Petting a dog triggers a much stronger response in certain areas of the brain than petting a stuffed animal. Researchers at the University of Basel report that the prefrontal cortex, which contributes to the regulation and processing of social and emotional interactions, is affected. This shows that real animals in therapies cannot easily be replaced by artificial animals, according to the team in the journal Plos One.
The scientists working with the psychologist Rahel Marti measured the brain activity of 19 men and women when they either looked at a real dog or a similarly sized plush lion, cuddled their legs or stroked them. The stuffed animal had a filled hot-water bottle in its stomach to have about the same temperature as the dog. As was shown, brain activity in the area increased when handling both the real animal and the stuffed animal, but significantly more in the dog.
The difference was particularly large during the most intensive contact, stroking. With each further contact with the real dog, the brain activity continued to increase – but not with further contact with the stuffed animal. This could have something to do with building a social bond with the real animal.
Several studies have previously shown that positive interaction with a dog reduces stress parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels. It also releases neurochemicals like oxytocin that are associated with attachment or belonging.
Source: Nachrichten
