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Oxytocin and Social bonding in Dogs - Coggle Diagram
Oxytocin and Social bonding in Dogs
There is credible evidence of links between fitness benefits and long-term social bonds.
Ocytocin is a neuropeptide created in the hypothalamus of mammals, regulates different aspects of social behavior and cognition.
It also plays a role in lactation and paturition
Inhaled oxytocin positively influences trusting behavior and generosity.
Heart Rate Measures (HRV)
: measured using a digital device attached to a dog's chest.
Behavioral Ecology Theory
It speculates that mammalian sociability evolved out of a reduce risk of predation or increased odds finding and protecting food.
Studies have proven the mammals that form strong social bonds show better longevity and reduced mortality.
Experiments
Dogs were expose to oxytocin via nasal pathways then monitored and social interaction dynamics were measured.
Prior to each exposure levels of oxytocin were measured to establish a baseline for each subject to eliminate any variables.
Subjects owners were required to remain quiet and not actively interact with their pet.
Dogs that were subjected to the nasal oxytocin displayed increased levels of interaction with their owners versus' the dogs that were exposed to the saline solution.
There was not statistical support that concluded that proximity increased after exposure.
Dog did show increased levels of attention toward owners post exposure.
Effects of external exposure of oxytocin produce a stronger effect on dogs that had lower initial levels of oxytocin than dogs that started the experiment with higher levels of oxytocin.
Interaction with other dogs also increased.
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The present study demonstrates that OT enhances social motivation to approach and affiliate with close social partners, which constitutes the basis for the formation of any stable social bond and facilitates its maintenance over time.
Because enduring social relationships have adaptive value it is likely that natural selection has favored neurological mechanisms that promote their maintenance.
The study suggest that oxytocin can penetrate into the central nervous system in dogs when administered intranasally.
Findings suggest that OT might be an important mechanism that allowed the evolution of enduring cooperative bonds between related and unrelated individuals without requiring any cognitive understanding or estimate of the probability of future benefits.
Conclusions that can be made based on the Study results.
Oxytocin Facts and Key Components
Question that could be tested that was not already addressed in the paper:
Can the impact of oxytocin be susceptibility be variable due to heritable genome characteristics?
Citation:
Teresa Romero, M. N. (2014). Oxytocin promotes social bonding in dogs. PNAS, 9085-9090.