There is something undeniably special about puppies. They make us feel happy and warm inside, and we can’t resist their big puppy dog eyes. But what is it that makes puppies so darn adorable? The answer has much to do with oxytocin – the hormone responsible for love and care. This blog post will explore the science behind puppy cuteness and why we find them so irresistible!
Anyone who has ever been around a puppy knows how irresistible they can be. From their big puppy dog eyes to their wagging tails, there is something about these furry friends that make us want to cuddle them. But what is it that makes puppies so darn adorable? The answer has much to do with oxytocin – the hormone responsible for love and care. When we interact with puppies, our brains release oxytocin, making us feel happy and content. Studies have shown that even looking at pictures of puppies can boost our levels of oxytocin! So next time you feel down, reach for a puppy photo – it might make you feel better.
Puppy dog eyes might be one of the most scientifically backed-up explanations for why we love puppies. Check out this excerpt from an NPR article all about oxytocin, the “love hormone”:
“Oxytocin is sometimes called the “love hormone” because it’s involved when people fall in love. But it does a lot more. It’s involved in social interactions, stress response, and bond formation. And researchers have found that in animals at least, oxytocin influences how mothers and their offspring interact.”
So not only does this little puppy love hormone make us feel warm and fuzzy when we’re around puppies (which probably doesn’t hurt their cause), but it also helps to form bonds – something that comes in handy when training a puppy later on.
But pups don’t have all the Oxytocin monopoly – turns out, we can hack our own levels of the stuff. According to Psychology Today, “Even gazing into the eyes of a loved one or friend for just a few minutes increases your oxytocin levels.” So next time you’re feeling low, try looking into your puppy’s big brown eyes for a quick mood booster.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” because it plays a crucial role in bonding and attachment. When we interact with someone we care about, oxytocin levels increase in our brains. This helps to create and reinforce feelings of love and connection. Puppies are especially good at triggering this response. Research has shown that looking into a puppy’s eyes can increase oxytocin levels in humans and dogs! So when you gaze into your puppy’s big, furry face, you’re increasing the bond between you. Not only that, but oxytocin also fosters caregiving behavior. So when you see a puppy, you may feel an urge to protect and care for them. All these factors combine to make puppies irresistible – even to those who claim they’re not “dog people”!
Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions or comments, please post them in the Comments Section below.
© 2019 I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro
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