The Healing Power Of Empathy In Dogs

Science has finally managed to demonstrate something that many of us already knew: that dogs are capable of feeling empathy. Dogs connect to the emotional state of humans almost immediately. However, their ability goes a little beyond this fascinating connection. They also show an altruistic desire to offer comfort and relieve emotional anxiety and sadness. We are sure that everyone who has one or more dogs will agree with the conclusions of a study on the healing power of dogs at the University of London. We know that these four-legged friends with their moist noses and faithful eyes immediately identify with our joy and above all with our suffering. They do not think twice about licking your hand, throwing your favorite toy at your feet or sitting on your lap like loving children who want a smile.

The healing power of empathy in dogs

Empathy in dogs, the amazing ability to read our mood, actually has even more surprising nuances that are drawn from this study. An example of this can be seen in a very specific case. Benjamin Stepp is a veteran of the Iraq war who lives with a beautiful Labrador dog named Arleigh. This young man suffered a traumatic brain injury that every day caused him sudden bouts of pain that immobilized his legs.

Arleigh notices when these seizures are going to happen, and immediately goes to the owner for a special purpose: to give him support, love, reduce his anxiety, and control his breathing so that the pain can go away as soon as possible. The relationship between the two is so fascinating that an ethologist, Natalia Alburquerque, studies the case. Dogs are known to “smell” certain metabolic changes in our body, which can lead to, for example, a drop in blood sugar levels, epileptic seizures and, in this case, the immediate arrival of pain.

However, one of the most amazing aspects of all this is the faithfulness and altruism of these animals. They do not want anything in return. Their sense of protection and loyalty is so high that it is only to provide enough trust and well-being to give them happiness and satisfaction.

Emotional transference in dogs, a primitive form of empathy

Ethologists and psychologists specializing in the animal world point out one very important aspect: we can not compare human empathy with empathy in dogs. In the latter case, he prefers to talk about “emotional transference,” a very primitive form of empathy that, according to Ted Ruffman, a psychologist at the University of Otago, could be compared to that of a three-year-old child.

We must also take into account that empathy is a complex psychological realm where very sophisticated cognitive processes are at work. When we think of empathy in dogs, what really stands out is their ability to read our facial expressions, our voice, and how our emotional states transmit to them. However, when these feelings are negative, the dogs consciously change their behavior and immediately begin to offer help, support and comfort.

This last aspect is undoubtedly a topic that has always fascinated the experts. The reason why dogs have such a strong bond with us can be traced back to our ancestors, when humanity was at its most primitive. Edward Osborne Wilson is an American entomologist and biologist who explains some really interesting aspects that come out of his studies.

Dogs and humans: an old leash

Humans have had a very close emotional bond with dogs since ancient times, from times when the most important priority was to survive. One of Dr. Osborne’s theories is that people who lived in social groups that had several dogs were more likely to stay alive than those who still did not.

Having one or more dogs in their first social settlements meant that they had more contact with nature and its cycles, and it also meant that they could find more resources to survive: water, animals to hunt, edible plants, etc. In fact, we have the evidence of several cave paintings where you can see this type of interaction.

Having these animals as companions from the early times gave great satisfaction and formed a bond in our biological nature.

This constant interaction that started in the early days strengthened a sophisticated relationship where dogs soon recognized our feelings, and where we again learned to see them as members of our own social groups. Empathy in dogs is a reality that has always accompanied us.

Just one look at a dog is enough to make us smile

Our dogs will never tell us that it will be easier. They will not recommend that we change jobs, that we give our partner a second chance or that we get rid of a friend who brings us more problems than benefits. They will never suggest anything, nor will they judge you or criticize any of your decisions. Your dog’s only obligation is to “be there” with you, and give you his best in exchange for nothing. One of the most amazing signs of empathy in dogs.

Strange as it may seem, this is what they have always done since living with our ancestors, the European hunter-gatherers, who began to tame the most docile wolf pups that roamed their settlements in search of food. We made them ours, and they made us theirs in a lasting and wonderful relationship. Therefore, most of us can not help it, but we have to smile when we see a dog.

To conclude, anyone who doubts the dog’s emotional power and their empathic ability is undoubtedly wrong. We just need to think of the four-legged anonymous heroes we owe so much to: the guide dogs, the dogs who help children with disabilities or the elderly in need of care on a daily basis, and of course all the wonderful dog friends we love and count as an undeniable part of our family.