I am a huge animal lover and have had a multitude of pets in my home throughout my life. Growing up I always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. However, after I earned an animal science degree, my attention was turned to helping people become healthier, and I dedicated my career to helping humans live their lives to their fullest potential. My love of animals still lives on, and when I saw this study, it brought my two worlds together.
Petting a dog, or any other animal, positively stimulates your brain. The brain chemical it releases would be of interest to my families with Parkinson’s disease.
We all feel good when we pet a pup! When you pet an animal, your brain is stimulated. The anterior
cingulate cortex part of the brain divides the sense of touch into 3 categories; pleasant, neutral and
unpleasant. This part of the brain processes many types of emotions. When we touch something
pleasant (like petting your pooch), it releases serotonin and dopamine. Hello… DOPAMINE!!
These chemicals are also triggered by alcohol, cocaine and amphetamines – drugs that can harm you. But there are no side effects to the love you share with an animal.
Not only does hugging and petting your pet releases brain chemicals, it turns out that just looking at your pet can release other positive chemicals. Research shows that staring into a dog’s eyes releases another feel-good chemical called oxytocin. Interestingly, this is only true for animals you have a relationship and bond with already.
Cortisol is a chemical that the body releases when you are stressed, and it can cause a host of negative effects on the body. However, by petting a dog when you are stressed you can help to reduce the amount of cortisol in your bloodstream.
Owning a pet is also linked to:
- Lowering high blood pressure.
- Lower heart rate.
- Increasing your physical activity (If you own a dog because you must go for a walk daily).
- Decreased anxiety and depression.
- Feeling needed and less lonely.
- Less fearfulness.
Say yes to owning a pet!
Stay tuned for future blog where I will share stories of our fighters and their therapy dogs.
Do you own a therapy animal? Contact me, and I may be able to include your story. Email kimberly@kimberlyberg.net.
Resources:
www.newportacademy.com/Anxiety Stress & Coping. 16(4):387–395.
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320950.php