Finding inner peace these days often comes with a subscription fee or a yoga mat. But sometimes, true calm is found in the soft folds of a dog’s ears. One Instagram user has the internet rethinking self-care after sharing a video that shows twirling your dog’s ears isn’t just adorable, it might be the most underrated form of therapy out there.
Instagram video shows owner playing with dog’s ears and claiming it works like therapy
In the short clip, Opie, a Pit Bull mix, is seen sitting calmly while his owner gently rubs and twirls his ears. The text overlay reads, “I’m not a therapist but have you tried doing this?” and it’s evident from Opie’s expression that he is fully on board with the method.
As the owner carefully moves the dog’s soft ears between their fingers, both seem to fall into a kind of mutual calm. The caption under the post calls it “therapy for both of us,” and based on how peaceful Opie looks, that doesn’t seem like an exaggeration.
Many viewers seemed to agree that there is something almost meditative about gently touching a dog’s ears. One person wrote, “Dog ears may be the greatest thing ever.” Another said, “Is it velvet? It’s velvet,” referring to the famously soft texture of a pup’s ears. Someone else added, “I did this to my doggie, twirled her ears and she loved it.” Even National Geographic Animals account chimed in with, “Suddenly, all our problems are solved.”
Massaging a dog’s ears is simple, but it’s important to be gentle and mindful of your pet’s comfort. Start by lightly rubbing the base of the ear in small, circular motions using your fingers. Then, slowly move upward along the ear flap, applying soft pressure as you go. You can gently fold or twirl the ears between your fingers, as long as your dog seems relaxed and happy.
Avoid tugging or pinching, and always pay attention to your dog’s body language. If they lean in, sigh, or close their eyes, that’s a good sign they are enjoying it. Every dog is different, so take it slow and find what your pup responds to best.
