Short-Term Interaction between Dogs and Their Owners: Effects on Oxytocin, Cortisol, Insulin and Heart Rate—An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The aim of this exploratory study was to determine heart rate and the levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and insulin in dogs and their owners in response to a short-term interaction. In addition, the dogs' behavior was studied. The owners' responses were compared with those obtained from a control group. Ten female volunteers and their own male Labrador dogs participated in an experiment during which the owner stroked, petted, and talked with her dog during the first 3 minutes. Blood samples were collected from both dog and owner before (0) and at 1, 3, 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after the start of the interaction. Blood samples were analyzed by EIA. Heart rate was monitored telemetrically. The data were analyzed using linear mixed models and paired t-tests. The dogs' oxytocin levels were significantly increased 3 minutes after the start of the interaction (p = 0.027). Cortisol levels were significantly increased after 15 and 30 minutes (p = 0.004 and p = 0.022, respectively), and heart rate was significantly decreased after 55 minutes (p = 0.008). The dogs displayed normal behaviors during the experiment. The owners' oxytocin levels peaked between 1 and 5 minutes after interaction (p = 0.026). No such effect was seen in the controls. Cortisol levels displayed a significant decrease at 15 or 30 minutes in both owners and controls, and insulin levels did so at 60 minutes (p = 0.030, p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, 301 Anthrozoös Anthrozoös Short-Term Interaction between Dogs and Their Owners… p < 0.0001, respectively). Heart rate decreased significantly in the owners at 55 and 60 minutes (p = 0.0008) but not in the controls. In conclusion, short-term sensory interaction between dogs and their owners influences hormonal levels and heart rate. However, further studies need to be performed in order to better understand the effects of interaction between dogs and their owners.

Research in the use of animals as a treatment for humans

“…Another aspect of this first category is the calming effects of being together with animals and the ability of animals to catalyze contact to other persons e.g., a therapist, or act as a transitional object in a therapy situation (Corson and Corson, 1980). This category of theories is supported to some extend by scientific studies showing physiological effects of physical contact to animals (Beetz et al, 2011;Handlin et al, 2011). Other studies find that the presence of an animal positively affects the perception of the treatment or therapist (Nagengast et al, 1997;Schneider and Harley, 2006).…”

“…Oxytocin is a peptide hormone that is released in response to pleasant social interactions, particularly touch, in trusting human-human relationships (Uvnäs-Moberg, 2003). The study of Handlin et al (2011) found that the level of oxytocin was correlated to the quality of the relationship between dog owner and dog.…”

Differential effects of oxytocin on social sensitivity in two distinct breeds of dogs ( Canis familiaris )

“…Dogs, however, resemble humans not only in their human-analogue social behaviors, but also in that the oxytocin system is related to their social behavior. Evidence suggests that affiliative interactions between dogs and humans have the potential to increase oxytocin in both partners (Handlin et al 2011;Odendaal and Meintjes 2003). Making prolonged eye contact with a human partner produces intense emotional reactions and a substantial rise of circulating oxytocin in both dogs (Nagasawa et al, 2015) and humans .…”

Animal-Assisted Interventions for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…While in the above-described studies all participants were exposed to some kind of stress-inducing situation, calming effects of animals were also found in the absence of a specific stressor, which was indicated by different physiological indices (Vormbrock & Grossberg, 1988;Anderson, Reid, & Jennings, 1992;Odendaal & Meintjes, 2002;Miller et al, 2009;Nagasawa et al, 2009;Handlin et al, 2011). For example, Nagasawa et al (2009) reported that gazing versus avoiding looking at one's own dog resulted in alterations in oxytocin levels.…”