The Science Behind Our Love for Dogs

Our furry friends are a huge part of our lives that bring us so much joy and love. And you may often feel an overwhelming sense of endearment towards Fido after holding their head or laying beside them and looking into those big canine eyes. But why is that? We’ll tell you why – keep below to find out!

It’s All In Those Puppydog Eyes

A recent study showed that dog owners experience, wait for it, a 300 percent increase in oxytocin levels after spending only half an hour playing with their pooch. Most of this, though is due to eye contact. Looking into those cute canine eyes is vital here. And in fact, owners who spent time with their furry friend but little to none of it looking their pup in the face had no oxytocin increase.

Whats Oxytocin Got To Do With It?

So we’ve talked about oxytocin increasing, but what even is it? Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a HUGE part in the way we bond and connect with others. This is especially true in a mother’s relationship with her child, so much that it’s considered the “love hormone”. And many pet parents see their four-legged friends as children, so it’s no wonder they experience a rise in oxytocin when locking eyes with their pooch.

Does Fido Feel The Same Way?

While it can be shown that we obviously love our pups and feel a strong bond with them, do they feel the same way towards us? According to the same study, they do! They found in a majority of the canines tested that there was an oxytocin increase after only spending 10 minutes with their owners.

So when you’re sad to leave your pup as you go off to work and can’t wait to see them when you get home, know that they’re probably feeling the same way! You’re just as much family to them as they are to you.