How to speak your pet’s adoring language this month of love

In his book, The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman explains how people can give love the way people like to receive it. His theory applies to pets too.

February is the month of love, with Valentine’s Day on the 14th and Love Your Pet Day on the 20th. Use them, says Marycke Ackhurst, pet behaviour expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Ackhurst shares pets’ specific love languages:

Quality time – Cats and dogs express their love by spending time with their pet parents. Show your dog you love them by taking them on walks. Throw toys back and forth with your cat or snuggle with them on the couch.

Words of affirmation – Does your dog wag his tail and bark when you tell him he’s a good boy? Does your cat purr when you pat her or greet you with a meow? This is how our pets tell us they’re happy with attention. Talk to your pet. Your dog or cat understands tone. A way cats show love is through their eyes. A long, slow blink means they trust and love you, so slowly blink at them.

Physical touch – Headbutts, cheek rubs and kneading your lap are all ways cats show affection. Dogs like belly rubs and head scratches. Touching your pet shows them you love them. For many cats and dogs, brushing is welcome, like gentle massage and acupressure. Speak to a professional about the techniques.

Acts of service – When you love someone, you want to please them. Pets want to please their pet parents. When a dog follows your commands, they’re showing respect. If your cat keeps household insects under control, it could be their way of showing you they care. One way to show you care is to keep their litter box clean. You can groom them regularly, keep them dewormed, out of pain and provide clean food bowls, fresh water, warm, clean blankets and tidy surroundings.

Giving gifts – People wouldn’t say it’s a highlight to find a dead mouse or bird at your feet, but your pet is trying to please you. Hopefully they’ll soon realise toys or newspapers are much more acceptable gifts. Know what your pets love and you’ll be rewarded with pure joy. Put some catnip on a ball and see if your cat responds. Treats, toys, a Likimat filled with wet food for their enrichment, or a comfy new bed are all exciting presents for dogs.

“There are thousands of cats and dogs in shelters around South Africa waiting for a second chance at love,” says Ackhurst. That’s why Hill’s has created the Pet Matchmaker App, an easy and fun way for pet parents to find a pet that suits their personality, and lifestyle. – Citizen reporter

The Pet Matchmaker App is free to download on IOS and Android.