Dogs: Our Natural Stress Relievers

A new study by the University of Denver's Institute for Human-Animal Connection highlights the significant impact dogs have on mitigating human stress. The research shows dogs influence the body's stress pathways, specifically the HPA and SAM axes, in more complex ways than previously believed, promoting a balanced stress response.

The team conducted a laboratory stress test with around 40 dog owners, measuring cortisol and alpha-amylase levels. Results indicated that dog presence maintained a healthy stress response, preventing extreme cortisol spikes while ensuring the SAM axis remained engaged.

The findings suggest dogs play a crucial role in managing stress effectively, offering promising implications for mental health treatment, particularly for conditions like PTSD. This underscores the potential of dogs as accessible tools for fostering human resilience in stressful environments.

(With inputs from agencies.)