Brain activity occurring when humans pet dogs as opposed to when they are in contact with nonanimated objects like plush animals.
Posted in PLOS ONE’s scientific journal, on October 5, the study observed human brain activity when in contact with dogs and plush animals. Many sessions were conducted with both women and men participating in Switzerland.
The results showed a significant increase in healthy brain activity in the contact with the dog in comparison to when the participants were touching the plush animals.
The effects of contact with animals on human mental and physical health have always been acknowledged, but neurophysiologically, these effects were never fully understood until now.
Interacting with a dog reduces stress parameters, such as blood pressure, heart rate, or cortisol level, and leads to an increase in neurochemicals associated with bonding or affiliation, says the study.
It suggests that interactions with a dog can activate stronger attentional processes in the human brain.
This study adds to many existing studies on the bonds between dogs and human beings. The detailed data provided new intel on how animal-assisted therapy can be effective.
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