The influence of communication with dogs on the development of different areas of the brain is named

Interacting with dogs increases brain waves associated with rest and relaxation, as measured by tests, says a small study published in PLOS One.

Much evidence has shown the emotional, physiological and cognitive benefits of interacting with animals, especially dogs, such as increased positive emotions or reduced risk of memory loss. That’s why animal-assisted medical interventions are increasingly being used in a variety of fields, the study authors say.

Playing with your dog may not only be good for your pet—it may also benefit your emotional health, according to new research.

“Previous studies have often taken a holistic approach, comparing people’s moods or hormone levels before and after spending time with a dog,” says biologist Onew Yu.

The study involved 30 people with an average age of about 28 years old who began working in pet salons and a dog grooming school. Activities included meeting, playing, feeding, massage, haircuts, photography, cuddling and walking the dog.

Before starting the class, participants sat and stared at a wall for three minutes to minimize any stimulation in the brain that could affect the results. The authors measured participants’ brain waves using electroencephalogram, or EEG, tests for three minutes during each session.

“An EEG is a non-invasive test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small metal discs called electrodes that are attached to the scalp. These tests provide quick and accurate insight into unconscious processes that self-disclosure may not reveal,” explains biologist Yu.

After completing each task, the authors gave participants a couple of minutes to answer questionnaires about their emotional state. The authors found that playing and walking the dog increased the strength of alpha-band oscillations, which indicate stability and relaxation. According to the study, alpha wave activity was associated with improved memory and reduced mental stress.

Grooming, playing, and gentle massage were associated with increased beta-band oscillations, which are associated with increased alertness and concentration. Participants also felt significantly less depressed, stressed and tired after interacting with the poodle.

Although not all participants had pets of their own, “their love of animals likely motivated their desire to participate in the experiment, potentially skewing the results,” says Onew Yu. “Animal-assisted therapy can be very beneficial for people who enjoy being close to animals.”

The study had some limitations, experts said, such as the small number of study participants and the fact that they did not have the mental, medical or neurological conditions that might benefit most from this type of intervention. Additionally, the study did not have a control group to see whether activities performed on a human rather than a dog would have similar benefits.

While more research is needed, experts say if a person already owns a dog, there is now more evidence to support positive interactions with a pet.

According to neurologist Collin Dell, most of the activities examined in the study are likely to be enjoyable for the dog, but it’s also worth paying attention to what the dog doesn’t like – for example, some dogs don’t like being hugged.

“Recognizing the dog’s well-being is important,” Dell emphasized, “because if the dog is not healthy and happy, it will not be able to fully participate in the experiment.”