Human interactions greatly depend on understanding each other's intentions, it is a natural mindset to attribute mental states to ourselves and others. Humans are however not the only ones who try to study each other's actions, dogs also have a history of having their their daily lifestyle interwoven into that of humans. As dogs have built a close relationship with humans, they have become confronted with understanding human intentions regularly. Dogs also study how humans communicate with the voice or behavioral signs.
Sometimes, when our dogs do what we ask them to, we are confused about, whether the dog really understands human actions or whether are they simply responding to an action's environmental outcome? At times when an intention has become successfully realized, it is always difficult to tell if the dog is reacting to an outcome action or an underlying intention.
Understanding the science behind pet interactions is fascinating, just a 15-minute bonding period humans have with their pets can result in the release of a chemical reaction in the brain that will reduce cortisol and increase serotonin. This will lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, heart rate, and stress.
Walking a dog is an amazing form of cardiovascular exercise, the time spent with brushing, petting, and feeding a pet comes with lots of advantages, as the act even provides a form of engagement and belonging. Some research even claimed that pet therapy has proven to work for people who have Sundowner's syndrome, this syndrome is characterized by a period of increased agitation and confusion that happens in the evening, especially with people with Alzheimer's. Having a pet around at the time can provide focus, a feeling of acceptance, and good playback of good memories that were experienced during their youth.
There was a story of some patients with Alzheimer's, when an aquarium was introduced to the dining hall, they were said to experience a higher food intake and weight gain, which means lesser nutritional supplementation was required from that time.
Physical activity is important, especially in this generation where we are mostly confined to our tables, chairs, and laptops sitting pretty on them for all the activities we have to do. There is evidence that the strength of a relationship between pets and owners contributes to increased physical activity. Dogs have consistently been reported to play a significant role in terms of increased physical activities, they provide an increased motivation to exercise and build a sense of responsibility while taking care of the pet.
Mental health situations are on the rise these days, this can be significantly attributed to loneliness and everyone trying to mind their own business. Several studies have shown the possible influence of pets on improving loneliness, depression, stress, and anxiety by providing happiness, company, and satisfaction with life.
Some growing evidence has indicated that pets provide a feeling of comfort, emotional support, and security, this helps to fight the feeling of sadness, depression, anxiety, and anger.
You know sometimes, our pets act in some type of way and we are wondering where they most have picked it up from, but the answers are not far-fetched. Cats for one share a lineage with wild felines, the at of pouncing and hunting are ruminants from predatory instincts, when we understand this, we will be able to provide our cats with the required outlet to express their energy.
Dogs, on the other hand, are wolf descendants, and their actions trace back to wild ancestry. Digging, for instance, is probably done because they are trying to look for a cool place to rest or hide their food.
Our dog may experience separation anxiety when they are left alone, creating a destructive act, cats as well can get stressed particularly with environmental changes leading to excessive grooming or inappropriate urination. Identifying signs of stress and tackling the underlying causes will improve the well-being of our pets.
Dogs naturally know how to communicate through barking, it could signify excitement, boredom, or anxiety. When we understand the context in which the dog is barking, we can help provide a solution if required.
Kneading is highly noticed in cats, kittens do so to stimulate the flow of milk, and in adult cats, it is an indication of comfort and contentment. While some of these acts are natural, we also need to learn to groom them into becoming minimal and not excessive, whether we do it through positive reinforcement, providing enrichment, or being mindful of their emotional well-being, we have to understand that every effort we make brings us closer to our furry friend.
