Science explains how pets affect our physical and mental health

[Jonn]

Science explains how pets affect our physical and mental health​

A joint study between the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and the Mental Health Foundation showed that responses can start at the chemical level. The research revealed that levels of oxytocin increase in both pets and humans when they interact with each other.


Known as one of the “happiness hormones,” along with dopamine and serotonin, oxytocin can increase happiness and life satisfaction while reducing stress and depression.

MSN

 

[Xinyta]

This makes alot of sense. Though beyond chemicals of the brain. I also feel there is both a emotional and personal connection with said pets.

Even though I do not have a dog or any other pet. My neighbor does have a dog. When me and my Uncle visit our neighbor. I feel I have more of a connection and understanding with his dog, than him or my Uncle. Or anyone else. It's hard to explain really, but I know I am happy when I am around said dog.

 

[Gerontius]

Woke up this morning in a bed full of cats. Pretty sure today will be mostly ok.

 

[FayetheAspie]

This makes alot of sense. Though beyond chemicals of the brain. I also feel there is both a emotional and personal connection with said pets.

Even though I do not have a dog or any other pet. My neighbor does have a dog. When me and my Uncle visit our neighbor. I feel I have more of a connection and understanding with his dog, than him or my Uncle. Or anyone else. It's hard to explain really, but I know I am happy when I am around said dog.

Cats and dogs can both make great friends.

 

[Tom]

I have to admit, this is one of my most obsessively favorite subjects (dogs, and most especially Chihuahuas).

In pre columbian central America small companion dogs are documented to have been kept by Mayans, Toltecs and Aztecs. The Toltecs called them Techichi. They are about the size and shape of Chihuahuas but the earliest written sources (Conquistador period) describe them as hairless (as is the still surviving Peruvian Hairless Dog) They had multiple roles and purposes but one was that they were believed to have healing effects so were given to the sick and particularly the elderly. There is a theory that Chihuahuas are in part descended from these dogs. The Peruvian can also be born with coats so that may have just developed/selected over time. It is known that Chihuahuas, especially once they get a little age are quite happy to live very sedentary lives and will sit and nap with you practically all day.

So basically this effect has been known for a very long time at least in some parts. I think any dog can has this effect but the small companion breeds have just been bred to fit in the role for the more sedentary people.

Colima culture (mexico) made numerous pottery representations of their small dogs c. 200 BC - 1500 AD.

 

[Jonn]

Cats and dogs can both make great friends.

My sister's cat and dachshund are.
They regularly have wrestling competitions.

 

[Jonn]

There is a theory that Chihuahuas are in part descended from these dogs.

Spoiler

"Ay, caramba!"

 

[Tom]

Spoiler

"Ay, caramba!"

Some trivia: Ay Caramba! and Ay Chihuahua! are both thought to be similar interjections substituting harmless/polite words for cuss/bad words. Like Oh Shoot! or Holy Moly. One origin theory/early mention about Ay Chihuahua is it comes from Chihuahua state Mexico during time of intense Apache raids and was part of a longer saying that roughly meant Oh to hell with the Apaches!