Humans and dogs have long had a strong connection with one another, and now science is able to provide evidence supporting this belief. Interactions with dogs can increase oxytocin, a chemical that has long been part of human-only interaction, which helps reduce stress and blood pressure while making us happier. Simply spending more time focused on our dog increases this feel-good hormone. It also turns out that dogs are also affected by human reactions. Dogs recognized facial features as positive or negative, while generally understanding the primary intent a human is trying to convey by simply watching a human.
Key Takeaways:
- People who have dogs long known that a special bond exists between owners and their dogs but it is still heartening to have that confirmed by research.
- Thanks to a hormone called oxytocin or nicknamed the “hug hormone”, a bond can exist between dogs and humans who own them.
- Although bonding with persons of the same species like children or partners has long been known to release oxytocin, it is recently realized that other species can release it.
“Oxytocin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that makes skin-to-skin contact feel good. It also acts as a natural painkiller, and lowers stress levels and blood pressure.”
Read more: https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2019/02/07/bond-between-dog-and-human.aspx