Each person who shares their life with a dog is convinced of the uniqueness of their relationship, which is founded on unconditional loyalty and love. Yet, as with
communication between cat and man, the mysterious alchemy between dog and owner could also have a scientific explanation. According to a recent study by researchers at
Azabu University in Japan, a look between the quadruped and owner is enough to raise levels of a certain hormone in both of them that is responsible for driving the emotional bond between parent and child.
Oxytocin, the hormone that bonds species
Gestures of affection and meaningful looks are just
a couple of the behaviours that are regulated by the human hormone oxytocin. Informally called the 'love hormone', oxytocin is credited with encouraging sociability among members of the same species and beyond. It is known for producing an immediate feeling of personal satisfaction and is especially important for driving the emotional bond between parent and offspring, which helps ensure continuity of the species. Knowing this crucial function, researchers from a Japanese team led by
Miho Nagasawa set out to explore the relationship between humans and dogs to understand in detail how oxytocin might affect the interspecies bond.
The experiment: gazes, words and physical contact
The study started with the collection of urine samples from
21 pairs of dogs and their owners. The samples were examined before and after interaction that started with long gazes, followed by stroking then cuddling. The scientists found that there was an increase in the levels of oxytocin in dog and owner after each interaction. However, interactions based on eye contact between each pair produced significant increases of the hormone.In the second phase of the experiment, the scientists administered oxytocin in the form of a nasal spray to some of the dogs, and an inert spray to others. The dogs were then put in to a room occupied by two strangers and the owner who had all been instructed not to have any physical contact with the dogs but to limit interaction to eye contact only. This time around, the females given the nasal spray gazed at their owners for significantly longer than the males, causing the owners' oxytocin levels to spike by return. In comparison, the males that had been given oxytocin nasally increased their focus towards both the strangers and their masters. The scientist believe this difference in reaction between male and female dogs is probably due to the fact that oxytocin forms a key part in the bonding of mother and puppy; thus confirming the females' natural predisposition to the care of their puppies.When
the first part of this experiment was repeated on wolves bred by humans however, the scientists didn't find any evidence of oxytocin increase in the urine of dog or wolf as a result of the wolf-owner interactions.In the light of these findings, the evolutionary explanation comes to our aid once again. It appears the long coexistence between dog and man has allowed the canine to evolve to take advantage of
the human hormone oxytocin to blur the lines between the relationship between animal and owner to mimic that shared by parent and child. "These results suggest that humans may feel affection for their companion dogs similar to that felt toward human family members," Dr Miho Nagasawa, from the department of animal science at Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan confirmed.
Sometimes we, unfortunately, find that our cat has soiled out of the litter box. It is an
unwelcome predatory behaviour that we need to understand in order to help our...
Alternative, Green Label and Classic Raw Pack are the three lines of Almo Nature wet food for cats prepared with a unique "Raw Pack" cooking method.Let's look at some of...
Hands up who has never lived with a pet whether as a child or as an adult. Chance encounters aside,
the adoption of a dog or a cat is usually determined by personality...
Relationships between pets and their owners are quite different from those established between humans.
Dr Maria Grazia Calore, veterinary doctor and expert in pet...
At first glance (or listen), it might appear that a cat only has a small vocal repertoire of
‘meow', ‘purr' or ‘hiss'. However, studies on cat vocalisations show that...
The arrival of a new kitten at home is a critical moment, so it is very important to welcome him/her in the best possible way. The period of adaptation to the new family...
Alternative, Green Label and Classic: three different wet cat food lines prepared using an innovative “raw pack" cooking method. Let's find out more about its...
AAFCO Regulation PF3: Brand and Product Name. Regarding the use of ingredient name in the brand, product name or elsewhere on the label.“100%" - Can only be used if...