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Dogs and their owners share same heart rate, study finds

[A study has shown that pets and their owners can share a similar heart rate / Ingram Publishing]

Dog owners often share a deep and personal connection with their pets. As it turns out, this close bond could be shared not only on a mental but physical level as well.

An Australian study by Pedigree named Hearts Aligned has found that both dog owner and pet can share the same similar lowered heart rhythm when occupying the same space with one another, reports the Huffington Post.

The study was conducted by separating and later reuniting three pet owners with their four-legged friends. Both pet and the owner’s heart rates were monitored, and researchers were surprised to find that the heart rhythm of both dog and human companion became very closely aligned.

A lowered heart rate helps to alleviate overall stress and anxiety, which this study suggests is a feeling that both you and your pet share when in contact with one another.

“This project is a really good illustration of what most owners experience every night when they come home from work and are reunited with their companion,” said canine scientist Mia Cobb.

This close bond isn’t exclusive to just canine enthusiasts. Cobb told the Huffington Post that these positive health benefits can also extend to cats, lizards and birds depending on the level of personal connection between both pet and owner.

“If we can decrease our heart rate by hanging out with our animals, that’s something that can really benefit the community,” she said.