National Hug Your Dog Day

National Hug Your Dog Day - Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Animal Dog Pet

Our dogs deserve all the love and affection we can give them, which is why there’s a special day dedicated just to hugging them. It’s April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day.

Hugging your dog releases a hormone in both pup and person called “oxytocin,” informally referred to as “the cuddle hormone.” Not only does a good tight squeeze strengthen your bond, it shows your pet that you care. Today is a day to celebrate your dog for all they do.

So grab your dog and give them an extra cuddle today!

National Hug Your Dog Day timeline

2017

ThunderShirt invented

This invention is a stylish vest designed to hug your dog very tightly during stressful situations, such as thunderstorms. Studies have shown that the feeling of being squeezed and secure has a calming effect. Hug your dog today to comfort them! 

1973

Emotional support pup

A federal housing law allows emotional support and guidance dogs to bypass "no pet" restrictions in public housing. Hug your dog today for being there for you. 

1954

Humane Society founded

This organization is one of the most important animal welfare groups around. On average, the Humane Society saves about 1.6 million dog lives each year. Hug your dog today to celebrate your lives together. 

1940

The most famous dog

America's favorite border collie bounded into our hearts when Eric Knight published "Lassie." This beloved pup inspired a feature length film and many seasons of television. Hug your dog today for being a pop culture icon. 

1700s

First fire pups

Yes. Dalmatians actually assisted firefighters in the horse-drawn age. (They kept horses calm and focused.) Hug your dog 101 times today in honor of professional pooches around the world.

13,000 BC

Dog #1

Scientists believe that the first pet dogs were domesticated wolves who lived with people in central Asia some 15,000 years ago. Hug your dog 101 times today to celebrate shared history! 

National Hug Your Dog Day Activities

  1. Go for a walk

    Take your dog for an extra long walk today or even to a local dog park. After seeing how happy it makes them, you’ll be wondering why you don’t do it more often.

  2. Go on a doggie date

    Bring your pup to a dog-friendly restaurant. Some have special treats so that you can dine together. If they’re an extra good dog, take them out for some ice cream after; just don’t give them too much.

  3. Celebrate dog history

    In honor of your pet on this sacred day, hold them tight, give them an extra long belly rub and cuddle them on the floor or couch while you watch your favorite dog movie together. From "Lassie" to "Scooby Doo," there are so many famous doggies to celebrate.

Why We Love National Hug Your Dog Day

  1. Dogs deserve a special thank you

    In addition to being unconditional lovers and expert cuddlers, dogs serve humans in many ways by holding important jobs, including jobs that humans are physically incapable of doing, such as sniffing for drugs and bombs.

  2. Dogs love to be loved

    Historically, dogs are pack animals which is why they hate being alone. Hence the barking, howling, and chewing on your favorite shoes when you’re not home. When you adopt a pet, you are their pack, so cut them some slack for forgetting personal space and give them an extra tight squeeze on National Hug Your Dog Day.

  3. Dogs are grateful

    Just you coming home is enough to make their day — especially on National Hug Your Dog Day. With many dogs, just the mention of the word "walk" is enough to get their pulse racing.

Also on Wed Apr 10, 2024...

Good Friday
Apr 10
Sibling Day
Apr 10