A little reason to celebrate

National Hug Your Dog Day

Animal · April 10

A day for showing your dog some affection, with a hug if your dog likes one, or a scratch, a walk or quiet time together if it does not.

National Hug Your Dog Day falls on Saturday, April 10, 2027. That is 165 days away.

Dogs and people have lived side by side for a very long time, and most dog owners can name the exact spot behind the ears their dog likes scratched. The idea here is simple. Give your dog some affection on purpose.

The catch is that many dogs are not big fans of hugs. A hug feels warm to us, but to a dog an arm wrapped around the shoulders can feel like being held still. Some dogs lean in happily. Others stiffen, turn their head away, lick their lips or show the whites of their eyes, which are polite ways of saying they would rather not.

So the best version of the day lets the dog decide. A dog who wants contact will usually come to you, press against your legs or flop over for a belly rub. Letting them choose, and keeping it short, tends to go over better than a big squeeze. Children especially do well with gentle petting along the side instead of hugging.

Affection also comes in forms a dog understands right away. A longer walk with plenty of time to sniff, a game of fetch, a new chew or simply sitting on the floor together all count. Plenty of dogs show love by leaning their full weight on you, which is their version of a hug and often the better one.

Ways to celebrate

Offer a hug only if your dog leans in and seems relaxed.
Take a slow walk and let your dog sniff as long as it likes.
Find your dog's favorite scratching spot and spend a few minutes there.
Sit on the floor and let your dog come to you.
Share a favorite photo of your dog with friends.

Dates

Year	Date
2026	Friday, April 10
2027	Saturday, April 10
2028	Monday, April 10
2029	Tuesday, April 10
2030	Wednesday, April 10

All national days on April 10

Also on April 10

Categories: Animal days