The emotional bond between a human and their pet is as powerful as those with other humans, experts have confirmed.
According to psychologist Loreto Sanchez, a collaborator with the Fundacion Affinity, humans and animals can form ‘love bonds similar’ to those between two people – and it all comes down to biology.
Researchers have focused on eye contact as a key trigger.
‘Looking into each other’s eyes is one of the strongest signals of intimacy, trust and emotional connection,’ Sanchez explained to Spanish news agency EFE.
That shared gaze boosts oxytocin, the so-called love hormone, in both humans and animals.
The result is a form of emotional feedback loop. You look at your dog. Your dog looks at you. Hormones rise. You both feel calmer and closer.
‘The body moves into a relaxed state,’ Sanchez explained. In fact, some people even find themselves unconsciously syncing their breathing with their dog’s, helping them feel more at ease.
Another reason the bond feels so powerful is the simple fact that pets don’t judge.
Studies show that the presence of dogs and other companion animals helps regulate our emotions partly because they offer unconditional company.
A study by Sichuan University found that when people interact with dogs and cats, brain networks linked to attachment, reward and empathy light up.
With dogs in particular, Sanchez said there’s a sense of active listening without criticism.
‘They look at us kindly, with compassion and attention,’ she explained. That creates a feeling of freedom and we can ‘drop the mask’.
For many owners, that turns into a deep emotional connection, one they compare to other meaningful relationships in their lives.
While some researchers argue pets expect little beyond care and attention, Sanchez stresses that the relationship is not one of equals.
This is because dogs cannot take on emotional responsibilities in the way another person can.
‘They can’t be responsible for themselves in the same way,’ she says. They are vulnerable beings who depend on us.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
