Oxytocin and How it Affects Bonding Between Dogs and Their Pet Parents

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.

Why Do Dogs Follow Us To The Bathroom?

If you’re a member of a pack, they will watch your back.

Simple as that.

As you already read in our article: Why Do Dogs Sleep With Or Near Us Humans? we shared with you that Dogs are ‘pack’ animals, and as such, the pack takes care of, protects, and watches out for one another.

When you use Common Sense and think about what a Vulnerable ‘position’ an animal; in this case a dog is in when trying to circle around and find a spot away from the sanctuary of the family ‘den’ to actually go ‘relieve’ itself and leave that scent (Urine and or Feces) far enough away so that potential predators do not ‘pick up’ the scent and follow the animal (dog) back to the den and harm the family pack, you will understand WHY Dogs follow us humans ( their pack members now) to our ‘place’ of ‘relieving’ ourselves aka the ‘bathroom’.

Dogs are simply watching our back, literally and protecting us; their cherished family member from what they instinctually perceive as a chance for a potential predator to pounce on us when we are in such a physically vulnerable position.

WHY DO DOGS WAG THEIR TAILS AND WHAT ARE THE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TAIL WAG IN TERMS OF CANINE BEHAVIOUR?

Dogs wag their tails as a form of communication. It is one of the many ways they express their emotions and convey messages to other dogs and humans.

When a dog wags its tail, it can indicate a range of emotions, such as happiness, excitement, or anticipation. The speed and direction of the tail wag can also convey different messages. For example, a quick and wide tail wag ‘usually’ indicates a dog's excitement and happiness, while a slow and low tail wag can indicate caution or uncertainty.

It's important to note, however, that tail wagging should ‘not’ be interpreted as a universal sign of friendliness OR an invitation for interaction. Tail wagging should always be considered in the context of a dog's overall body language and behavior, as well as the situation and environment they are in and often the state of being that the owner/handler is in.

Here are the different ‘Types’ of dog tail wagging and what they may indicate in terms of canine behavior:

1. High tail wag: A high tail wag, where the tail is held upright and may even be quivering, often indicates excitement and happiness. Dogs may display this type of tail wag when greeting their owners, meeting new people or dogs, or when they're about to receive a treat or go for a walk.

2. Low tail wag: A low tail wag, where the tail is held low and may even be tucked between the dog's legs, can indicate fear or submission. Dogs may display this type of tail wag when they encounter something they perceive as a threat or when they're feeling anxious or uncomfortable.

3. Slow tail wag: A slow tail wag, where the tail is moving back and forth in a relaxed and steady manner, can indicate that the dog is feeling calm and content. Dogs may display this type of tail wag when they're relaxing with their owners or when they're in a comfortable environment.

4. Quick tail wag: A quick tail wag, where the tail is moving rapidly from side to side, can indicate excitement, anticipation, or even agitation. Dogs may display this type of tail wag when they're playing, chasing a toy, or engaging in other types of high-energy activities.

5. Tail held to one side: A tail held to one side, where the tail is not wagging but is instead held rigidly to one side of the body, can indicate that the dog is on high alert and may be preparing to react to a perceived threat. Dogs may display this type of tail position when they're in a new or unfamiliar environment, or when they sense something they perceive as a potential danger.

It's important to note that while tail wagging can be a useful indicator of a dog's emotional state, it should always be considered in conjunction with other forms of body language, such as ear position, facial expressions, and overall posture. Additionally, every dog is an individual, and their tail wagging behavior may vary based on their breed, personality, and life experiences. Some dogs could have an unusual tail wag due to a previous injury and it may have nothing to do with the dog’s actual ‘state of being’ at the time you and or you and your dog encounter them. Be observant.

WHAT IS BIOFILM AND WHY IS IT ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF MY DOG’S WATER AND SOMETIMES FOOD DISH?

