Squeeze the Day: Bonding with Your Pup This April Celebrate National Hug Your Dog Day with Snuggles That Support Gut Health

April 10 is National Hug Your Dog Day. A heartwarming reminder to pause, cuddle up, and show your pup just how much they mean to you.

It’s more than just an excuse for extra tail wags and sweet snuggles (though we love those too).

At DogIBS, we’re here to let you in on a little-known secret: those hugs aren’t just emotionally uplifting—they’re physically healing, especially for your dog’s gut health.

Yes, you read that right.

Affectionate bonding has a real impact on your dog’s digestion, stress response, and immune system. So, this April, go ahead and squeeze the day—because when it comes to keeping your pup healthy and happy, love is medicine.

🐾 Hugs & Digestion: The Gut-Feeling Connection

We all know stress is a major trigger for digestive issues—in people and in pets. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or gut imbalances like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD, or food sensitivities are especially vulnerable to emotional changes. That’s where physical affection becomes powerful.

So, what exactly happens when you hug your dog?

• Stress hormones decrease. Physical touch lowers cortisol, the "stress hormone" that disrupts digestion, immunity, and mood.
  

• Oxytocin is released. This “love hormone” creates calm, builds trust, and promotes relaxation—setting the stage for smooth, stress-free digestion.
  

• Heart rates synchronize. Believe it or not, studies show that dogs and their humans often experience aligned heart rhythms during affectionate interactions.
  

• Better poops follow. Less stress = better gut motility = more regular, healthier digestion.

In short: hugging helps your dog’s belly feel better. And for pups with tummy troubles, that comfort is worth its weight in belly rubs.

🐶 Hug-Friendly Bonding Ideas to Try This Week

Not all dogs love a bear hug—but most dogs crave connection. Whether your pup is a leaner, a nuzzler, or a lap lover, here are gentle ways to bond while keeping their gut happy:

1. The Classic Snuggle

Curl up together on the couch or bed for a relaxing snuggle session. Use your body warmth and calm voice to soothe your pup into a peaceful rest.

Bonus: pair it with soft instrumental music to deepen the chill vibes.

2. Gentle Belly Rubs

A slow, clockwise belly rub can actually stimulate digestion, especially helpful after meals. Start softly at the lower belly and work your way around in circles. Keep an eye on your dog’s body language and let them guide the session.

3. Chill Walks = Moving Meditation

Sometimes the best bonding happens on a leash. Choose a quiet route and walk at a relaxed pace, letting your pup sniff and explore. The mental stimulation combined with movement supports gut motility and relaxation.

Want to elevate your post-walk reward?

Try our Berry Boost Bites or Pumpkin + Ginger Nibbles, formulated for gentle digestion and tummy relief.

4. Bedtime Bonding

A calm evening cuddle or head scratch before bed helps your pup wind down and sets their digestion up for success.

Just like humans, dogs digest and heal better during restful sleep.

Gut-Loving Tips for Stress-Free Affection

When your dog has a sensitive stomach, even well-meaning excitement can throw digestion off.

Here’s how to keep your bonding sessions gentle, intentional, and belly-safe:

💧 Pick Calm Moments

Avoid hugs or tummy rubs right after meals or high-energy play. Wait 30–60 minutes post-meal so their system isn’t over-stimulated.

🐕 Let Them Lead

Some dogs love close contact. Others prefer a soft paw hold, leaning against you, or a quiet snuggle beside—not on—you. Follow their cues to build trust and reduce tension.

🛏️ Create a Comfort Zone

Choose a quiet spot with soft blankets or a calming scent (like lavender). This sends a safety signal that helps reduce cortisol and ease digestion.

🥣 Stay Consistent

Daily rituals (like a morning scratch or evening snuggle) create emotional stability, which plays a huge role in keeping your dog’s digestion balanced over time.

📸 Hug It Out This April 10!

Let’s fill the internet with snuggles, slobbery kisses, and happy bellies. On National Hug Your Dog Day, we invite you to join our #GutThatWagsBack photo celebration!

Here’s how:

• Snap a pic of your bonding moment—whether it’s a hug, a cozy cuddle, or a peaceful walk.
  

• Tag us @reversedogibs and use the hashtag #GutThatWagsBack.
  

• Share how your pup shows love—and how it helps their belly thrive!

We’ll be featuring some of our favorite feel-good stories and photos on social media and in our newsletter. 🐾

💛 Love Is the Best Medicine—for Mind, Mood, and Digestion

Our mission is simple: support dogs with sensitive guts through nutrition, education, and connection. But connection isn’t just about what we feed them—it’s about how we love them.

This April 10, celebrate National Hug Your Dog Day by giving your pup the gift of calm, connection, and belly bliss. Whether it’s through a soft snuggle, a relaxing walk, or a gut-friendly treat, every act of love helps build a body—and belly—that feels safe and supported.

BOOK NOW!

Because when your dog feels loved, their gut knows it.