12 Simple Ways to Make Your Pet Feel More Loved

Making your pet feel loved is a great way to make them happy! Here are 12 ways you can do just that. Make each of these a habit so your bond with your pet grows even stronger.

1. Buy them toys and let them destroy them 

Pet toys can be expensive and allowing your furry friends to destroy them doesn't make any sense. You paid for it, hoping it will last long. But it’s actually healthy, once in a while, to allow them to exercise their animal instincts. Destroying toys help pets stay sharp and happy. Let them dismantle their oldest toys. It’s old, so it’s time to switch things up. Just get new ones!

You can also make your own dog toys for a cheaper alternative.

2. Host treasure hunts

Why not host a fun treasure hunt for your pet? Hide some of her favorite treats in the safest spots around your home, and see how many she finds. Place different treats in different areas. You can do this once or twice a week. It’s the perfect way to encourage your beloved pet to stay active and explore around.

3. Make homemade treats for your pet

Give your pet the ultimate surprise by making some yummy homemade treats. Research the easiest, healthiest recipes–such as those that can be made with five ingredients or less.

4. Give them the touch of love

Touch is an important part of any relationship. Just giving a loving touch releases oxytocin, the love hormone, in you and your pet. A soothing grooming session or a gentle massage can communicate to them how much you love them.

5. Let your pet lean against you

Whether you're relaxing on the couch or sitting on the floor, allowing your pet to lean against you helps them feel secure, safe, and comfortable. This doesn't apply to all pet animals, but if you have a cat or a dog, leaning is a language of love. Sometimes mammals lean against their humans when they're feeling anxious or scared. Let them see you as their protector.

6. Give her compliments

Pets thrive on positive vibes and compliments. They may not know our language, but they know if we are smiling or murmuring sweet words at them. It doesn't matter if you have a rabbit, leopard gecko, or snake. Giving your pet compliments, plus sweet smiles feels amazing!

7. Hold long, sustained eye contact 

Eye contact is reserved for people and animals you love dearly and feel safe with. Whatever it is that you are doing with your pet, cuddling or playing, maintain eye contact with them. Be careful not to force them and don’t overdo it. Maintaining eye contact is most especially crucial for dogs, as it enhances communication necessary for bonding and training purposes.

8. Take your pet on a hike

Spending time at home is fun, but if you’re up for a little more excitement, take your pet on a hike. The change of scenery is so therapeutic both for pet owners and pets. It also gives plenty of mental stimulation. If your pet isn’t conditioned for long hikes, start with shorter hikes and a long stroll in the park. Gradually, you can increase distance.

9. Rotate your pets’ toys

All pets love having toys around. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to spend hundreds of dollars buying different types of toys. You can buy a few affordable, high-quality ones, and rotate them. Give your pet access to two or three toys at a time. It’s best to switch the toys around every week or month, then diligently throw them away once they become super old and ripped.

10. Give your pet a massage

Humans love good massages because they are the ultimate stress reliever. The same can be true for our pets. We all have different pets with different care requirements, so research how you can give her a relaxing massage. Pet massages can improve circulation and stimulate muscles.

11. Let your pet hang out with you

Even the simplest actions, like allowing your pet to hang out with you while working, can make him feel loved and appreciated. Pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits, respond well to interaction. Even placing your fish tank near your work area can do wonders. Believe it or not, fish can tell familiar faces out of strangers with amazing accuracy.

12. Let your pets sleep in your bedroom 

Not all pet parents allow their animal friends on their beds, and that’s completely fine. Why not set up their own little corner inside the bedroom? Invest in an affordable yet comfy bed for them, or put their enclosure in the same room. That way, your pet can feel that he is not too far from the pack (you).

Your pet is a member of the family, and it deserves to be treated that way! Spend lots of time giving your pets attention–it's what all animals crave most from their humans.