How does interaction with dogs affect a person’s brain?
Playing with dogs or watching dog videos on social media can help you relax. Scientists found this out in a recent study published in a journal called PLOS One.
Many studies say being around animals, especially dogs, is good for you. It gives you more energy, makes you feel happier, etc.
How was the study conducted?
Thirty adults took part in this study. They did different activities with a 4-year-old female poodle in Seongnam, South Korea. The activities included playing, meeting, feeding, massaging, grooming, hugging, photographing, and walking the dog in a park.
The researchers wanted to see how these activities made them feel by studying their brain activity and asking how they felt. They used a special tool to check their brain activity. After each activity, participants answered questions about how they felt.
What results did the study reveal?
The researchers discovered that doing different things with the dog affected people's brains in various ways. Playing and walking with the dog made people feel emotionally stable and relaxed, which helps memory and reduces stress.
Playing, grooming, and gently massaging the dog also improved attention and focus. People felt less sad, tired, and stressed after spending time with the poodle.
The study also looked at a part of the brain that is important for feelings and social interactions. It showed that bonds with animals can change activity in this area. This study shows that having a dog can make a person's brain feel good.
But remember, if you have a pet, you must take care of it like a family member, including vaccinations and training. You can also read this article about having pets.
So, do you have a pet dog or any other pets? Would you like to adopt one in the future? Tell us in the comments.
