Dogs become Friendlier with more Oxytocin

Dogs have always been known to be really loving and social animals. In the wild, they live in packs and domestic dogs have carried on this trait. We notice them getting along with other dogs and animals, especially if they are not the only pet living in the house. They also approach other dogs that they meet in the street or at the park and get to know them.

In a recent study, it’s been found that oxytocin can actually cause them to show a stronger bonding and socializing behavior with other dogs and people. The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the experimenters say that the findings of their research doesn’t impact dogs alone, but it could also be applied to all kinds of mammals.

Oxytocin is a natural hormone found in mammals that impacts our behavior. Because of its effects, this hormone is commonly called as the “love” hormone. Amongst humans, a high level is commonly see when we are sexually aroused. It also caused people to become less antagonistic and more social. The study more or less showed that oxytocin has the same effect on dogs.

The researchers took 16 pet dogs with their owners, divided them to groups and misted oxytocin on one of the groups. The dogs misted with oxytocin acted differently compared to the other dogs. They showed more noticeable bonding behavior with their owners. They sniffed and pawed more and try to hold eye contact longer.