Oxytocin and How it Affects Bonding Between Dogs and Their Pet Parents (Copy)

Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a significant role in social bonding, trust, and attachment. Often referred to as the "love hormone," it is released by the pituitary gland and has been linked to feelings of empathy, generosity, and love. Recent studies have shown that oxytocin plays a critical role in the bonding between dogs and their pet parents. * A bonus of petting a dog for 5-20 minutes is that in addition to increasing oxytocin levels, it also lowers cortisol levels.

Dogs are social animals, animals who love to live in a family pack, and they thrive on forming strong emotional bonds with their humans. When pet parents engage in activities such as petting the dog, grooming the dog, or playing together, both parties experience an increase in oxytocin levels. This hormone helps to create a sense of calm, relaxation, and trust, which are all essential components of a healthy relationship between a dog and her/his pet parent.

One study conducted by researchers at Azabu University in Japan found that when dogs and their owners gaze into each other's eyes, their oxytocin levels rise significantly. This eye contact, known as the "oxytocin gaze," is an essential aspect of bonding and can strengthen the emotional connection between a dog and her/his pet parent or guardian. The study also found that dogs who had higher levels of oxytocin were more likely to approach their owners for comfort and reassurance in stressful situations. After all, oxytocin lowers stress levels.

In the study conducted by researchers at the University of Vienna mentioned above they found that when dogs and their pet parents engage in positive interactions, such as petting or playing, both parties experience an increase in oxytocin levels. The study also found that dogs who received oxytocin injections were more likely to engage in social behaviors with their owners, such as cuddling and playing.

These studies provide evidence that oxytocin plays a critical role in the bond between dogs and their pet parents. This hormone helps to create a sense of trust, relaxation, and attachment.

It's important to note that while oxytocin can help to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners, it is not a magic solution for all behavioral problems. Dogs require training, socialization, and positive, consistent reinforcement to develop good behavior and strong emotional connections with their owners. However, by understanding the role that oxytocin plays in the bond between dogs and their owners, we can better understand the importance of positive interactions and emotional connections in building strong relationships with our furry friends.

While oxytocin plays a vital role in the bond between dogs and their pet parents, when dogs and their owners engage in positive interactions, both parties experience an increase in oxytocin levels, which helps to create a sense of trust, relaxation, and attachment. Now you know that by understanding the role that oxytocin plays in bonding, we humans can work to strengthen our relationships not just with one another, but with our furry friends as well and create happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives together. If your health and wellness professional ever suggests to you that it would be beneficial for you to lower your cortisol (stress hormone and known contributor to putting on unhealthy belly fat) and Increase your Oxytocin; the ‘feel good hormone, it just might be time for your to consider visiting the local animal rescue organizations and shelters and consider welcoming in a new pet/dog family member into your home.