If you have a dog, you’ll already know that your pup can make you wildly happy. But a new study says spending time with a dog can actually boost your brain – including improving your concentration and even your creativity.
Many studies have investigated people’s mood and hormone levels while playing with a dog. Though not the first to do it, this new study went one step further, using electroencephalography (EEG) scans to record electrical activity in participants’ brains – and they found some surprising results.
Wearing EEG electrodes on their scalps, the participants walked, petted and played with a dog: a well-trained four-year-old poodle with a “compatible personality”, according to the study.
The researchers, from Konkuk University in South Korea, discovered that the strength of the participants’ brain waves increased when they were interacting with the dog. What’s more, the benefits to the brain changed depending on what activity the human-dog duos were enjoying together.
There were 30 participants involved in the study, published in journal PLOS ONE. They were asked to perform eight different activities with the poodle, including giving her treats, playing with a toy, and taking pictures together.
When participants were walking or playing with the dog, the scientists found that a type of wave in their brains known as alpha-band oscillations strengthened. This, they say, indicates that the brain is relaxed.
But the scientists also noticed the strength of beta-band oscillations increasing when participants were grooming the poodle, giving her a “gentle massage” or playing with her. Stronger beta-band oscillation is associated with heightened concentration.
Not all of the participants have their own pets, suggesting that this benefit is not exclusive to existing dog owners. However, the study authors point out that the participants likely volunteered because of an existing fondness for dogs, which may have produced biased results. In other words, if you’re not already keen on dogs, you may not get the same benefits to your brain activity.
Nevertheless, the researchers hope that the study paves the way for more research into the use of service dogs in hospitals, schools and other settings for physiological benefits, like reducing anxiety.
“This study provides valuable information for elucidating the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of animal-assisted interventions,” the study authors said.
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