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Everyone needs a cuddle once in a while—kids, adults, and, of course, pets. Our relationships with our pets are some of the most special in life, and that bond is 100% a two-way street. Just look at the Drummond family pups! The dogs love to accompany Ladd and help around the Drummond Ranch, but at the end of the day, they're expecting some attention and a lot of ear scratches. Why else do you think Ree's beloved basset hound Walter sits on any available feet? The answer: for some cuddles and head pats.
"Our dogs are our friends, our companions, sometimes our soul mates," says Ree, who named her ice cream parlor after her beloved late dog Charlie. Yet these partnerships go way beyond dog treats and good company. Just last year, a study from the University of British Columbia showed that physical connection with dogs can significantly improve our moods. While participants reported enhanced well-being during no-touch interactions, moments of physical touch—tummy rubs, ear scratches, and nuzzles—had the greatest impact. Just think of Ree's adorable TikTok of an exhausted Ladd laying with the pups after a hard day of work! Here's why you should give your dog a hug after a long day, too.
So, why is cuddling your dog good for you?
Cuddles can strengthen your bond.
Dogs and humans experience very similar chemical reactions to this type of touch. While you cuddle, both brains release the chemical oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of love, connection, and trust. Even one of the Drummond barn cats enjoys a dog cuddle once in a while! "He cuddles with Duke, especially when it's cool outside," says Ree. Talk about funny bedfellows!
Cuddles can calm and relieve stress.
There's a reason some colleges keep dogs around during finals week! Research has shown that even simply petting a dog can lower levels of the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for anxiety, stress, and depression. The balancing of hormones is why therapy dogs are used to help those who have PTSD, and one of the reasons that scientists suspect dog owners live longer.
Cuddles are quite good for your heart.
The cortisol-lowering and oxytocin-boosting effects of dog cuddling help explain why pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and have smaller increases in blood pressure during times of stress. Even the act of petting a stranger's pup has been found to temporarily lower levels! Couple that with all the exercise you get while walking your dog 😂, and you'll have a pretty healthy heart.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
