Whenever I get home, the absolute first thing I do is yell a greeting to my dog as loud as I can so no matter where in the house she is, she hears me and comes running to ecstatically return the favor. The same scenario occurs whenever I get up in the morning or if I want to see her come running into the room- which is often. So often, in fact, that I started to question the science behind why I love seeing her so much (or any dog).
I started searching for answers and eventually discovered why dogs have such an overwhelming effect on some people. Sources say that spending just a few moments with dogs can affect the hormone levels in your brain. Two specific examples of these hormones are Oxytocin, or the "cuddle chemical", and Cortisol. Oxytocin has been shown to not only reduce stress, but also to make you feel "warm inside" and trigger your feelings of trust, emotional bonding, and empathy. Cortisol, however, is best known for its role in the "fight-or-flight" response. It can not only increase your anxiety, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, but in large amounts it can produce symptoms of Cushing syndrome. This explanation behind the hormones is most likely the main reason why dogs are brought to hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
Hormone levels are not the only factors though. Dogs have also been shown to increase physical activity, social interaction, and emotional awareness. No wonder I love seeing mine so much!
Even without knowing all the hormone science behind it, I've definitely noticed this. I have two shiz tzu puppies who have become by best friends! Just like your dog, they bark and wait by the door when I get home from school. Each and everyday they are so excited to see me. There's a special bond between an owner and their pet that develops from the first moment of interaction. It was really cool to learn from your post not only about the emotional effects, but also the physical health effects of dogs (or any pet in general).
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of your pup!! Writing tip: when you say you did some research on something, include a link to where you got that information! That way people can go straight to it if they want to read more.
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