Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between humans and dogs. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

SirTeddykins · 10-29-2014, 03:00 AM

As always, I am studying but I came across a study by Odendall and Jeintjes (2003) which showed an increase in oxytocin (feel good hormone) and endorphins (similar) in humans following positive interaction with a pet.

The research abstract is as follows:

Abstract

Few physiological parameters for positive human-companion animal contact have been identified and those that are established have all been in humans. The implication is that if the physiological reactions are mutual, dogs would experience the same psychological benefits from these neurophysiological changes as humans. Therefore, we have determined the role of certain neurochemicals during affiliation behaviour on an interspecies basis. Our results indicate that concentrations of beta-endorphin, oxytocin, prolactin, beta-phenylethylamine, and dopamine increased in both species after positive interspecies interaction, while that of cortisol decreased in the humans only. Indicators of mutual physiological changes during positive interaction between dog lovers and dogs may contribute to a better understanding of the human-animal bond in veterinary practice.

Details can be found here:
Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between huma... - PubMed - NCBI

It is interesting, at least to me, to consider biological evidence of well-being that we feel as pet owners.

Also, as the abstract points out, a better understanding of human-animal bonding in veterinary practice would be beneficial in that environmental stressors could be identified which could lead to assistance with behavioral correction, for example..

I am an advocate of the biopsychosocial approach which does not reduce behavior to only one cause but encompasses a holistic approach to include biology, psychology and social factors.

I don't know, I think I'm rambling now and need a nap. But, if you find the above info interesting, enjoy!

margaritaville · 10-29-2014, 04:30 AM

Works for me. I know when I am out for a long time I want to get home to them.
It would be great if they could control my weight!

Wylie's Mom · 10-29-2014, 07:08 AM

Very cool. It's no surprise to me that animals have measurable effects upon us.

SirTeddykins · 10-29-2014, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by margaritaville

Works for me. I know when I am out for a long time I want to get home to them.
It would be great if they could control my weight!

I know, right!!! I was already on 1400 calories by 10 a.m this morning and if petting Teddy could have fixed that .. .well, he'd be bald right now..lol!

10-29-2014, 03:00 AM	#1
SirTeddykins aka ♥SquishyFace♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: n/a Posts: 1,875	Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between humans and dogs. As always, I am studying but I came across a study by Odendall and Jeintjes (2003) which showed an increase in oxytocin (feel good hormone) and endorphins (similar) in humans following positive interaction with a pet. The research abstract is as follows: Abstract Few physiological parameters for positive human-companion animal contact have been identified and those that are established have all been in humans. The implication is that if the physiological reactions are mutual, dogs would experience the same psychological benefits from these neurophysiological changes as humans. Therefore, we have determined the role of certain neurochemicals during affiliation behaviour on an interspecies basis. Our results indicate that concentrations of beta-endorphin, oxytocin, prolactin, beta-phenylethylamine, and dopamine increased in both species after positive interspecies interaction, while that of cortisol decreased in the humans only. Indicators of mutual physiological changes during positive interaction between dog lovers and dogs may contribute to a better understanding of the human-animal bond in veterinary practice. Details can be found here: Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between huma... - PubMed - NCBI It is interesting, at least to me, to consider biological evidence of well-being that we feel as pet owners. Also, as the abstract points out, a better understanding of human-animal bonding in veterinary practice would be beneficial in that environmental stressors could be identified which could lead to assistance with behavioral correction, for example.. I am an advocate of the biopsychosocial approach which does not reduce behavior to only one cause but encompasses a holistic approach to include biology, psychology and social factors. I don't know, I think I'm rambling now and need a nap. But, if you find the above info interesting, enjoy! Last edited by SirTeddykins; 10-29-2014 at 03:02 AM.

10-29-2014, 04:30 AM	#2
margaritaville Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: west long branch, n.j. Posts: 4,457	Works for me. I know when I am out for a long time I want to get home to them. It would be great if they could control my weight! __________________ Joan, Bubba and Sissy-BEWARE OF PUPPY MILLS breathe in, breathe out, move on -jb Last edited by margaritaville; 10-29-2014 at 04:31 AM.

10-29-2014, 07:08 AM	#3
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	Very cool. It's no surprise to me that animals have measurable effects upon us. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°