“Come on my baby, it's time for your big hug!” ». You might think I am talking to a well -human child. But no, I speak to Salto, bastard of his condition, sofa dog, my colleague who helps me faithfully write articles for science & life. And my second child. Yes, more and more of us consider our four -legged companions as our children. But why? What is behind these behaviors? Is there a risk? Should we set limits?
So … why do these hair balls take up more and more room in our hearts and on our sofas? The fault of the brain …
A 2014 study wanted to know more. The researchers therefore explored what is going on in our brain when we are in the presence of our dog or our children.
Scientists have used medical imaging techniques to study the brain. They recruited mothers who had at least one child aged 2 to 10 and a dog for at least 2 years. These women then followed MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), while observing photos of dogs and children. Among them, some represented their child and their dog.
The “lit” brain areas have been observed. The researchers noticed that they were similar, depending on whether the mother looks at her child or dog. There was activation of the amygdal, the hippocampus, the thalamus … Some areas are very important for attachment. This is particularly the case of the amygdal, which plays a role in the creation of relationships and in the reward system.
This brain “reversal” was not done in a day! In reality, it took between 20,000 and 40,000 years. So many time of co-evolution between our two species which “modeled” the animal and which made it adorable. Large eyes, large fronts, drooping ears … features that are similar to those of our babies (except the ears). Difficult to resist!
However, there are some differences. Dog images activated mainly the regions of the brain linked to visual identification. On the other hand, photos of children activated the brain zone playing a role in the formation of links between humans.
This difference would be due to the lack of common language between humans and dogs.
In any case, our brain betrays a very deep attachment for our hairy companions. Canine manipulation?
>> Read also: Does having a dog, is it good for health?
An animal that wants you good
The dog, when we choose it, gives us real well-being. The attachment to this animal, engendered by our brain, results in a whole physiological and biological cascade. More particularly, we observe the secretion of different hormones, such as oxytocin. A 2015 study reveals that looking at your dog causes a “shoot” of hormones, similar to the one we would have looking at your child.
This hormone surge pushes us to want to take care of our companion. Far him, protect him, take care of him … in the same way as we would with a child.
More and more studies show that the dog plays a soothing role. It reduces anxiety and therefore brings a lot of good. Besides, it is becoming more and more an important actor for new behavioral therapies. We are talking about therapy assisted by the animal. This method is based on a positive exchange between humans and animals. The dog becomes a mediator, speaking under the responsibility of a healthcare professional. Thanks to him, we can promote the improvement of the physical, cognitive, social, psychic or emotional capacities of humans.
A dog can therefore fill an emotional void. For some people, he can help overcome the impossibility of having a child. Despite everything, it must be remembered that the dog is a species in its own right, different from ours.
Interactions are not the same, as is non -verbal language or cognitive development.
Salto is one of the many dogs, considered a full member of the family, or even as “a child”.
Credits: Morgane Petit
>> Read also: stress and pet: can your dog be contaminated with your stress?
Take care of your dog, as he takes care of you
Considering your dog as a child is not annoying. If we know the limits! The dog is not a human. This is another species, with its own needs, that it is imperative to respect.
Be careful to give it a diet adapted to its needs and in the right quantities. You have to take into account your age, your sporting activity … Do not hesitate to get closer to a nutritionist veterinarian to make you advise.
You can like to dress your companion, but, mistrust. The dog does not have the same tolerance thresholds at the temperature as us. It will support the cold much better and much less hot. Too much cover it can therefore be harmful to its health.
Offering too many toys or accessories to your companion is not a good idea either. The dog is “flooded” with proposals and becomes undecided, unable to make a decision.
To want to protect your dog too much, keep it in your arms, walk it as a stroller … It is not allowed to express certain essential needs. Indeed, the dog needs to feel and smell. It must be allowed to explore and identify the odors.
In addition, the dog is a social animal. He needs interactions with his fellows, so it is important to allow meetings and moments of play.
By going against needs and by “forgetting” his status as a “dog”, our companion risks developing troubles.
The dog may no longer find its place in the home, which is stressful. By preventing him from expressing her instincts and communication codes, our hairy ends and behavioral disorders can then express himself. Dogs can become aggressive, destructive, depressive …
It is therefore important to set limits on human-chiera relations. Yes, we can quite accommodate our dog as a family member, without showing anthropomorphism. We can consider it as our “child”, if we respect his species and his essential needs.
On our side, be careful not to fall into excess. We must not overinvest the relationship with your dog, because it can also be done at our detriment. Financial impact, stress, even social isolation …
Dogs give us a lot of good, let's take advantage of it, but without abusing them. Finally, let's eat in moderation!
>> Read also: dog or cat, which of your pets could eat your corpse according to experts?
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
