A vet has warned how a ‘hug’ can make a dog feel, and it’s not necessarily what you would expect
Mia Williams
Mia Williams

A vet has warned that it could be a bad idea to ‘hug’ your dog, as it could have the opposite effect on them to what us humans feel.

There’s nothing nicer than coming home from a long day at work to your furry friend scurrying as fast as they can to the door to greet you.

Your natural reaction is usually to bend down and give them a big cuddle, and whilst it might look like they’re loving every second – it might not be what they’re really feeling.

Dog experts are now warning owners to find different ways of showing their love.

According to a vet who spoke to Psychology Today, a hug can actually make a dog feel quite anxious and trapped – this is because a dog’s primary defence is to run away.

Psychologist Stanley Coren explained: “Yes, your dog may leap into your lap and kiss your face, cuddle against your neck, and beg you to rub her belly.

“But that’s not ‘hugging.’

“In my experience, many dogs don’t enjoy having a human move one or two arms around their shoulders and squeeze.

“That’s the hug we are talking about.”