A new study shows that physical contact with a dog increases activity in some parts of our brain.
The fNRIS device was used to measure activity in the prefrontal cortex of 19 people. The volunteers were more attentive and emotional when petting the dog.
The participants were asked to interact with a stuffed lion toy that had a hot water bottle in it to mimic the warmth of a real animal. When the toy was petted, the brain activity effects were not the same.
The researchers behind the study say that the brain activity in healthy subjects increased when they were close to a dog or a plush animal.
The interaction with a dog might cause more attentional processes and evoke stronger emotional arousal than similar non living stimuli.
The study participants were involved in six sessions with three dogs and three plushies.
The sessions had five phases with different levels of interaction.
The interaction increases the activity. The researchers found that interactions with the dogs raised brain activity levels after the dog was no longer present.
Something about familiarity could be involved. The owners of the dogs that were used in the experiments were not included in the study participants.
There seems to be a difference, especially between the first and second contact with the dog, suggesting that familiarity might play a different role in interactions with live and plush animals.
Research shows that time with dogs can lower stress indicators. This type of interaction could help to manage our emotional state as well.
Quality time with a dog could help people with depression, anxiety, and other related conditions, according to the team behind the study.
The next stage would be to see if the same brain effects from petting dogs could be seen in people with social or emotional issues.
Future studies should take into account participants' characteristics such as gender, pet ownership, and attitude towards animals.
The research is in a journal.
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