May 31, 2023
We have all, at one time or another, likely referred to our cat or dog as our ‘fur-baby’. We have commonly adopted this term, as it more accurately communicates to the listener, how much value and importance we place on our relationship with our animals.
It’s true! We do consider them to be fully-fledged family members, and we do care for their needs as selflessly as we would tend to the needs of our dependent children.
To some this may sound crazy, but science is backing up the love-bond we share with our animals, proving that at a neurological and biochemical level, we are bonding with our animals in the same way we would our own human offspring.
Studies are showing that when we stare into the eyes of our animal, it elicits the same biochemical response that would bond us to our newborn baby. Although these studies have focused mainly on dogs, the more tactile, social, and affectionate cat companions will produce similar effects.
The hormone responsible for this bonding phenomenon is called oxytocin, and it has earned itself the nickname of ‘The Love Hormone’. This bonding effect of the love hormone is called the ‘oxytocin loop’. Essentially, when a mother stares into the eyes of her baby, the baby’s oxytocin levels rise. The increase creates feeling of love, safety and nurturing, which makes the baby stare for longer into their mothers eyes. As a mother stares back at her baby, her oxytocin levels also rise in response. It is a biochemical feedback loop that creates a strong emotional bond when other forms of connection and communication are not available.
Studies have shown that staring in the eyes of your dog, and engaging in physical touch, creates the same oxytocin feedback loop. The same studies have noted that both the dog and the human experience rises in oxytocin levels, indicating it is a mutually shared bonding experience. This certainly explains why we feel such a strong connection to our animals - it is literally in our DNA.
“It’s an incredible finding that suggests that dogs have hijacked the human bonding system,” says Brian Hare, canine cognition expert at Duke University, North Carolina.
Human infants rely on oxytocin bonding to encourage their mother to care for them and keep them safe. It has been hypothesised that this chemical bonding response to dogs may have been an important factor in the domestication process. Domestic dogs are distinguishable from wolves, by their readiness to make eye contact with humans. Those dogs who were able to bond with humans would have received care and protection, and humans in turn adapted by expand their oxytocin feedback loop to include companion animals, who could provide them with protection and safeguarding.
Whilst the importance of the oxytocin feedback loop is speculation at this point, it does indicate that this may be why service dogs have been so beneficial for people with autism and PTSD. The presence of oxytocin reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, whilst increasing the feeling of connectedness. With oxytocin also noted as a stress-reliever, it is no wonder our lives feel so enriched by having companion animals in our lives.
Claire Forsyth
Specialist Animal Kinesiologist B.Sc, Dip Kin
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About the author
Claire Forsyth 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.
