Socializing with a dog has affected brain activity in humans

Korean scientists have found that playing and walking with a dog, as well as caring for a four-legged pet, increases the intensity of brain waves associated with relaxation and calm concentration in humans, helping to relieve stress and improve mood.

There is considerable evidence in the scientific literature of the positive effects of dogs on humans. For example, American scientists have recently found that having pets has a good effect on the cognitive abilities of people as they age. Companion dogs are also known to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease in their owners. A past study even said that simply looking into a dog's eyes may be enough to raise levels of oxytocin, which is often referred to as the hormone of love and happiness.

In the new work, which was published in the journal PLOS One, experts from Seoul's Konkuk University (South Korea) decided to trace by encephalogram what happens in the brain of people when communicating with a furry friend.

Participants of the study were 30 people from 20 to 40 years old (15 men and the same number of women). With the help of electrodes put on the heads of the subjects, scientists measured changes in their brain activity during contact with a poodle named Aro, involved in the experiment.

Communication with the animal involved eight different types of actions lasting three minutes each. The subjects got acquainted with the dog, played with it, fed it, massaged and groomed its fur (brushing), took photos together, hugged it, and walked in the park near the experiment site.

According to the results of the encephalograms, the scientists found that while playing and walking with the poodle, the number of alpha brain waves, characteristic of a relaxed and calm state, increased in the participants. When the subjects played with the dog and lightly massaged and brushed it, their beta waves were activated, indicating increased attention and concentration in the absence of stress. Emotional state questionnaires completed by participants showed that after interacting with the dog, their moods improved and people felt less stressed, fatigued or depressed.

"The study demonstrated that by increasing relevant brain activity, certain types of interaction with dogs can promote relaxation, emotional stability, concentration and creativity. In addition, socializing with a dog reduces stress and induces positive emotions," the researchers concluded.

Previously, scientists have found that dogs can alleviate symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to one of the works, veterans and emergency workers who had a service dog were less likely to show signs of PTSD than colleagues without four-legged pets. However, experts warn that socializing with a dog will only be beneficial if the person loves these animals.