Oxytocin: Key to the Human-Dog Bond
Oxytocin: the hormone of attachment and reassurance
Discover the captivating power of oxytocin, known as the "love hormone". This remarkable biochemical messenger fosters attachment, relaxation, and trust, forging a unique connection between our two species. Lets explore the enchanting world of oxytocin and its profound influence on the relationship between dogs and humans.
What oxytocin does for body and mind
In short, oxytocin can be called a calm and relaxation messenger. It's a neurotransmitter released by the posterior pituitary gland that reduces stress (some say anxiety, aggression, and fear). It promotes trust, calmness, and relaxation. It's a hormone that influences the individual's mood. But it's also a pheromone that allows group members to convey emotional states (both consciously and unconsciously). Let's just settle for a fabulous neurotransmitter without getting too deep into the biochemistry. It's a substance we can easily release in others through touch, through a gaze... by getting lost in someone's eyes.
Study: Evidence for the oxytocin loop
Miho Nagasawa and his colleagues published "Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds" in the prestigious journal Science. They prove that the level of oxytocin in our exhaled breath affects how dogs look at us. Their gazes, in turn, influence our own oxytocin release. The exchange of gazes between dogs and humans has a direct impact on a positive oxytocin loop between the species. It's fantastic that this has been proven! Dog enthusiasts like us already knew, right?! Anyone who has drowned in a pair of dog eyes or taken a deep breath of relaxation after connecting with their furry friend knows.
Looks and touches: the key to a strong bond
In the movie Avatar, the Na'vi intertwine their hair with the tendrils of flying creatures' tails... I've tried this, and it doesn't have the same effect on dogs and human bonds. My dogs just get annoyed. But a deep, relaxed gaze, a shared breath, and a hand that playfully wanders through the fur. That's good oxytocin releasing stuff!
The biochemical loop between dog and human
Back to Miho. He believes there is something very unique about the human-dog bond. He and his colleagues have measured concentrations of oxytocin in human and dog urine. Statistically, they show how dogs' gazes increase oxytocin levels in human urine.
Pet more: An oxytocin boost for both dogs and humans
The increased oxytocin levels in humans make them want to cuddle their dogs. The more oxytocin, the more we want to cuddle. Cuddling, in turn, increases oxytocin levels in the dog's urine, thus contributing to the dog's relaxation. A positive biochemical loop!
Oxytocin and the social bond
Miho also shows that the amount of oxytocin in our exhaled breath directly influences the dog's tendency to give us long, calm gazes. This, in turn, causes oxytocin to rush through our bodies. Similar studies have been conducted on parent-child attachment, yielding similar results. Miho's findings demonstrate the existence of this biochemical loop, but why? Attachment! The same doesn't happen between humans and wolves, not even in studies conducted on wolves raised by humans. No coevolution there.
Samevolution: our shared history with the dog
Miho concludes that his research findings demonstrate a positive biochemical loop between dogs and humans, supporting theories of a symbiotic coevolution. Dogs and humans have developed a shared communication system that directly affects social bonds between the species. The long-standing relationship between dogs and humans has had a profound impact on our biological development. These findings further emphasize the significance of understanding our symbiotic coevolution In today's world, many have forgotten the dynamics of a mutually beneficial relationship between two species. If you have a dog, you are a part of such a relationship! We influence each other, instantaneously and all the time. If you are interested in how dogs and children can play and form relationships, read Dogs and children - games that boost their relationship.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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