Research into the relationship between animals and humans has advanced hugely in recent years and provideus with some comprehensive information about the benefits for both sides. 

Dogs, in particular, respond well to this mutual companionship, largely because they have been in our company for the longest period of time. The remains of domestic dogs buried alongside humans date back as far as 14,000 years, and were found as far apart as North America and Japan. 

“We have been living alongside dogs for longer than any other companion pet,” says Royal Canin’s veterinary expert Lee Danks. “They have similar social values to us and because of that, we have harvested a closer bond with them. It is a self- perpetuating cycle. The more they are part of our lifestyles, the more dogs adapt their behaviour to fit in.”

According to the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, a leading scientific authority in diet and wellbeing, research suggests that dogs may promote better physical and psychological health in their owners.

In Waltham’s book on human- animal interaction, its team found: “Oxytocin peaks in both people and their dogs when they interact positively. This ‘feelgood’ hormone suppresses the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.” 

Lee explains: “With a dog, we engage in high levels of interactivity. Dogs are most content when we take charge of their five welfare needs: environmental, companionship, behavioural, dietary and health. They can also become quite malleable.”