A vet has warned how a ‘hug’ can make a dog feel, and it’s not necessarily what you would expect
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.”
Behaviour Vets author Lauren Novack believes dogs who do enjoy hugs are a complete ‘exception’, reports Daily Paws.
She said: “When dogs don’t like something and politely ask for space over and over again to no avail, they’re likely to escalate their communication to growling or biting.
“I don’t want dogs to be stressed, and I don’t want humans to get bitten. For most dogs, hugs are stressful.”
Stanley previously analysed 250 photos of dogs being given hugs, and he found that in 80% of the images, the dogs showed signs of looking stressed.
And he noted that this can be indicated by a dog lowers their ears, closing their eyes, or turning away from the source of anxiety.
And the psychologist has now revealed some much better alternatives.
He said: “The clear recommendation to come out of this research is to save your hugs for your two-footed family members and lovers.
“It is clearly better from the dog’s point of view if you express your fondness for your pet with a pat, a kind word, and maybe a treat.”
And the last thing we want to do is upset our furry babies, so we’re definitely going to take this advice on board!
100-Year-Old Beauty Secret: Potato & Turmeric for Wrinkle-Free, Firm Skin
Some of the most powerful skincare remedies don’t come in fancy jars — they come from nature, passed down through generations. One such timeless trick? A simple mix of potato and turmeric. Used for over a century, this natural combo helps tighten skin, fade wrinkles, and restore a healthy, youthful glow.
Why Potato and Turmeric?
Potato is rich in vitamins C and B6, plus natural enzymes that brighten the skin and boost collagen. It helps reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines, and even out the skin tone.
Turmeric, on the other hand, is a powerful anti-inflammatory with antioxidant properties. It supports skin healing, reduces age spots, and slows down signs of aging – all while giving your skin a healthy glow.
Together, they create a gentle but powerful facelift effect — naturally!
How to Make the Potato & Turmeric Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 small raw potato
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (organic)
Instructions:
- Grate the potato finely and squeeze to extract the juice (you’ll need about 2 tablespoons).
- Mix it with the turmeric powder until you get a smooth, yellow liquid.
- Apply evenly to clean skin using a cotton pad or brush.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes (you might feel a gentle tightening effect).
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.
Use this mask 2–3 times a week for best results. For sensitive skin, do a patch test first, as turmeric can sometimes stain or cause mild irritation.
Firm, Smooth Skin – The Natural Way
This 100-year-old remedy is proof that you don’t need complicated routines to care for your skin. Potato and turmeric work in harmony to lift, tone, and refresh your complexion — all without chemicals or harsh ingredients.
Let your skin glow with the wisdom of tradition and the power of nature.
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