Dogs really do love us: Study finds first evidence of inter-species hormone exchange

Dogs really do love us: Study finds first evidence of inter-species hormone exchange

Dog lovers everywhere, rejoice! They really do love us on a chemical level. Dogs were found to make use of the “lovers’ hormone,” Oxytocin, to sneak their way into our hearts. That’s the first time the mechanism was observed between species.

We know it as the love hormone: it spikes when we hug, kiss and make love. It also exists between a mother and infant, as they gaze into each others’ eyes. But oxytocin is more than that. The hormone is one of the most important evolutionary bonding mechanisms known to man. Without it, affection, trust and altruism, as we know them, would never have been possible.