Overview

• Recent coverage ties frequent dog petting and gentle verbal engagement to traits such as empathy, patience and emotional connection, citing psychologists from the University of Florida, Carroll and Marquette.
• Reports underscore that brief physical contact with dogs can lower cortisol, increase oxytocin, and stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, producing quick calming effects.
• Articles reference Science findings of a cross‑species oxytocin loop during face‑to‑face interaction that strengthens attachment and may have shaped human–dog bonding.
• NeuroImage research is highlighted showing dogs’ reward centers respond more strongly to their owner’s voice, supporting use of soft, high‑pitched dog‑directed speech to hold attention.
• Guidance emphasizes routine caregiving as support for people with anxiety or depression, along with safety advice to assess a dog’s demeanor before initiating contact.