Exactly How Does Interaction With Dogs Benefit The Brain? A Study Found This...

There have been many previous studies done on this subject that have found there are cognitive, emotional, and even physiological benefits of being around animals, especially dogs.

It is well-known that being around dogs can impact the brain positively and boost your mental well-being. This is the reason why so many therapy dogs are present around the world, who help people deal with their trauma, depression, anxiety issues, and such. Pet owners and dog lovers will vouch for the fact that being around their four-legged friends after a long day of work does wonders to reduce their stress. Now, a small study published earlier this month in the journal PLOS One -- as measured by brain tests -- has concluded that interacting with dogs may 'strengthen people's brain waves' that are associated with rest and relaxation. As such, it is encouraged to decompress after a hectic day by playing with the pupper in your street or even watching adorable videos on the internet.

Health Benefits Of Being With Dogs

There have been many previous studies done on this subject that have found that there are cognitive, emotional, and even physiological benefits of being around animals, especially dogs. Dogs are said to be faithful, loving and energetic, who can boost the energy of the humans around them. Some previous studies have also found that interaction with dogs can lower the risk of memory loss.

All About The Latest Study

Now, the new study's first author Onyoo Yoo, who is a doctoral student in the department of bio and healing convergence at Konkuk University's graduate school in Seoul, has been quoted as telling CNN that while previous studies took a 'holistic approach, comparing people's mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a dog', in the new study, researchers aimed to find out 'how mood was affected by specific activities, rather than just general interaction with a dog, by both objectively measuring brain activity and asking participants about their subjective emotions'.

How The Study Was Conducted

Per the report, the study involved 30 healthy adult participants around the age of 28, who had been recruited from pet salons and a dog grooming school in Seongnam, South Korea. They were left in a dull, quiet room at a local grooming academy. Later, they did eight activities with a four-year-old female standard poodle belonging to the study's lead author. The activities included: meeting, playing, feeding, massaging, grooming, photographing, hugging and walking the dog, the CNN report stated.

But, prior to this, participants sat and stared at a wall for three minutes, in order to 'minimise any stimulation that could taint the results'. The researchers then measured their brain waves, using electroencephalogram tests (EEGs) for three minutes during the aforementioned activities.

After each activity, the participants were given a few minutes to answer a questionnaire on their emotional states; the whole process took roughly an hour. It was found that different activities had 'varying effects' on the brain waves of the participants. For instance, playing and walking with the dog increased the 'strength of the alpha-band oscillations' that indicates stability and relaxation, and is also linked with improved memory and reduced mental stress, according to the study.

Similarly, grooming, playing, petting the dog was linked with 'strengthened beta-band oscillation' that is linked with 'heightened attention and concentration'. In general, the participants felt less depressed, stressed and fatigued after spending time with the pupper.

According to Yoo, while not all participants had their own pets, their "fondness for animals likely motivated their willingness to participate in the experiment, potentially biasing the results. Animal-assisted therapy can be very beneficial for people who enjoy being around animals."