The veterinarian shared the secrets of the joy of dogs when reunited with the owner

Dogs show intense joy when meeting their owners due not only to happiness, but also to the biological mechanisms of memory and emotions. These emotions arise due to the formation of strong bonds between the dog and its owner, which is reflected in the dog's behavior. At such moments, the animal experiences "phrenetic random active periods" (fraps), otherwise known as violent bursts of energy. This was reported in the Popular Science magazine.

These emotional manifestations are driven by numerous factors, including neurobiology, learning, and relationship development. According to Alison Gerken, a certified veterinary behavioral specialist at the SPCA in San Francisco, dogs, like babies, form attachments to their owners, which affects their behavior when reunited. This is expressed in gestures such as touching and sniffing.

Dogs have impressive long-term memory, particularly associative and episodic memory, which allows them to associate smells with pleasant events such as games and petting. Their ability to distinguish between smells and sounds plays a key role in emotions when meeting their hosts. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging have shown that the smell of the owners causes activation in the brain of dogs of areas associated with positive expectations.

In addition, dogs can not only recognize the smell of their owners, but also distinguish their voices and faces. These perceptions activate memories of happy moments, which inevitably leads to the manifestation of joy.

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Another important element of this process is oxytocin, the "love hormone" that helps strengthen the bond between the dog and the owner. Studies show that oxytocin levels in humans and dogs increase when they look at each other, which contributes to additional intimacy and positive emotions.

"When a dog sees its owner, it also releases oxytocin, which enhances positive emotions," Gerken added.

However, it should be remembered that if the dog's joy at meeting is excessive and accompanied by signs of stress, this may indicate a separation disorder. The veterinarian advises owners to closely monitor the behavior of pets and, if necessary, contact specialists to identify and eliminate possible problems.

Marianna Onufrienko, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, expert at the Center for the Study of Nutrition and Animal Welfare, said on September 3 that pets teach children to be kinder and more responsible every day,

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