There is no greater feeling than climbing into bed after a long day, and having your beloved pup jump onto your bed and curl up next to you. There's something calming and beautiful about holding your dog and gently giving her pets as you both fall asleep. Well, fun fact: that's because of science. Here's the science behind why you and your dog love snuggling with one another.
Snuggling is so appealing to humans because of the hormone and brain transmitter (or neuropeptide), oxytocin, which is usually referred to as the "love hormone." When oxytocin is released in the brain, it impacts certain social behaviors, and the response it has increases feelings of trust, relaxation, and psychological stability.
So, basically, when you snuggle with your dog, you're increasing the bond of trust between the two of you, and both of you have increased feelings of relaxation, which is very nice after a long day. Furthermore, if you're stressed or feeling depressed, snuggling with your dog helps combat that and makes you feel happier and more stable.
Oxytocin affects your dog in the same way, but has the added effect of heightened alertness. The most important effect of oxytocin on a dog, however, is the strengthening of the bond between himself and his owner. Researchers found that when a dog is exposed to oxytocin in his bloodstream, which can be released through cuddling, he is more able to take more social cues from his owner.
Basically, when you snuggle with your dog, she learns to trust you more, and the bond between the two of you is strengthened incredibly. People have wondered for a long time whether or not their dogs love them the same way people love them. This has proved that, yes, they do. Your dog loves you, and loves cuddling just as much as you do.
In short, snuggling with your dog is probably the best way to build trust between the two of you, and increases the love you feel for one another. So, if you love snuggling, and have a furry friend, give him a little extra love by curling up with him on the couch, your bed, or even the floor. Both you and your furry friend will be much happier afterward.
All gifs were retrieved from tumblr.com.
