Numerous studies have explored the relationship between humans and dogs, showing that having a four-legged companion can improve mood, lower blood pressure, and reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Simply looking into a dog’s eyes can also increase oxytocin levels in humans, a hormone associated with feelings of love and trust.
A study measured the brainwaves of individuals interacting with dogs and uncovered several interesting findings (Image: Justine Goode/NBC News/Getty Images).
Previous research on the benefits of interacting with animals typically employed a holistic approach, comparing mood or hormone level changes in people before and after spending time with dogs. Only a few studies have indicated what occurs in the human brain during interactions with a “furry friend.”
Recently, researchers in South Korea published results after experimenting with electrodes placed on the heads of 30 individuals to measure changes in their brainwaves while they interacted with a poodle.
The results indicated that taking the dog for a walk helped participants relax, grooming it improved their concentration, and playing with it provided both benefits, demonstrating that engaging in certain activities with dogs can enhance specific brain activities.
One of the participants interacting with a poodle named Aro, conducted by South Korean researchers. (Image: Onyoo Yoo).
Researchers found that alpha brainwaves, which indicate stability and relaxation, increased when participants played with Aro using squeaky toys and when they walked it in the park. At the same time, beta waves, related to attention and focus, also increased during play, grooming, or massaging Aro. This is a sign of increased focus without heightened stress.
Specifically, massaging Aro, feeding it, and hugging it improved the mood of the participants. They reported feeling comfortable while walking the dog and relaxed while massaging it.
Researcher Onyoo Yoo from Konkuk University in South Korea stated, “This study demonstrates that specific activities with dogs can enhance relaxation, emotional stability, attention, focus, and creativity by facilitating increased positive brain activity. Furthermore, interacting with dogs also reduces stress and elicits positive emotional responses.”
Some prior studies have indicated that dogs can help reduce symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the extent of their effectiveness remains unclear. However, it is noted that for the form of “pet therapy” to be effective, the dog owner must first be someone who loves animals.
For instance, individuals who were bitten by dogs as children may develop a fear that prevents them from wanting to bond with other dogs as adults. In such cases, pet therapy may not be effective.
Expert Jennifer Dobkin oversees a pet therapy program for various patients and healthcare staff, part of the “Human-Animal Connection” program at the University of California, USA. She has witnessed how interacting with dogs helps individuals focus and relax. She recounts how a staff member, stressed after a bad workday, became more comfortable, smiling and telling her, “You have no idea how much I needed this.”
Jennifer Dobkin shared an instance where she brought her dog to visit a family gathered around their dying father. In such a heavy and sorrowful situation, the family managed to lift their spirits and “focus on something that demanded nothing from them: petting a dog” – she recalled.
Children at Stuart House, a center in California specializing in treating children who have experienced sexual abuse, also enjoy playing with a dog named Norse, a golden retriever, while speaking with investigators.
Ms. Dobkin mentioned, “Our dogs are brought into those situations to help children feel more comfortable discussing very stressful events that have happened to them. I believe having a dog nearby helps the children concentrate as the animal provides them with a sense of comfort.”