Biofilm is a collection of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and algae) that adhere to surfaces and form a slimy layer of cells embedded in a matrix of extracellular substances, such as proteins and sugars. This layer is called an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and it serves as a protective barrier for the microorganisms against environmental stresses such as desiccation, disinfectants, and antibiotics.

Biofilms can form on a variety of surfaces, including medical devices, water pipes, and food processing equipment, as well as the inside of your dog's water dish. The bacteria that form biofilms in your dog's water dish may come from your dog's mouth or from the environment, and they can multiply rapidly in the moist and nutrient-rich environment of the water dish.

Biofilms are generally harmless to healthy individuals, but they can cause health problems in people and animals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. In addition, biofilms can lead to the development of a slimy film on the inside of your dog's water dish, which can make it difficult to clean and may cause an unpleasant odor or taste in the water.

To prevent the formation of biofilms in your dog's water dish, it is important to clean the dish daily with hot water and soap or with a disinfectant solution. *You may also want to consider using a stainless steel or ceramic dish, as these materials are less likely to harbor bacteria and are easier to clean than plastic or other porous materials.  It is never recommended to use plastic or other porous materials for pet dishes.

Biofilm can potentially cause harm if you don't wash your dog's water and food bowls regularly. Keep things clean for your pets just as you would for yourself and your family. Over time, the biofilm can accumulate and the bacteria within the biofilm can multiply, potentially leading to the formation of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli.

If your dog drinks from a water bowl with a significant biofilm buildup, they may ingest harmful bacteria which could lead to digestive problems or other illnesses. Similarly, if your dog eats from a food bowl with a biofilm buildup, they may also ingest harmful bacteria which could cause health problems.

Therefore, it is ‘better to be safe than sorry’ and very important to regularly clean your dog's water and food bowls to prevent the buildup of biofilm and the potential for harmful bacteria to grow. A general guideline is to clean your dog's water and food bowls daily with hot water and soap or with a non-toxic disinfectant solution. This will help to ensure that your dog's bowls are clean and safe for them to use.

DO DOGS DREAM?

Dogs, like many other mammals, do indeed dream. In fact, research suggests that they may even dream more than humans do!

Just like humans, dogs experience different stages of sleep, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs. During this stage, the brain is highly active, and the body is essentially paralyzed to prevent the dog from acting out its dreams; the same as how humans dream.

Researchers have observed dogs during REM sleep and have found that they exhibit similar behaviors to when they're awake, such as twitching, paw movements, and even vocalizations. This suggests that they are indeed dreaming and experiencing some sort of sensory input during their dreams.

So, what do dogs dream about? It's hard to say for sure, because we can’t ask them directly and allow them to answer us in our human language, but it's likely that they dream about things that are important to them, such as playing with their favorite toy, going for a walk, or interacting with their favourite humans. Some researchers even suggest that dogs may dream about past experiences, similar to how humans sometimes have vivid dreams about events from their own lives.

Overall, the fact that dogs dream is just another fascinating aspect of their complex cognitive abilities. It's yet another reason to appreciate and cherish these wonderful and truly amazing animals!

During the REM stage they're most likely to dream. During this phase, the brain becomes highly active, and electrical signals in the brain resemble those of an awake, alert animal. However, the body is essentially paralyzed, except for small twitches in the eyes, ears, and limbs.

Scientists have used electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor brain activity in dogs while they're sleeping, and they've found that the patterns of brain activity are similar to those seen in humans during REM sleep. This suggests that dogs are experiencing similar types of dreams as humans do during this stage of sleep.

Interestingly, some researchers have suggested that just like their human counterparts, dogs may also dream about past experiences. Dogs have excellent memories, and they may replay past events in their dreams, just like humans sometimes do. For example, a dog that had a particularly enjoyable day at the beach might dream about running through the sand and playing in the waves and be kicking her feet and smiling during REM as she sleeps.

