November 19, 2010
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Science shows us that the chemical responsible for a mother/baby bond after birth is a chemical that the body produces called Oxytocin. It is produced in a part of the brain we know as the Hypothalamus.
When the Oxytocin is released it helps the mother quickly establish the bond and positive feeling toward her newborn. Every time she breast feeds, more Oxytocin is released which further re-enforces that bond.
I watched a documentary where they said that Oxytocin plays a similar role between dogs and their owners.
“ To test the theory, blood samples were taken from dogs and heir owners before and during a petting session. ‘We had a basic blood sample before hand and there was nothing. Then we took more at 1 minute and then 3 minutes into the session and you could see this beautiful peak of Oxytocin. The fascinating thing is that the peak of Oxytocin we see is similar to the one we see in breast feeding mothers.”
Surprisingly, it is not just the owners who are affected. Blood samples taken from dogs reveal a similar burst in Oxytocin.
The power of Oxytocin’s physiological effect is un-mistakeable. ‘It can lower the heart rate and blood pressure and reduces overall levels of stress. Research indicates that owning a dog can even extend your life.’ “
In about 5 months, my year-long lease is up at my current place of residence where there is a no pet policy.
All the science, facts and wonderful chemicals my body will produce as a dog owner aside, ha, I’m just excited to have a cute and furry companion.
My Top 3 Breed Choices are:
- Boston Terrier
- French Bulldog
- Pug
Later on down the road when I have my own home (and hopefully family) I want to make either a German Sheppard, Golden Retriever or St. Bernard an addition to the family. They all love to be active, are not afraid of the water and are good with children, though, the German Sheppard has more of a protective instinct. Which I like.
