Canine Affection: Love is in the Air!
As we enter February, the month of love, let's take a moment to dive into the unique ways our beloved canine companions express love. It turns out that the language of affection for dogs involves more than tail wags and barks—it's in their eyes.
Research from Ellevet Sciences sheds light on the intimacy of eye contact between humans and dogs. When your dog gazes into your eyes with that soft, loving expression, it's more than a charming gesture—it's a profound display of trust and affection. The act of mutual eye contact triggers the release of oxytocin, commonly known as the "love hormone," in both humans and dogs. Intriguingly, recent studies reveal that when dogs lock eyes with their owners, they activate a hormonal response similar to the bonding observed between humans and infants.
A groundbreaking study led by Takefumi Kikusui at Azabu University in Japan delves deeper into the oxytocin-dog connection. The research involved 30 dogs and their owners, along with some wolf-owner pairs for comparison. The results are remarkable—mutual gazing between dogs and owners led to an impressive 130% increase in oxytocin levels in both male and female dogs and a staggering 300% increase in both male and female owners.
This study suggests that the oxytocin positive feedback loop observed in human-mother-infant bonding also occurs between humans and dogs. It hints at the crucial role oxytocin played in the domestication of dogs, where those capable of forming strong bonds with humans received care and protection, forging a unique interspecies relationship.
This Valentine's Day, when your furry companion looks into your eyes, recognize it as a genuine expression of love. Shower your four-legged friend with the affection they deserve, and revel in the oxytocin-induced bond that makes your relationship truly extraordinary. Beyond being pets, dogs have evolved into lifelong, devoted companions, sharing a language of love that transcends words—what a warm, fuzzy feeling!
Sources:
Ellevet Sciences. "Eye Contact with Dogs: A Display of Trust and Affection." Accessed at: https://www.ellevetsciences.com/pet-care/how-do-dogs-show-affection-6-ways-your-dog-says-i-love-you/.
Takefumi Kikusui et al. "Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds." Accessed at: https://www.science.org/content/article/how-dogs-stole-our-hearts