Overall, while we can't know for sure what dogs dream about, it's clear that they do experience complex dream states during REM sleep. And as with so many aspects of dog behavior and cognition, the more we learn about their dreams, the more we realize just how amazing these animals truly are. Love and respect your and other people’s dogs too, for yes, they are truly incredible and amazing beings.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PUPPIES/YOUNG DOGS AND HUMAN TODDLERS ARE?

Young dogs and puppies have several similarities to human toddlers, including:

Energy levels: Like toddlers, young dogs and puppies have a lot of energy and are often very active. They LOVE to play and explore their surroundings.  This means that they need plenty of physical as well as mental exercise and playtime to help them burn off excess energy and prevent them from getting bored or destructive as well as to stay healthy and happy.

Curiosity: Both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers are naturally curious and like to explore their surroundings. They may investigate objects or areas that are off-limits or try to get into things they shouldn’t. *That is why it is up to you as the pet parent/human parent or guardian/caregiver to ensure that they do this in a ‘safe and fun manner’ and put up things that you don’t want broken or accidentally ingested until they grow out of this phase of their lives. This can be challenging for their owners or caregivers, who need to provide a safe and secure environment for them to explore while also setting appropriate boundaries.

Attention span: Both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers have short attention spans and may quickly lose interest in one activity or toy and move on to another. Try to experiment with different types and textures of safe, age appropriate toys that they can try out while you supervise them.

Socialization: Both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers benefit from socialization with others of their kind. They learn important social skills, such as how to interact with others, how to play nicely, and how to communicate their needs.

Training: Both young dogs/puppies and human toddlers need guidance and training to learn appropriate behavior and develop good habits. They both benefit from positive reinforcement techniques and consistency in their training. * We can’t emphasize enough how important CONSISTENCY and POSITIVE Reinforcement are in early development of both humans and dogs. By providing love, patience, and guidance, we can help both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers grow into happy, healthy, and well-behaved adults.

In summary, the similarities between young dogs and puppies and human toddlers are many and varied. By recognizing these similarities and providing appropriate care and attention, we can help both young dogs and puppies and human toddlers reach their full potential and lead happy, fulfilling lives.

ARE DOGS ACTUALLY COLOR BLIND OR CAN THEY SEE SOME COLORS?

Dogs are not completely color blind, but they do not see colors in the same way that humans do. Humans have three types of color-sensitive cells (called cones) in their eyes, which allow us to see a wide range of colors. Dogs, on the other hand, have only two types of cones, which means they are less sensitive to colors and cannot see the full spectrum of colors that humans can.

Research suggests that dogs can see some colors, but their color perception is limited to shades of blue and yellow. They are not able to distinguish between red and green, for example, and may see these colors as shades of gray. As longtime pet parents it baffles us all the time when we see SO many pet toy manufacturers making toys in colors that they cannot even ‘SEE’.

* So, knowing this about dogs, we might suggest that you choose toys for them in Colors that they can actually see and perceive the variations in, rather than choosing toys that they have a hard time distinguishing ‘color’ in.

Despite their limited color perception, dogs have excellent vision in low light conditions and are able to see better than humans in dim light. They also have a wider field of view and better able to detect ‘movement’/motion detection than humans, which makes them well-suited for activities such as hunting and tracking and activities that take place before dusk and dawn. They are able to detect prey and other ‘potential’ threats from a ‘greater’ distance, making them well suited for activities such as guarding, as well as the things we mentioned earlier- hunting and tracking.

Dogs are fascinating animals with incredible visual abilities that are different from humans. While they are not able to see the full spectrum of colors that humans can, they do have some color vision and can see shades of blue and yellow, and since blue and yellow make green they can distinguish some colors of green as well.

In summary, while dogs may not have the same level of color vision as humans, they have other visual abilities that make them well-suited for their environment and the activities they engage in. It's fascinating to consider the different ways that animals perceive the world around us, and dogs are a great example of how visual abilities can be adapted to suit specific needs in various species of animals.

