Probably, every pet owner has at least once thought of the question: what does his pet feel and think about? If scientists cannot say anything definite about the thoughts of dogs (as well as cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, parrots and other living creatures), then there is good news regarding feelings.
Actually, Paul J. Zak is an economist by profession. But at one time he became extremely interested in neuroeconomics – an interdisciplinary direction that tries to connect our way of making decisions (primarily economic ones) with the latest achievements in brain science. As a result, at Claremont University (California, USA), Paul Zack created the Center for Neuroeconomic Research, whose achievements would be the envy of many neuroscientists. Chief among these advances is a new look at the role of the hormone oxytocin.
Oxytocin has been known to science for a long time, but it was Paul Zak and his colleagues who first discovered that it is directly associated with positive interactions between people. That is: if someone does good things to you, then your hypothalamus produces additional amounts of oxytocin. Under its influence, you yourself become kinder and more caring towards others.
Inspired by the discovery, Paul Zack even called oxytocin a “moral molecule,” meaning that thanks to this hormone, we behave exactly as worthy people should. And he also compiled something like a table describing the relationship of interactions and the amount of oxytocin released. For example, if a stranger shakes your hand in a friendly way, the level of oxytocin in your blood increases by 5-10 percent. However, if this stranger (well, or a stranger) is pleasant (or, accordingly, pleasant) to you in all respects, then the rise can reach 50%. And if your young child rushes towards you with joyful exclamations and open arms, then the level of oxytocin can jump up to 100%.
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So, this is all to the fact that Paul Zack (by the way, a big cat lover) has long been interested in the question: is the same dependence of behavior and oxytocin levels observed in animals? Recently, he had the opportunity to test it. As part of a series of experiments for a BBC documentary, Zach visited an abandoned animal shelter in Arkansas, where he was able to take blood samples from pets.
The scientist chose a puppy and a goat for the experiment, which, according to the shelter staff, loved to play with each other, arranging endless races and feigned battles. Blood samples were taken from the animals, after which they were placed in a separate enclosure, where they immediately began to indulge in their cheerful fuss. After 15 minutes, repeated samples were taken.
Paul Zak found that the puppy’s blood oxytocin levels rose by 48%. The increase is very serious: according to the “scale” of Zach, such an increase in oxytocin in people corresponds to communicating with close friends. But this is still nothing: in a kid, the level of oxytocin increased by a fantastic 210%. According to Zach, he observed this in people only when meeting passionately in love or with manifestations of absolutely incredible kindness and selflessness.
According to the researcher, the results of his experiment may indicate that our smaller brothers, just like us, are capable of experiencing feelings of friendship and love. However, in fairness it should be noted that dog owners are almost certainly sure of this and without any scientific evidence. But as for the mysterious cat soul, the question still remains open. After all, Paul Zak has not yet taken blood samples from cats.
The full text of Paul Zach’s article is available at The Atlantic: theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/04/does-your-dog-or-cat-actually-love-you/360784/