Dogs can measure our moods
Brain scans show some canines are able to distinguish emotions in human faces.
Why pets are important
Research shows that pets can improve their owner’s wellbeing by reducing loneliness and depression, encouraging exercise, providing companionship, and giving life structure and purpose.
For some, pet ownership is a protective factor against poor mental health.
Responses to a National Seniors Australia (NSA) survey reveal that many older people see their pets as family members or their closest companions.
Research shows that caring for, fostering, or inheriting pets strengthens community connections, but there is also a need to plan for your pet’s future care as you age.
Read the full article by the NSA Research Team here.
Science has confirmed what many pet owners already know: our dogs know when we are happy and sad.
According to research published in the journal, iScience, dogs are “remarkably good at reading human laughs, frowns, and tears”.
Senior study author, Laura Cuaya, from the University of Vienna, says brain scans suggest that happy human faces may have emotional significance for dogs.
The research involved a small group of dogs, mostly border collies – a breed known for its ability to follow social cues – plus a labrador and a golden retriever.
The pets had to be trained to remain still during the experiment and to be comfortable with the MRI equipment being used.
They were then shown photographs of human faces.
When the animals saw pictures of happy humans, it lit up their temporal cortex and extended into the caudate nucleus, which are brain regions associated with higher cognitive and reward processing.
The research offers clues into how the animals, which evolved separately to humans, have “developed the social abilities needed to understand and cooperate with us”.
Another member of the research team, Raúl Hernández-Pérez, told CNN, “Humans are really good at picking up small details on the face. So are dogs.
“This makes dogs very interesting. By studying their brains, we can understand what adaptations have developed to support their remarkable social and emotional understanding of humans.
“By reflecting on how remarkably attentive dogs are to our emotions, we can also try to become better at recognising how they express their own.
“Emotions are a powerful form of communication that can connect us across species.”
What does this mean for dog owners?
Cuaya told the BBC, “We can reward our dogs with treats, but also reward them with happiness. So, we should smile at the dogs - even at random dogs in the street.”
Related reading: CNN, University of Vienna, BBC
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional about any health concerns or before making any changes to your medication, diet, or exercise routine.
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