Stroking helps pets relax

Researchers know why pets often show signs of relaxation and enjoyment when being cared for and cuddled by people. Research also suggests how people should comfort the animal best.

(Photo: Inmagine) A group of French and Austrian scientists have found the cows very relaxed, with reduced heart rate, when comforted in areas of the body that often lick each other.

"This shows that cows can feel people's caresses in areas where they often lick each other like body licks," the researchers wrote. Results can be applied to cats, dogs, cattle and even mice.

Claudia Schmied, a scientist at the Institute for Animal Protection and Animal Husbandry at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, and conducted an experiment on dairy cows. Participants patted 30 Swiss cows and 30 Austrian cows in 3 different areas of the body: on the back, under the neck and under the chest. The cow's heart rate monitor team in the process.

The results show that cows stretch their necks and drop their ears - a sign of relaxation - when stroked on the back and neck area - where they often lick each other. Heart rate also decreased markedly.

Fondling under the chest does not make animals more comfortable and even uncomfortable when people are around.

Not only cows but cats also make social procedures by touching each other's faces, so when humans imitate this behavior by hand, the cat will react in a more friendly way. The horse also lowered his head and stood blankly with his eyes dimmed when stroking on his back.

The same is true for dogs, but the zoologist Mary Burch at the American Dog Club says that with animals that are very fond of sex, they like to be caressed in areas they can't touch ."A lot of dogs are particularly fond of being massaged along their backs and lightly pulling their tail parts."

The researchers also affirmed that spending time with pets not only benefits the animals but also brings the health benefits to the owner, such as reducing blood pressure.

MT