Ever watched animals cuddle, play, or nuzzle and wondered if they truly feel love? The answer is yes, backed by rigorous science. Paul Zak, professor at the University of California, led a team that uncovered compelling evidence of love in animals.
At an Arkansas animal shelter, researchers studied a dog and goat known for their playful bond—chasing, bouncing side-by-side, and cuddling. As reported by The Atlantic, they collected saliva swabs: one during playtime in a pen, another after separation. The results were striking.
When together, the dog's oxytocin—the 'love hormone' tied to bonding and happiness—surged by 48%. The goat's levels rivaled those of a human in the presence of their soulmate.
Even better news for pet owners: your companions love you back. Repeating the experiment with humans, researchers found a significant oxytocin spike in animals after just 15 minutes of play.
One more insight: dogs release far more oxytocin around humans than cats do, explaining their legendary loyalty.
