Petting a dog might offer more than a smile, as a new study shows it can influence stress levels. Researchers at the University of Innsbruck explored how physical contact between dogs and owners affects stress. The study found owners who touched their dogs post-stress exhibited lower stress levels during subsequent challenges.
Dr. Monica Berntsen, consultant psychologist, explained the phenomenon. She noted that interacting with a familiar dog signals safety to the nervous system. This response occurs through non-verbal cues like rhythmic touch and warmth from the animal.
The study was published in Biological Psychology and involved 64 participants aged 34 on average, including 51 women and 13 men. Participants brought dogs over two years old, healthy, and comfortable in new settings. Researchers had participants face two stressful tasks: a timed quiz and a mental math exercise.
“Human brains are constantly scanning for one question: am I safe? Stroking a dog you know answers ‘yes’ through the body rather than through thinking,” Berntsen said.
During the quiz, participants had five seconds per question. In maths tasks, they counted backward while tracking a blinking dot, with a researcher watching via video calls, giving negative feedback. Participants completed two test blocks: one with free dog physical contact and another with dogs nearby but not touchable. Brain and activity were recorded using brain scans and ECGs, with feelings checked at key moments.
Initially, researchers sought to determine if dog petting aids faster recovery post-stress, but immediate benefits were absent. Differences arose during the second task; participants who touched dogs showed less biological stress during the next challenge.
Berntsen stated gentle touch activates the parasympathetic system and raises oxytocin, reducing heart rate and cortisol. This resembles “social buffering” when a trusted presence accompanies stress. She explained, “A brain told ‘you’re safe’ starts the next stressful thing from a lower baseline.” Brain recordings revealed less activation in those with dog contact, seen in higher alpha-wave activity.
Familiarity matters too. “A strange dog is something to assess, but your dog is ‘safe,’ so calming signals arrive faster,” Berntsen explained.
Emotional reports didn’t always match biological responses. Stress feelings didn’t always correlate with heart rate or brain activity. Findings suggest petting dogs affects future stress responses instead of immediate recovery. Caution is advised; petting dogs isn’t an anxiety treatment. “Regular calm moments help keep stress lower, but studies are small and short-term. This is a pleasant way to boost your nervous system,” Berntsen concluded.
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