IS IT OKAY TO LEAVE MY DOG ALONE IN THE CAR WHEN I AM NOT IN IT?

The obvious answer to this question is - NO! , it is NEVER recommended to leave your dog alone in a car when you are not in it.

You may not think so, but Temperatures inside a car can rise quickly, even on mild days, and can quickly become life-threatening for pets, even if the windows are slightly open. In addition, leaving a dog alone in a car can make them unnecessarily anxious and stressed, which can lead to behavioral problems and even aggression. Plus in most states and provinces it is ILLEGAL to do this.

Another maybe ‘not’ so obvious reason to never leave your dog alone in the car while you pop in to a store, etc. is that your car could be stolen, or even hit in the parking lot. It happens ALL the time. You would NOT want to leave your pup for ‘a few quick minutes’ to come out and find your car with your pup in it GONE, or have your vehicle crunched and your pup injured just because you made the unwise choice to leave them alone in the car while you were not in the vehicle.

If you need to leave your dog alone for a ‘short period’ of time, it is best to leave them at home in a safe and comfortable environment or with a pet sitter, dog walker, doggie daycare. If you need to travel with your dog, make sure to plan ahead and bring them with you into stores and other public places where pets are allowed, buy and learn how to train your dog to use a pet stroller, or arrange for a trusted friend or family member to stay with your dog while you are away.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOUR DOG CAN RIDE SAFELY IN THE CAR?

There are several safe ways for your dog to ride in the car:

1. Use a crate: Using a crate is the safest option for dogs. It will prevent them from being thrown around the car in the event of an accident or sudden stop. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably and that the crate itself is securely fastened to the floor/surface of the car using bungee cords, etc. if necessary.

2. Use a dog seatbelt: You can purchase a dog-specific seatbelt that attaches to your car's seatbelt or to the headrest of the rear seat of the vehicle and hangs down long enough to allow for some but not much movement. This will prevent your dog from moving around the car while you're driving.

3. Use a dog car harness: A dog car harness is similar to a seatbelt, but it's designed specifically for dogs. It will keep your dog secure and prevent them from being thrown around the car in an accident.

4. Use a barrier: A barrier can be installed between the back seat and the trunk to prevent your dog from climbing into the front seat while you're driving.

DOG WEARING DOG-SPECIFIC SEATBELT

Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to ensure that your dog is comfortable and ‘secure’ while riding in the car. *You should also avoid letting your dog ride with their head outside the window, as this can be dangerous and lead to eye and ear injuries. Also, it’s not a good idea to allow your dog to ride in the front seat of your vehicle. Common sense should tell us that if in most states and provinces it is ILLEGAL to allow a human child or adult human who weighs less than 100 pounds to sit in the front seat of a vehicle due to the fact that IF the front and or side airbags were to deploy in the event of an accident, it is HIGHLY likely that passenger would sustain injuries if not worse, it does not even make remote sense to allow a tiny creature like a dog to ride there does it?…

HOW DO DOGS SWEAT?

Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans do. Instead, they regulate their body temperature primarily by panting. When a dog pants, moisture is evaporated from their tongue, mouth, and respiratory tract, which cools the body.

Dogs also have sweat glands located on their paw pads, which can help to cool them down a little bit, but this method of cooling is much less effective than panting. Additionally, some dog breeds have fewer sweat glands on their paw pads, which can make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature through sweating.

Overall, while dogs do have some ability to sweat, it is not their primary method of cooling off like it is for humans.

Humans have sweat glands distributed all over their skin, which produce sweat that evaporates and cools the body. However, dogs have a much different anatomy and physiology, which means they don't sweat in the same way.

Dogs have a few sweat glands on their body, but they are mostly located on their paw pads. These sweat glands are called eccrine glands, and they secrete a watery fluid that can help to cool the dog down a little bit. However, the amount of sweat produced by these glands is much less than what humans produce, and it is not enough to cool the dog down significantly.

