The unseen benefits of our four-legged friends

As we stroll through the busy corridors of SM Fairview every weekend, a wave of excitement always washes over me. And no, it’s not the enticing sale signs in the shop windows or the aroma of fresh pretzels, or street foods wafting from the food court that lifts my spirits. Instead, my excitement blooms from seeing numerous dogs strolling alongside their owners, their wagging tails, and playful barks echoing around the mall. The sheer joy I get from these interactions had me curious. Could there be a scientific explanation behind my happiness? Turns out, there is – the magic lies in a potent body chemical we all produce called dopamine.

This super friendly Husky recognized me and clung quickly. The third time we saw him at the mall. The owner would happily oblige because Potchi (or something like that) is very nice and gentle.

Meet Moshi ( if I’m not mistaken, lol)
To understand this better, let’s explore the diverse array of body chemicals or neurotransmitters and their significance in our body.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals throughout our body, enabling various functions. Serotonin, for instance, is widely recognized as the ‘feel-good’ hormone, contributing to our happiness and well-being. It helps regulate our mood, appetite, and sleep, amongst other things. Dopamine, the star of our discussion, is heavily involved in our pleasure and reward system. It gives us that ‘feel-good’ sensation when we achieve a goal, falls in love, or even interact with our furry friends.

Norepinephrine, another vital neurotransmitter, keeps us alert and focused and is often released in response to stressful or exciting situations. On the other hand, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) acts as a calming agent, helping us relax and reducing anxiety. Finally, there are endorphins, often known as natural painkillers. They are released during strenuous physical activities and help alleviate pain and induce pleasure or euphoria.
These neurotransmitters work together, creating a delicate balance contributing to our mental and physical well-being. Disrupting this balance could lead to various health issues, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Interacting with dogs or any pet, in fact, is known to have several psychological and physiological benefits. A primary reason for this is the release of dopamine in our bodies. When we pet or play with a dog, our body sees this as a pleasurable activity and releases dopamine, effectively giving us a natural ‘high.’ The result? A profound sense of happiness and contentment.
In addition, the unconditional love and companionship dogs offer can also trigger the release of oxytocin – another ‘feel-good’ hormone – thereby further boosting our mood. The effects are mutual, too, with dogs also experiencing a rise in oxytocin levels during positive interactions with humans.
Scientific studies have backed up these claims. A 2009 study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that petting a dog can increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. Another study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research in 2011 demonstrated that positive interactions with dogs could help reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure.
In a nutshell, dogs don’t just fill our hearts with joy – they quite literally make our brains happier too. So, the next time you see me at the mall with an irrepressible grin, know that it’s not just the joy of seeing these adorable dogs but also a surge of dopamine making my day better. Now, isn’t that a healthy dose of dopamine we all could use?

Here are some photos of the dogs ( with permission from their owner, of course) that I took while there