Oxytocin

I am sure that most of you will have heard of Oxytocin, also known as the Love Drug.

The release of the hormone Oxytocin leads to a reduction in cortisol levels and lowers stress.

As dog owners you may well be aware that stroking your dog will increase oxytocin levels in both yourself and your dogs. It is what helps us to bond to these fantastic animals.

Did you however realize that oxytocin is highly contagious? Research has shown that by doing a small kind act for someone else, whether dog or human, oxytocin levels will increase in both giver and receiver of the task.

What is extra fascinating is that anyone who witnesses the act of service or love will also have a rise in their oxytocin levels.

If you see an act of kindness your faith in the World is restored and your oxytocin level goes up.

The very clear implication of this is that when we do small things to help others, the World as a whole can benefit from it through this positive, contagious effect.

If you want to combine two of the things which I have written about above, then allowing someone to witness you stroking and showing love to your dog will actually benefit those people who see it.

Doggies: Bandido, Haraka, Stella, Quila, Teddy and Jello