Recently my article Why Does My Dog Lick Me? generated some great conversation that I think bears some additional analysis. One of the reasons that I discuss for licking is social bonding, i.e. familial or friendship love. Part of the buzz was a debate whether the love is so obvious and apparent that it goes without saying, but as a scientist, I like proof and facts.
Researchers were able to prove that the hormones associated with the positive feelings (in this case, oxytocin) that we identify as love were increased when dogs saw their people and one of the hormones associated with stress (cortisol) decreased at the same time. The simple sight of the familiar person had a positive effect on oxytocin levels and if the person initiated contact, the increased level was sustained. (Physiology & Behavior 2013 Oct 24) These hormone responses are the only quantitative way to measure a response that all dog lovers feel instinctively. We know our dogs love us and there is scientific proof.
Fortunately for us, the love is a two way street. The same hormones are present for humans. Studies suggest that brain chemicals play a role in the positive love feelings for humans and that love is critical to the normal development and continued well-being of humans as a species. (From affiliative behaviors to romantic feelings: a role of nanopeptides. Debiec J. FEBS Lett. 2007 Jun 12)
Humans experience similar positive hormone reactions to their dogs and these are also proven. A study was set up to test the presence of the hormone, oxytocin, in humans after seeing their dog’s gaze. (Hormones & Behavior, 2009 Mar;55(3):434-41.Dog’s gaze at its owner increases owner’s urinary oxytocin during social interaction).
We all know that love is a great feeling, but have you ever considered that you cannot live without love? “Without loving relationships, humans fail to flourish, even if all of their other basic needs are met.” (Science and Society The biochemistry of love: an oxytocin hypothesis, Nov 27, 2012) We know that we love our dogs and science supports this fact.
If brain chemicals allow us and our dogs to experience feelings of love and these feelings are critical to our survival, one could say that we truly NEED each other. We as a species have a physiological need for love and I believe that we have scientific support for how important our pets are to us and us to them. We are a social and gregarious lot as humans and pets fit right in. They give us warmth and companionship. Their presence in our lives causes release of these hormones that we apparently cannot live without.
To dog lovers, this may go without saying, but if anyone scoffs at your affection for your dog, you can smile inside knowing that you know you and your dog truly have a special relationship that even science understands.
