A ground-breaking study has revealed that interactions with dogs significantly boost oxytocin levels in children, offering new biological insights into the emotional bond between humans and animals. The study, led by Gnanadesikan et al and published in Psychoneuroendocrinology, highlights the first scientific evidence of affiliative social interactions with dogs influencing oxytocin concentrations in children. Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," is known to foster positive emotions, reduce stress and support social bonding.
Involving 55 children and their pet dogs, the study examined oxytocin levels before and after interaction, and compared them to levels during solitary play. Both familiar dogs (the children’s pets) and unfamiliar trained therapy dogs were included. The key findings revealed that interactions with both types of dogs increased oxytocin levels in children, while solitary play did not. Additionally, dogs also benefited, experiencing a decrease in cortisol levels, a hormone linked to stress, suggesting mutual benefits in the human-animal bond.
This innovative study, supported by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute (WPSI), advances the understanding of how dogs may support children’s social and emotional growth. Vanessa Ashall, human-animal interaction technical leader at WPSI, emphasized the study’s significance, noting the biological evidence it provides for the positive effects dogs can have on children, as well as the reciprocal benefits for the dogs themselves.
This research adds to the growing body of work on Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) and offers promising insights into the role of companion animals in child development.
