My link was removed, because I didn’t also explain. First here’s that link again:
https://iheartdogs.com/new-research-shows-that-petting-dogs-is-like-a-drug-for-our-brains/
While researchers aren’t 100% sure why, when we pet our dogs, look at them, or even just think about them, our brains release some “happiness” hormones, like oxytocin. Oxytocin is the same chemical that mothers’ brains release when suckling a newborn, and it’s also released in the brain of her infant. Similarly, dogs’ brains have been shown to release happy hormones too, so they love us as much as we love them!
There is a link between interaction with pets (especially dogs and cats) and the release of oxytocin (the “love” hormone) and a decrease in cortisol (the stress hormone).
Oxytocin is a hormone responsible for promoting emotional attachment, alleviating stress, and triggering a calming effect.
Source(s): [Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5645535/)
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