 hugs daily for survival, 8 a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth.
• A 20-second hug, when paired with 10 minutes of hand-holding, can significantly reduce stress levels.
• A hug a day can reduce stress, fight fatigue, lower a person’s chance of heart disease, fight infections, and even boost a person’s immune system.
• Hugs can also aid in a person’s fight against depression.
• Humans aren’t the only animals that hug; other animals also engage in this behavior.
• Hugging can also help pet owners keep track of their dog’s health. The close proximity allows the owner to notice new lumps or unpleasant smells more easily.

Observing National Hug Your Dog Day

National Hug Your Dog Day is a great way for people to begin building a bond with their dogs or to continue strengthening a bond they’ve already established. People can use the hashtag #HugYourDogDay on social media to encourage all pet owners to do the same.