Dogs cuddling gif

I've said it before and I'll say it again: We are not worthy of dogs. They're the ultimate best friends. You're sad? They'll comfort you. Sleepy? They'll nap with you. Excited? They'll celebrate with you. Dogs provide unconditional love and a whole lot of entertainment in exchange for a few treats and some belly rubs. Whether you're a a casual dog person or wholeheartedly dog-obsessed, these 40 hilarious GIFs of dogs are guaranteed to make your day.

Aside from the laughs they bring, owning a dog provides a whole host of other benefits. Turns out, children in families with dogs can experience many advantages. Kids with dogs generally show higher levels of compassion, self-esteem, cognitive development, and happiness, among other things, according to an article by the American Kennel Club. When children have a chance to help their parents care for their furry friend, they also get a chance to develop the responsibility, empathy, and competence that comes with owning a pet. Time Magazine also noted that dog owners are more active, on average, than people who do not own dogs. Most notably, dog owners were more active on cold, wet winter days than non-owners were even on sunny, warm days. If these benefits haven't sold you on dogs yet, these GIFs certainly will.

There seems to be some sort of misconception that dogs and cats don't get along, so we've rounded up nine of the most adorable GIFs showing they can be good pals. From kitties cuddling with big dogs to little pups just wanting to make friends, these adorable shorts prove that even unlikely duos can make great buddies.

Kitty Tap

Cuddle Up

Nap Time

Cat Doesn't Care

Let's Go!

Tag, You're It!

So Sweet

Sneak Attack

Cute Overload

Sometimes we just need a nice, big hug to get us through the day. And our dogs know exactly how we feel. That's one of the reasons we love them so much, because they just LOVE to hug.

These ones especially. Check out 21 adorable photos (and gifs, obviously) of hugging dogs that will instantly make you feel all warm and fuzzy:

1. Just enjoying the view…

^{Source: @lottiethecollie}

2. When in doubt, hug it out.

^{Source:@verybesttop10} 

3. That feeling of having their head on your shoulder…

^{Source: @greciappinto}

4. "As long as we're together!"

^{Source: @Giphy}

5. Oh wow, French Bulldog puppies hugging.

^{Source: @Onehugaday}

6. Nothing beats a big dog jumping into your arms.

^{Source: @thedoggiemagazine}

7. "Nope – this hug ain't over yet, buddy."

 ^{Source: @Giphy}

8. "Let's take a break from our walk and hug on the bench."

^{Source: @DogExpress}

9. Hugs on the sofa are the best. Especially with such a fluffy pup!

^{Source: @Giphy}

10. Nothing can keep these two apart.

^{Source: @pinkbluelovescute}

11. Companions for life.

^{Source: @GSP&co}

12. Aww, look at him clinging onto his human.

^{Source: @andyfrank}

13. Coming home to this…

^{Source: @ARay}

14. And that nap-time embrace.

^{Source: @millie_smithh}

15. Cause when times are tough, we all just want a hug.

^{Source: @Huffpost}

16. "We're gonna be best friends for life!"

^{Source: @Huffpost}

17. When your dog literally thinks it's a baby. And you do too…

^{Source: @boodles}

18. Reunited at last.

^{Source: @indulgy}

19. Now these two really are locked in an embrace!

^{Source: @Pinterest}

20. When the camera comes out so you grab your best friend.

^{Source: @Patitapatita}

21. Finally, if you're desperate for a hug – hold your arms out and hope for the best!

^{Source: @TiffanyLonsdale}

NB. Hugging increases feelings of safety, trust, love, self-worth, belonging, happiness and appreciation. Hugs increase the levels of oxytocin in the body and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. So hugs = happiness 🙂

Get hugging today!

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