Instead, dogs rely on panting as their primary method of cooling off. When a dog pants, they inhale cooler air and exhale warm, moist air. As the moisture evaporates from their tongue, mouth, and respiratory tract, it cools the dog's body. This is why dogs pant heavily when they are hot or exercising - it helps them regulate their body temperature.

It's worth noting that some dog breeds are better equipped to handle heat than others. *Breeds with shorter muzzles, like Bulldogs and Pugs, have a harder time panting effectively, which can make it more difficult for them to cool down. Similarly, dogs with thick coats may have a harder time dissipating heat through their skin, which can also make it harder for them to stay cool, however, it is NEVER recommended to shave a ‘Double coated’ breed of dog because you assume that will make them cooler. TO the contrary, if you shave a double coated breed of dog you will actually be ‘taking away’ their ability to regulate their body temperature as well as the coat that naturally and effectively protects their vital organs in their torso region. That coat is their built-in, Goddess-given protection. The only reasons you should be considering shaving it would be in extreme cases like if they are ever to get severe mange, get some substance like tar all over themselves; situations like this. Considering all that you have just learned about dogs and how they are able to sweat to try to keep themselves cool and that this is not an easy thing for them to do, you should also be considerate and unselfish when choosing what breed of dog you may wish to live with. We humans have learned to adapt to all different types of weather and climates as we migrated across the globe but the same is not as true for our canine friends. If you live in Florida you may not want to get a Samoyed or a Siberian Husky for example, as these breeds were ‘meant to live and thrive in extremely cold arctic climates like Siberia.’ You’re only going to be able to take them outside very very early in the morning and right around dusk or later at nite because it is just going to be way too hot and humid for them to really be ‘comfortable’ and you really don’t want to see them have to live their entire lives indoors in the air conditioning and not be the happy active breeds they were meant to be do you?… Same holds true for if you live in Minnesota and you decide you’d like to have a Chinese Crested - (they are mostly hairless and very susceptible to cold climates). Consider all factors including your lifestyle, the dog breed, its natural most comfortable way of being and so on. Be kind and compassionate.

ARE DOGS LEFT PAWED OR RIGHT PAWED SIMILAR TO HOW HUMANS ARE LEFT HANDED OR RIGHT HANDED?

Yes, dogs, like humans, can exhibit a preference for using one paw over the other. This is known as ‘pawedness’, and just like ‘handedness’ in humans, it can be left-pawed or right-pawed. In fact, studies have shown that around half of all dogs have a preference for using either their left or right paw. Do you ever even notice this about your own dog or other dogs that you interact with?…

Researchers have studied pawedness in dogs by observing which paw the dog uses to perform certain tasks, such as reaching for an object or scratching at a door. Some studies have also looked at whether pawedness is related to a dog's breed, sex, or age, but the results so far have been inconclusive.

It's worth noting that pawedness in dogs is not as strongly handed as it is in humans. While some dogs clearly prefer one paw over the other, many dogs are ambilateral, meaning they use both paws equally. Additionally, pawedness may vary depending on the task or situation, and some dogs may even switch their preferred paw over time.

It's highly possible that dogs offer their paw in response to seeing humans offer their hand, but it's not clear if this is the only reason why they do it. Dogs offering their paw can have different meanings depending on the context and the dog's individual personality.

For example, some dogs may offer their paw as a way of greeting or showing affection to their human, while others may do it as a learned behavior that has been reinforced through training as in commands such as: ‘say hi!’ or ‘shake hands’. Dogs may also offer their paw as a way to signal that they want something, such as attention or a treat.

In some cases, dogs may even offer their paw as a way of signaling anxiety or stress, particularly if they are in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation.

So while it's possible that dogs offer their paw in response to seeing humans offer their hand, there are likely many other factors at play. It's up to you and very important to ‘pay attention’ to your dog's body language and context to understand what they are trying to communicate.