Pet dogs release the same “love hormone” that humans feel when they’re head over heels, a new study claims.
Dogs release oxytocin — the chemical found in humans who are in love or bonding with friends — following social interactions, researchers found.
For the experiment, scientists at an animal refuge in Arkansas took blood samples from a mixed-breed terrier and a goat, who often played together. They first tested the animals’ oxytocin levels separately, and then put them in a pen to interact for 15 minutes.
The results were hair-raising — the dog’s oxytocin levels spiked 48 percent, on par with a human who is excited about a new friendship, researchers said.
The goat was even more smitten.
“More striking was the goat’s reaction to the dog: It had a 210 percent increase in oxytocin . . . We essentially found that the goat might have been in love with the dog,” wrote head researcher Paul Zak.
“The only time I have seen such a surge in oxytocin in humans is when someone sees their loved one, is romantically attracted to someone, or is shown an enormous kindness,” Zak added.
Domesticated pets release the hormone when interacting with other animals and humans, the study concluded.