What’s a four-legged, furry companion that sprinkles a dash of joy into our lives? Enter the enchanting world of dogs. These delightful creatures not only sport fur and a wagging tail but also possess the magical ability to uplift our spirits with just a brief encounter. The revelation of the therapeutic prowess of dogs struck me during one of my leisurely ambles through the neighborhood.
Almost like clockwork, I cross paths with a fellow stroller accompanied by their canine companion. If granted permission to engage with the four-legged friend, the ensuing moments become a symphony of cooing and affectionate exchanges. Such encounters consistently leave me basking in a serene afterglow, prompting a thought: Could these fleeting connections with other people’s dogs be the secret elixir for my well-being? “Absolutely. It’s safe to affirm that animals contribute significantly to our mental and physical well-being,” declares Nancy Gee, a distinguished professor of psychiatry and the director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University. Gee elucidates that evidence is stacking up, suggesting a decline in the stress hormone cortisol after a mere 5 to 20 minutes of interaction with dogs – even if they’re not one’s own. “Moreover, we observe spikes in oxytocin, the delightful bonding hormone,” she adds. This positive exchange isn’t a one-way transaction. “What fascinates me about this research is the reciprocity. Dogs experience the same surge in oxytocin levels when engaging with humans,” Gee points out.
It’s crucial to note that the therapy dogs used in research undergo rigorous screening for traits such as friendliness, good behavior, and responsiveness to cues. Yet, Gee sounds a note of caution, acknowledging that not everyone is a fervent dog enthusiast, citing reasons ranging from temperament to allergies. “Pets aren’t a universal remedy. They may not be a perfect fit for everyone. But for those with a genuine connection to animals, the impact can be profound,” she asserts. Beyond the joyous encounters lie studies linking dog ownership to positive health outcomes – from a healthier heart to increased physical activity. Despite some mixed evidence,
Gee attributes this to methodological differences and the inherent challenge of establishing causation in studies of pet ownership. Research exploring the health benefits of human-animal interactions, especially with our canine companions, has experienced a surge, propelled by support from the National Institutes of Health and the Waltham PetCare Science Institute. While the field is in its youth, Gee notes that the quality of evidence is evolving positively, with randomized controlled trials on short interactions exhibiting promising effects. Take, for instance, evidence suggesting that brief moments of interaction with dogs may elevate cognitive function. Gee collaborated on a randomized controlled trial involving 8 and 9-year-old school children in the U.K. The study found that kids engaging in twice-weekly, brief exchanges with dogs in the classroom experienced reduced stress and improved executive functioning, with these benefits lingering for a month and potentially extending to six months.
So, what enchanting qualities do dogs possess that induce relaxation and focus? Megan Mueller, an associate professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, suggests that dogs inspire us to savor the present. “Animals, particularly dogs, live in the moment. They’re in constant awe of their surroundings, unburdened by the past or future. They exist fully in the present,” explains Mueller. Mueller, delving into the psychology of human-animal relationships, posits that observing dogs explore their surroundings serves as a cue for us to be more attentive. “They lure you away from your phone and into the current environment.”
There’s also tantalizing evidence suggesting that the act of physically touching a dog plays a pivotal role in their calming effect.
A Canadian study found that college students reported reduced stress and feelings of homesickness after brief interactions with dogs, and this effect was more pronounced in those who had the chance to pet the animals. Mueller is currently spearheading a study aligning with these findings.
“Some initial research indicates that physical touch may positively impact our nervous system,” Mueller suggests. Yet, the enchantment of the bond transcends our attention to dogs. Gee, from Virginia Commonwealth University, underscores that over thousands of years of domestication, dogs have honed an extraordinary ability to comprehend humans. “They authentically connect with another human being, doing so in an unassuming manner,” Gee emphasizes. What’s truly remarkable is that they achieve this without uttering a single word. As my dog-loving 9-year-old eloquently puts it, dogs possess a silent language that speaks directly to our hearts.