Study: how communication with a dog affects the human brain (video)

Scientists say that playing with and even caring for a dog has a positive effect on a person’s emotional state, increasing the waves of brain activity associated with rest and relaxation.

Results of a study by South Korean scientists published in the scientific journal PLOS One. In their work, they used measurements to study brain activity and talked with experiment participants about the emotions they experienced, tells CNN. The researchers determined how specific types of interaction with a dog affected their mood and well-being.

The study involved thirty people, with an average age of 28, whom the researchers met at dog grooming schools and pet salons. To exclude any emotional stimulation, participants sat facing a wall for three minutes before starting the study.

Each of them performed eight active actions with a four-year-old trained poodle: introductions, games, feeding, massage, grooming, photography, hugs, and walking the dog. During each activity for three minutes, the scientists measured the participants’ brain impulses using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Between tasks, participants filled out questionnaires answering questions about their emotional state. Different types of interaction with a dog had a special effect on brain fluctuations:

1. Playing games and walking the dog increased the strength of alpha-band oscillations, which indicate calm and relaxation. According to research, alpha wave activity is associated with improved memory and reduced stress.
2. Grooming, playtime, and gentle massage were associated with increased beta-band oscillations, which are associated with increased alertness and concentration.
3. Participants experienced significantly less depression, stress, and fatigue after interacting with the poodle.

Not all participants in the experiment had their own pets; it is likely that their love of animals motivated them to take part in the study. According to study co-author One Yu, this could potentially influence the results:

“Animal-assisted therapy can be very helpful for people who enjoy being around animals.”

Scientists note that further experiments with bOlarger number of participants. Previous research showed that dog owners take more care of their pets than cat owners. But more on that next time.

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