A study of an animal visiting program examined how observing, rather than interacting with, dogs in a university setting would affect cortisol levels in stressed students.
How animals help cope with stress
Communication with animals increases the level of the hormone oxytocin, which reduces the level of the hormone that causes stress - cortisol.
Therefore, when stressful conditions occur, doctors even recommend getting yourself a pet.
In addition, communication with animals stimulates the production of oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone.”
This chemical is released when it interacts with dogs and other animals.
Oxytocin levels in the brain are associated with feelings of affection, trust, and stress relief.
What animals are treated for depression
Dogs occupy first place in the ranking of “antidepressant animals”: their owners, according to independent studies from different countries, are less susceptible to developing depression.
Thus, scientists from Japan and the USA have found that communication with dogs can be equated to communication with loved ones.
