Ask any dog owner and they will tell you that there is a lot of love that flows back and forth between them and their animal. There is no denying that animals are capable of displaying actions that certainly show some compassion on their part, but is it true that they actually love their owners? Perhaps you have argued in favor of that love or maybe even against it, depending upon your particular stand. Maybe it’s time for us to put this to rest and there’s no better way to do so than a scientific study.
First of all, it’s important to understand that the unconditional love that a dog shows is a very powerful reason why we have them in our lives. It’s a bond that forms, and they often become full-fledged members of the family very quickly. There is a new study that was conducted by Japanese universities in two parts, however, that may shed some additional light on the subject. It was published in the Journal of Science and involved observing the interactions of 30 dogs and their owners. Measurements were then taken of the hormone, oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a type of ‘bonding hormone’ that is released during human intimacy. This includes during the act of sex, as well as being released between a mother and a child.
does the “dont look anyone in the eye” advice apply to dogs in new york too??
— ashley (@slutup) March 8, 2019
According to the study, the same hormone is also active when you look into your dog’s eyes.
To bond with someone you care about, try staring at each other for 2 to 5 minutes straight. Oxytocin, the love chemical in the brain is generated by extended ?️ contact. It also works when u stare into your dogs eyes! Which puts a new spin on who you're drooling over. #EyeContact pic.twitter.com/51ouk5cNub
— Tasha Jackson (@TashaJacksTweet) March 6, 2019
Does it really make a difference in how long a dog looks at you? That is what interested researchers and they found out something that will be interesting to you. It seems that the longer your dog looks into your eyes, the more it is in love
They gave Oxytocin to a group of dogs that was not part of the original study. They then observed how long they would look at their owners.
The results showed something that wasn’t expected. When female dogs were given oxytocin, they would look longer at their owners than a male dog given the same levels of oxytocin.
This confirmed the information from the original study:
“They found that mutual gazing increased oxytocin levels, and sniffing oxytocin increased gazing in dogs, an effect that transferred to their owners.”
The same gazing experiment was then done with wolves:
“Wolves, who rarely engage in eye contact with their human handlers, seem resistant to this effect.”
Now the Internet seems to be interested in boosting oxytocin levels, and according to this study, a great way to do so is to get a dog!
Yeah, my little dog Doug is like a little Oxytocin sprinkler in my life. I wouldn't make it out the door without him
— peezky weezky (@Peezkyweezky) March 1, 2019
When we interact w/ dogs, our bodies release oxytocin which lowers blood pressure & cortisol levels, decreases inflammation, increases wound healing & facilitates learning. #TherapyDogs #Dogs #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression pic.twitter.com/6mgZs3iJW1
— Sgt. Jason Ratcliff (@K9Kit) February 20, 2019
Being cuddled up to your dog with your nose in their fur is so therapeutic, I know when I do that I get a rush of oxytocin which always lifts my mood
— Mei-chan ?♀️ (@thegoddessrises) March 6, 2019
No wonder they use dogs as emotional support pets
? Pet a dog today!?
Dogs help humans reduce stress. Studies show that interactions with animals can decrease stress in humans. Petting an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.#knoxville pic.twitter.com/UI5vI4ePIu— Care Around The Block (@Caring4urblock) March 6, 2019
What’s your thoughts on #Cbd treats for #dogs?#staycrispy pic.twitter.com/kaWZTcludt
— The Green Daily (@TheGreenDailyy) March 2, 2019
That's how I feel every time I walk in the door.
"Yes, yes, dogs, I'm home. I know you love me. Now let me put my things down and take off my shoes." While they jump about and howl as it I've been away at war for 37 years.
— Albert Einstein's Co-Pilot (@Tricia_Braun) March 1, 2019
This is one of my standbys; never fails to lower blood pressure & produce oxytocin.
But whatever works for u: kittens, baby seals eating lettuce, punching nazis.
Just have a steady supply of quick oxytocin hits on standby & take ur daily dose of Vitamin O.https://t.co/oGOXMTXtCO— Kit Tona "12 years left" (@tona_kit) March 1, 2019
SCIENTISTS HAVE FOUND OUT THAT DOGS RELEASE OXYTOCIN WHEN THEY LOOK AT US IM RESLLY CRYING
— SKETCHERS!!! (@megknottx) February 28, 2019
Fact or fiction? Pet myths explained
Dogs can fall in love?
TRUE. They don't call it puppy love for nothing. Science shows that a dog’s brain releases oxytocin – the love hormone – when it interacts with humans and dogs, just the same as a human brain does when we hug or kiss.— Daph Pets (@DaphPets) February 28, 2019
I need to cuddle with puppies and dogs. It’s is one of those days, and I need some oxytocin. pic.twitter.com/ByAb8i0wQ2
— Bitter Bambina (@MoMoneyMoProb) February 27, 2019
I couldn't love them more if I tried. pic.twitter.com/9baWU1gWMA
— Michelle Diamante (@MichelleDiaman4) February 21, 2019
You are really missing out if you’re not a dog owner.
Research suggest that every time you interact with your dog their Oxytocin levels spike to a level that equals the feeling a human has when they fall in love – EVERYTIME
Lesson – Hold your dog’s paw today and everyday ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eNVAoaWzKl
— UnsilentMajority ? (@The_UnSilent_) December 15, 2018