Do you experience an immediate surge of happiness when you engage in play with your dog? The loving head pats and belly rubs provide a welcome distraction from any negative feelings, allowing you to fully enjoy the time spent with your furry friend. After such playtime, you often feel rejuvenated.

Research published in the journal PLOS One indicates that university students experience reduced stress hormones and improved mood as a result of this interaction. This relationship is reciprocal, as dogs also gain from these moments; their stress levels diminish when they spend time with humans.

Dogs reduce stress in humans

The research was carried out at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, involving 122 students and six amiable dogs, comprising five chihuahuas and one Shetland sheepdog.

Prior to the experiment, the students' stress levels were evaluated through heart rate monitoring, collection of saliva samples for cortisol analysis, and a self-report questionnaire. Subsequently, the students engaged in a 15-minute session with a dog, during which they played and petted the animal. After this interaction, the students indicated a reduction in their stress levels. The results revealed a 33.5 percent decrease in stress among the students, along with lower heart rates and cortisol levels.

Humans reduce stress in dogs too

The study indicated that dogs experienced a sense of calm from interacting with humans. Researchers collected saliva and fecal samples from the dogs both prior to and following playtime. While the cortisol levels measured in saliva did not show immediate changes after the play session, the fecal cortisol levels were significantly lower after one week. This suggests a long-term decrease in stress levels in dogs resulting from positive and playful interactions with humans.

These findings highlight the reciprocal advantages of human-dog interactions. The researchers noted that this is particularly beneficial in settings where therapy dogs are not available, as even friendly, non-certified dogs can serve as a viable alternative.

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