National Love Your Pet Day

Posted on: 20th February 2025, by Magrathea

Today is National Love Your Pet Day and so is a perfect excuse (as if one is needed?!) to pamper our furry friends with extra affection. While treats, rubs, scratches and playtime are always appreciated – because we have a bias toward verbal communication we think that one of the simplest and most meaningful things we can do is simply talk to them! Have you ever noticed how your pet’s ears perk up or how they tilt their heads when you speak? Whether it’s a cheerful “Who’s a good boy?” or a slightly exasperated “Get off the sofa!”, our voices are a huge part of how we bond with our pets.

Many studies show that dogs, cats and even guinea pigs can recognise their owner’s voice over others and our tone, pitch and emotion all contribute to what they are picking up from us! We regularly post about our MagDog’s and can attest that while they will happily roam the office sharing the doggie love, when chief caregiver tells them “who’s a good boy?” there is definitely more of a wag in their tail!

But what about guinea pigs? These little fluffballs might not be able to fetch your slippers, but they definitely know when their human is talking to them—especially if it is close to mealtime – as Laura (who is our client services manager) will attest.  Laura has been a guinea pig Mum for many years, and says that these fascinating little piggies not only get excited when you talk to them, they will often talk back by “wheek wheeking” their enthusiasm!

So however you will be celebrating #LoveYourPetDay, be sure to shower your cuddly companion with plenty of verbal affection. They may not understand the actual words – or if you have a cat they may be listening but probably also judging a little – but they will feel your love and those happy faces, wagging tails or occasional “wheek” make it all worthwhile.