The Impact of Interacting with Dogs on Brain Areas Revealed by Recent Study

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If you find relaxation in spending time with dogs or watching their cute videos on social media, you might be onto something.

Interacting with dogs in certain ways can help improve brain waves connected to relaxation and calmness, as shown in a recent study published in the journal PLOS One.

Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of interacting with animals, particularly dogs, on our emotions, physical health, and cognitive function. These benefits include increased energy, enhanced positive feelings, and reduced risk of memory decline. This is why animal-assisted therapy is becoming more popular in various fields.

Playing with your dog may not just be good for your pet — it could also benefit your emotional health, according to a new study.

Playing with your dog may not just be good for your pet — it could also benefit your emotional health, according to a new study.

Onyoo Yoo, a doctoral student in the department of bio and healing convergence at Konkuk University’s graduate school in Seoul, mentioned that previous studies typically looked at people’s mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a dog.

In this latest research, Yoo and his team set out to explore how different activities impact mood when interacting with a dog. They used both brain activity measurements and participant reports to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects.

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Happy young woman with arms raised in motorboat enjoying sunny day

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The study included 30 healthy adults, with an average age of 28, who were recruited from pet salons and a dog grooming school in Seongnam, South Korea, between May and June 2022.

In a simple room at a local grooming academy, each participant engaged in eight activities with a 4-year-old female standard poodle. These activities involved meeting, playing, feeding, massaging, grooming, photographing, hugging, and walking the dog.

Participants were asked to sit quietly and look at a wall for three minutes before the activities started. This was done to reduce any distractions that could affect the results.

During each activity, the authors used electroencephalogram tests, also known as EEGs, to measure the participants' brain waves for three minutes.

An EEG is a simple and painless test that detects electrical activity in the brain by placing small metal discs called electrodes on the scalp. According to Yoo, these tests offer valuable insights into unconscious processes that may not be revealed through self-disclosure.

A study participant pets the poodle involved in the research.

A study participant pets the poodle involved in the research.

EurekAlert/PLoS One Journal/Konk

After each task, the authors gave participants a couple of minutes to answer questionnaires on their emotional states. The whole process took around an hour.

Engaging in different activities had different impacts on the brain waves of participants. According to the authors, playing and walking with a dog resulted in increased alpha-band oscillations, which generally signify stability and relaxation. The study also suggests that alpha wave activity is connected to enhanced memory and reduced mental stress.

Furthermore, grooming, playing, and gently massaging the dog led to strengthened beta-band oscillations, which are linked to improved attention and concentration. Interacting with the poodle also resulted in participants feeling noticeably less depressed, stressed, and fatigued.

"Dr. Colleen Dell, a professor and research chair in One Health & Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, expressed excitement about a new study that sheds light on the specific ways in which known benefits in this field may be happening. She mentioned that previous research has mainly been based on personal stories or opinions, so this new study is a significant step forward."

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Neurologists suggest various ways to combat dementia. One important method is studying the brain using different techniques like EEG and subjective scales, as mentioned by Dell, a neurologist not part of the study.

Engaging with dogs can have a positive impact on the brain. Even if some participants did not have their own pets, their love for animals may have influenced their decision to take part in the study, which could have affected the outcomes. Animal-assisted therapy is known to be helpful for individuals who find joy in the company of animals.

Dr. Tiffany Braley, the Holtom-Garrett Family Professor of Neurology at the University of Michigan, who was not part of the study, mentioned that the study did not aim to determine the specific mechanisms that connect pet interactions to changes in brain activity.

In this study, the prefrontal cortex was one of the regions examined. Dr. Braley noted that this region is believed to be involved in emotional and social processing, suggesting that bonding with animals could potentially impact activity in this area. Additionally, previous research has indicated that lower cortisol levels and higher oxytocin levels may contribute to the physiological changes linked to interactions between humans and animals.

Group of friends spending an easy afternoon, playing a role playing style boardgames at their home. Wizards and skeletons making their fate through the throwing dice.

Group of friends spending an easy afternoon, playing a role playing style boardgames at their home. Wizards and skeletons making their fate through the throwing dice.

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Experts pointed out some weaknesses in the study. They mentioned the low number of participants and the absence of individuals with mental, medical, or neurological conditions. These groups could potentially benefit the most from the interventions, according to Braley. Another drawback was the lack of a control group to compare the results when interacting with a human instead of a dog.

“It will be important to confirm the validity of these findings in future studies,” Yoo said.

Applying doggie research to your life

Experts have stated that there is increasing evidence to support the benefits of interacting with your dog, although more research is required.

According to Dell, most activities involving your dog are probably enjoyable for them, but it's important to be aware of what they may not like. For instance, some dogs may not appreciate being hugged.

If you're thinking about bringing a dog into your family, there are a few important factors to consider. One of the main things to keep in mind is the financial commitment involved. From pet supplies to healthcare expenses, toys, food, and pet sitting, the costs can quickly add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. Whether you're adopting a puppy or an older dog, training and adapting to a new environment are essential steps for any new pet.

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If you’re not ready for a pet but still want to experience the emotional benefits, you can consider playing with a friend or family member’s pet. You can also visit a local shelter or pet store that allows interaction with dogs, even if you’re not looking to adopt. This is especially recommended at places with many puppies, as spending time with them helps socialize the dogs.

It is crucial to consider the well-being of the dog, according to Dell. She emphasized that the dog’s health and happiness are essential for their full participation in any therapeutic intervention.

Editor's P/S:

This article delves into the multifaceted benefits of interacting with dogs, particularly their impact on our brain waves and emotional well-being. The study presented in the article demonstrates that engaging in activities like playing and walking with dogs can enhance alpha-band oscillations in the brain, signifying relaxation and stability. Additionally, grooming, playing, and massaging the dog lead to increased beta-band oscillations, which are linked to improved attention and concentration. These findings further support the notion that animal-assisted therapy can be beneficial for individuals who find joy in the company of animals.

While the study provides valuable insights into the neurophysiological effects of dog interactions, it also highlights the need for further research to fully understand the specific mechanisms involved. Experts emphasize the importance of considering the well-being of the dog and ensuring that it enjoys the activities it participates in. Additionally, future studies should explore the benefits of dog interactions for individuals with mental, medical, or neurological conditions, as they could potentially benefit the most from these interventions.