New Study Verifies That Petting Dogs Stimulates Our Brain The Same Way As Drugs

May 10, 2019 by apost team

Human beings have five amazing senses to help process and enjoy the world around them - touch, sight, hear, smell and taste. To continue to be happy and healthy, people need to regularly experience a pleasant touch. A new study has found that the simple act of petting a dog really does stimulate the brain in a positive way, much like drugs do.

The anterior cingulate cortex region of the brain divides touch into the categories of pleasant, neutral and unpleasant, each of which you experience daily. When you touch something that is categorized as pleasant in the brain, chemicals are released, leaving you with a positive, happy feeling.

You might be surprised to learn that the chemicals released, serotonin and dopamine, are the same "feel good" chemicals triggered by the use of alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy. Petting a dog is a safer, better way to feel happy and positive.

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If you suffer from depression, your levels of serotonin and dopamine are low. Petting a dog can naturally raise the level of these chemicals in your body and help to relieve some of your symptoms.

The study also showed that looking into a dog's eyes releases oxytocin, another chemical that makes you feel good. Oxytocin aids in developing the mother-baby bond by creating feelings of trust and selflessness. Do not attempt to stare into an unfamiliar dog's eyes though, as they will interpret that as threatening behavior.

When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol. Too much cortisol in the body can have negative effects. Just petting a dog can actually lower the amount of cortisol in your bloodstream. This is one reason why therapy dogs are so useful in helping people that are dealing with high stress levels.

Petting a dog not only produces these wonderful feel-good chemicals but also can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce feelings of anxiety.

Dog owners tend to spend more time outside in the sunlight than those that do not have a dog. This increases your vitamin D level, which benefits the brain and the body.

Dog owners also tend to walk more. Walking has numerous health benefits such as combating weight issues and lowering the risk of diabetes. Taking your dog for a walk is an easy way to naturally feel good.

Petting a dog can also benefit children. Children who grow up around dogs tend to have fewer allergies. It is thought that the reason is that their developing immune system gets lots of practice while dealing with the dog's dander, saliva and fur.

Petting a dog is such an easy, natural way to produce happy, positive feelings. The release of the feel-good chemicals seratonin, dopamine and oxytocin, the lower stress levels and blood pressure, and the increased physical activity that goes along with owning a dog are all great for you and your brain.

Help to spread the word about this simple way to improve moods and enjoy a happier life. Pass this along today to people that could use more joy in life. Feel free to leave your opinion or explain how this information affected you. Now, go pet your dog!