For many dog owners, our dogs are front and centre in our lives. They love us unconditionally and don't judge us, even if we're an hour late for walkies because it won't stop raining. Their soothing nature can calm us down and make us feel more relaxed and less anxious, even on our worst days.
For some of us, we have a stronger bond with our dogs than we do with people. But did you know, there's a way to bond with your dog that has physical benefits for both of you?
Just stroking your dog releases oxytocin. This feel-good hormone lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and helps you feel calmer. It's the hormone that bonds parents to their babies and plays a role in trust and altruism. Hugging your dog has the same effect. But recent research has found that looking into your dog's eyes gets the best results. This can boost your oxytocin levels by a massive 300%! And the best bit: your dog benefits too: their levels can increase by 130%.
The study is the first one to show this hormonal bonding process between people and another species and it may help explain how dogs became man's best friend. They interact with people on far higher levels than many other animals. Point at an object and a dog will look at where you are pointing; something that even our closest relatives, chimpanzees, don't do. In the wild, when animals look directly into each other's eyes, it is seen as a threat. This is certainly true for wolves - our domestic dogs' closest relative. Yet, most of the interactions with our canine friends involve looking into each other's eyes.
So, next time you're in need of a boost, get down onto the floor, gaze into your doggie's eyes, and soak up that oxytocin.