Human and pets: a relationship has its secrets

For more than five decades, psychologists and society have been trying to uncover the relationship between humans and pets, and their usefulness in terms of emotional and relational interaction. Despite the differences in incentives and tendencies that lead to the acquisition of these animals, some find common denominators that generally link humans to animals. From here, part of our relationship with the animals we acquire is in our subconscious.
The question is, how do we explain our attraction to the pet, and what benefits do we derive from it?



Natural attraction
In 2013, American psychologist Venisa Lopez confirmed that animal attraction is inherently innate to human nature. Proof of this is that children aged one to three years are more happy to communicate with pets than to play with their toys if they are given the freedom to choose.
Advanced radiological tests have shown that the human brain possesses nerve cells that specialize in monitoring animal life. These cells are found, according to the team of the journal "Mind", in the region of the amygdala «Amygdala», feelings, an area that responds quickly to the image of the animal. In addition, a neurological base was found to record emotional emotions generated by seeing pets. It is worth mentioning that these emotions, according to research, very similar to those generated by the vision of children. It should be noted here that the features of the pet mimic at first sight the features of the child, especially for the innocence of the outlook, and the widening of the eyes for the rest of the face, as well as spontaneous reactions that result from it. This indicates that the interest of some animals to the limits of the well, is an instinctive approach, which aims to focus on the cycle of life and development.



The role of social culture
However, research shows that animal interest depends primarily on education, the social environment, and personal experience. For example, we see dog attachment as a common condition in Western countries, while other countries consider it to be dirty animals. On this basis, some theories confirm that animal husbandry is linked to social culture, which means that it is to some degree selective and traditional.
On the other hand, some theories confirm that the love of animals is transmitted by infection, that is, some take care of the pet from the point of imitation or resemblance to others. Then begins the stage of close association between them and an absolute organism shared by life. Interestingly, studies have shown that domestic animals are picked up according to stressful trends that follow certain fashion trends. An example of this is the new tendency to breed species of mice and turtles in some Western countries, especially in the United States, as well as rare species of fish and birds.



To what extent do the animals benefit their owners?
In this context, there are assurances that the relationship with an absolute animal raised within the home, is considered worthy of attention even if born due to jealousy or the tradition of others. The evidence is that most of those who take care of these animals recognize their importance in terms of securing companionship and a sense of intimate communion. Indeed, as studies confirm, the relationship between man and animal is very similar to that of other human beings. This means that the animal fills the emotional vacuum in the human at all stages of his life. It has proved to be of immense benefit to both the health and the psychological, according to more than one study whose findings are critical to the assertion of this theory. For example, it was known that a group of socially retarded children managed after months of dog companionship and empathy with them to speak, express and communicate. Intimate dogs have also provided room for recovery for many who have had heart attacks or brain attacks. This indicates, as medical and scientific evidence confirms that dogs and other pets, are able to reduce the tension associated with the disease, and secure the speed of healing.
As for psychosocial support, it was known that most pet owners bought them for this purpose. It was also found through laboratory tests, that the hormone cortisol produced by the brain during stress, decreases significantly in the owners of pets. As shown, they maintain high rates of oxytocin, a hormone that provides emotional bonding and maintains intimate relationships.
For children who live with pets, they feel less anxious and fearful, which is reflected later on their physical health. As the specialists point out, that the animal provides psychological comfort, especially for those who find it difficult to deal with humans.



Do animals reflect the personality of their owners?
The most recent report on this subject was reported in the American Journal of Science, which states that pet types reflect the personality of the owner.
Dog breeders, for example, are considered more open than cat owners. As for the rest of the animals such as rabbits, turtles and others, they are subject to the tendencies of their owners and their orientations of life. The researchers do not forget to refer specifically to those interested in breeding spiders and snakes, as these are proven to acquire these strange objects to their vagueness corresponding to their personalities.
The study of the relationship between man and animal is still at the beginning of its era. However, the data collected by researchers so far may be the spark that sets the trigger for a broader and more comprehensive knowledge, and may allow to explore the deep diversity of relationships that gave man experience, and ensured the development across generations