Bobby's top 5 Valentine's Day dog facts

Love is in the air — for our dogs. Check out our five facts about how we love our canine companions.

1. Dogs love humans! Science has proved what dog owners have always known, our dogs love us. Dogs produce oxytocin — a hormone that is produced when mammals care about someone — when they interact with their owners. In a test shown on the BBC documentary Cats vs. Dogs, the level of oxytocin in dogs went up by over 50 per cent when they played with their owners — a very powerful response. Dogs love us, a lot! But you already knew that.

2. Humans love dogs back A different study found that levels of oxytocin spike in humans when they play with dogs, showing we love our dogs as much as they love us. One report suggested that dog owners love their pets just as they would do their own children — proof that pets really are part of the family.

3. Dogs can play Cupid Having a dog has been shown as a great way to meet other people and potentially find a partner. Dogs are good ice breakers and being a dog owner is said to show a fun and caring side to your personality. Many dog lovers have also said they wouldn't consider having a relationship with someone if they didn't like dogs.

4. Valentine's Day is for dogs too As we love our dogs so much, it is no surprise to find that many owners will buy gifts for their dogs on Valentine's Day. Will you be treating your dog?

5. Hugging is not a natural dog behaviour Though dogs and humans love each other, we show it in different ways. Hugging is not a natural behaviour for dogs. Some dogs learn to enjoy it but if your dog doesn't like it there are plenty of ways to show him affection. Let your dog come to you and see what he enjoys. Instead of hugs, try rubbing his belly or giving him a gentle massage.

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