What’s the fastest way to turn a bad day around? Pets. That little head tilt your dog does when you ask if they want to go for walkies. Or the way your cat nonchalantly claims your keyboard as their new nap spot.
This International Day of Happiness on the 20th of March, let’s celebrate the boundless joy our pets bring to our lives – because let’s be honest, no one does happiness better than them.
Marycke Ackhurst, Pet Behaviour Expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, explains, “Pets provide companionship, reduce stress, and have an uncanny ability to sense when we need a little extra love. Science even backs this up: Interacting with pets boosts oxytocin, the ‘cuddle chemical,’ and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone.”
So, how can you and your pet spread happiness together? Try taking your dog on a scenic ‘sniffari’ – because exploring a new walking route is their version of scrolling social media. If you have a cat, a game of pounce-and-play (or terrorising an empty cardboard box) can turn an ordinary afternoon into an adventure. And let’s not forget the simple joy of watching your pet devour their food – few things in life are as satisfying as a dog happily crunching kibble or a cat performing an elaborate ‘weaving between your legs’ happy dance before mealtime.
At the heart of it all, pets remind us that happiness isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about unconditional love, wagging tails, and the perfect snuggle on a bad day. So, this International Day of Happiness, give your pet some extra belly rubs and let them remind you how simple joy can be.
Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition
