Dogs have been labelled “man’s best friend” for centuries, and a new study proves there’s science behind that adage.
By simply spending quality time with our four-legged pals—playing fetch, going for walks, or giving belly rubs—we can supercharge our brains while calming our minds.
People feel more relaxed and better able to concentrate after playing with dogs, a report published in PLOS One has found.
How Do Dogs Help People?
Dogs have been faithful companions to humans for over 30,000 years, since they were first domesticated. They have assisted people in numerous ways, including hunting, working, herding, and guarding. Moreover, the research team noted, dogs communicate with their human companions and “share emotions beyond that of an efficient assistant.”
A.C. Dahnke
Author
A.C. Dahnke is a freelance writer and editor residing in California. She has covered community journalism and health care news for nearly a decade, winning a California Newspaper Publishers Award for her work.