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We all know that petting a dog somehow makes us feel better.
In fact, science tells us that interacting with animals, particularly dogs, helps people deal with stress and depression. There is a well-established field of animal-assisted therapy.
A new study published last month further supports the idea that petting dogs “engages the social brain.” Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland showed that viewing, feeling and touching real dogs boosts activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This is important because that part of the brain helps regulate and process social and emotional interactions, according to ScienceDaily.
Nineteen men and women interacted with a live dog and a stuffed animal lion. Their brains were observed with neuroimaging technology.
There was more prefrontal brain activity with interactions with the real dogs over the stuffed animals. And the activity increased each time people interacted with the real dog. That wasn’t the case with stuffed animal, “indicating that the response might be related to familiarity or social bonding.”
The hope is studies like this will help develop better therapies for people struggling with social and emotional issues.
We at Pugpalooza are all for it! We know the power that pets have to buoy the soul.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
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Photo by Wade Austin Ellis on Unsplash
