November 4, 2021
Did you know that the same hormones are released when we gaze into the eyes of our dog as when a mother bonds with her baby? In this article, we explore how dogs and humans are not only connected emotionally, but physically too.
As a fellow animal lover, I know I don’t need to convince you of the profound love we share with our dogs.
Sometimes we choose the dog that enters our lives, whilst some dogs wandered into our hearts by other means and never left. Nurturing the unconditional love we share with them gives us purpose and brings life a new depth of meaning.
Fun fact: Did you know that the same hormones are released when we gaze into the eyes of our dog as when a mother bonds with her baby?
After a busy day at work, the sight of our furry friend instantly uplifts us as they greet us at the door. We begin to feel joyful emotions, and the stress physically leaves our body.
How can a waggly tail have such a big impact on us?
When we speak about love, we associate that emotion with the heart. The heart is not only a vital organ in terms of our circulatory system, it’s also in constant communication with the brain and is a main influencer of the nervous system.
The activity of the heart influences perception, emotions, intuition, and health. It has an electromagnetic field that’s larger than the brain, extending some 3 meters out from the body. This explains why our mood can be so easily influenced by those we are in close proximity to.
There exists a communication between humans and dogs that is outside of the realm of body language and verbal communication. Science is beginning to investigate this special heart to heart connection, and the positive effect it has on our physiology.
The HeartMath Institute is a non-profit organisation conducting research into the link between the heart and the brain. One particular experiment focused on the heart to heart bond humans share with their dogs.
In the experiment, a 15 year old boy called Josh and his beloved dog Mabel, were the subjects of an experiment to determine how the electromagnetic fields of their respective hearts, influenced each other.
Both were fitted with electrocardiogram records that analysed their heart rate and activity. Initially, Josh and Mabel were separated in different laboratories. Noticeably, their heart rates increased as each experienced some separation anxiety.
Next, Mabel was brought into the room with Josh, and Josh was instructed to focus on Mabel and consciously project feelings of love and care.
The results were so interesting!
Not only did both Mabel and Josh’s heart rates reduce, they also synchronised. Their heart activity became what is called ‘coherent’.
A coherent heart pattern is a solid measure of well-being and is consistent with emotional states of calm and joy. When a heart enters a pattern of coherence, stress, tension and anxiety are greatly reduced.
The heart to heart connection we share with our dogs is very real, and being in this state of connectedness brings us back to the moment and helps us to be fully present. Being present and connected to oneself and others underpins all spiritual practices, which is why our connection to our dogs can feel it exists on a spiritual level.
So, wear those dog hairs on your clothes like a badge of honour. It’s proof that you are lucky enough to be sharing your life with a four-legged soul mate.
Visit the HeartMath Institute website to find out more about the Boy and His Dog experiment.
Claire Oats
Specialist Animal Kinesiologist B.Sc, Dip Kin
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About the author
Claire Oats is a Specialist Animal Kinesiologist and Canine Behaviourist from Perth. Claire has worked with dogs for the last 25 years and specialises in resolving behaviour problems using Kinesiology techniques to remove physiological, neurological and emotional stress.
Please note: Claire's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your veterinarian.
