When You’re Doing This, Your Doggie is Likely Thinking “Please Don’t, Mom!”

by Denisse Aguilar on in Interesting Facts 11
pug and woman hugging

It's true that there are some things that we might be doing that are making our fur babies uncomfortable. It may seem okay by us, but not okay to them. Think twice before doing this to your pet! He might not enjoy it!

Some dogs surely adore hugs but others not so much. Even dogs that seemingly love hugs may only be tolerating them in reality, and virtually all dogs may be uncomfortable with hugs if they’re in a stressful or unfamiliar situation.

Dogs Are Cursorial Animals and Hugs May Stress Them Out
That is, their limbs are adapted for running, as in, running away from potential threats. When you envelop your dog in a big bear hug, what can he not do? Run away. For many dogs, this is a stressful situation.

Signs of a Stressed Dog
It’s relatively easy to determine if your dog is one that loves or loathes hugs, once you know the stress signs to look for. If your dog does any of the following when you hug him, he may be anxious, stressed or uncomfortable:

Baring teeth
Turns his head away from you
Closes eyes, at least partially
Lowers or slicks back his ears
Licks his lips or your face
Yawns

Might Hugs Relax Some Dogs?

So perhaps your pooch feels comfortable being hugged, or even shows signs he enjoys it. On the other hand, he may not. I recommend you take the time to notice his response to your hugs and stop if he seems uncomfortable. It’s generally not a good idea to hug a dog you don’t know.

What Type of Touch Do Dogs Enjoy?
Many dogs enjoy being petted, and every dog may have slightly different preferences. In general, however, most dogs enjoy being pet on the chest or behind the ear closest to you (this means you do not have to reach over their head, which may be stressful to some dogs).

WOW! Hugging your pooch can really freak him out! Who knew something to amazing to us could be so harmful to our doggies?! At lease you know what signs to look out for next time you hug your pooch!

For more information on doggy hugs, visit Healthy Pets.



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11 thoughts on “When You’re Doing This, Your Doggie is Likely Thinking “Please Don’t, Mom!””

  3. Alexis Stanley

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    Mine beg to be picked up and cuddled. My male will wine until you pic him up, loves to be held like a baby too while you rub his tummy. My female likes cuddles but not hugs, she absolutly loves to try and suffocate me in my sleep with love

  10. Lacey Beezer

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    Truthfully, my pug doesn’t like hugs. She thinks you’re trying to trick her…like you might be trying to cut her toenails. She doesn’t want to snuggle unless she snuggles up to you..lol she’s a little paranoid..hehe

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