"If you have a dog, you're probably well aware that nothing beats a good cuddle. Snuggling up to your pooch can boost your well-being, reduce your stress levels, and even lower your blood pressure. And your dog gets just as much, if not more, out of it. Cuddling with their humans makes them feel safe and secure, strengthens their bond with you, and improves their mood."
"That is, as long as you don't sneak up on them when they're dreaming about treats and squirrels. Even though it can be tempting to cuddle your dog when they're snoozing on your couch, approaching them when they're asleep or off-guard can startle and upset them. "They hate it! It's not fair," said Margaret M. Duxbury, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her advice: "If possible, let a sleeping dog lie.""
"Dogs can similarly become surprised or agitated when we sneak up on them, especially when they're asleep, playing with their toys, or enjoying a snack. Some dogs may growl or snap, whereas others may scoot away or, in severe cases, hide and shiver, explained Valli Parthasarathy, a veterinary behavior specialist and co-founder of Synergy Veterinary Behavior in Portland, Oregon. Certain pups may merely give you a hard stare or continue sleeping peacefully - but that still doesn't mean they enjoy a surprise pet."
Cuddling with a dog improves human well-being, reduces stress, and can lower blood pressure while dogs feel safe, bond with humans, and enjoy improved mood. Approaching a dog when asleep, playing, or eating can startle or upset the animal. Reactions include growling, snapping, scooting away, hiding, shivering, giving a hard stare, or remaining still without enjoying the contact. Experts advise letting sleeping dogs lie and respecting canine signals for space. Individual reactions vary based on temperament, past experiences, and context, so owners should avoid surprising dogs to maintain trust and safety.
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