Does Petting Reduce Stress in Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

By Nicole Cosgrove

Updated on Aug 22, 2024

petting an old dog

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Luqman Javed

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Dogs are social animals, and they love interactions with their human caregivers. Stroking their fur gently and lovingly is perceived as an act of affection. Many studies prove that interacting with pets can reduce stress levels in humans.

But does petting reduce stress in dogs? Yes, it does!

Numerous studies support that petting your pup for 10 minutes lowers cortisol, a stress hormone. The interaction also increases the release of oxytocin, a “feel good” hormone. A surge in oxytocin triggers a positive emotional state, lowering negative feelings of anxiety or stress, and strengthening their bond with you.

How Petting Benefits Your Dog

Petting your pup delivers incredible health benefits to you and your pet.¹ ² It’s a two-way street that provides both of you with a fantastic antidote to everyday stresses. Here are how petting sessions affect your pup emotionally.

1. Provides Stress Relief

Positive interactions between a dog and their owners trigger a release of many feel-good hormones. These include dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphin – which are sometimes referred to as D.O.S.E.

All these hormones are associated with a positive emotional state. Oxytocin in particular is highly involved during social bonding sessions and is responsible for the attachment between you and your furry friend.³

Stroking your dog is an incredibly effective stress buster for you and your pet. That warm glow on your pup’s face when you start rubbing their neck and shoulders also lowers the stress hormone cortisol. The drop in cortisol and increase in oxytocin during the petting session is so significant that it shows up in the body’s chemistry!

hand patting a sad dog — Image Credit: 8th.creator, Shutterstock

2. Enhances Their Mental Well-Being

From a canine’s perspective, petting is not just about the touch itself but also about the emotional bond it creates and enhances. While your pup feels good when you rub the base of their ears and the sides of their face, this is not as important as the emotional interaction initiated when petting.

For dogs, emotional interactions have an immense impact on their mental well-being.

Petting your pup and having an emotional interaction with them has the equivalent psychophysiological impact of spending time with someone you are emotionally attached to. The petting session triggers the release of numerous neurochemicals associated with positive feelings, love, and bonding.

3. Helps Them Calm Down

When your dog is anxious or nervous, there is arguably nothing more soothing than your presence. A good petting session or cuddling on the couch can reassure your pup of their safety and security. Petting your dog sends signals to the brain to help calm them and reduce their anxiety.

For instance, if loud noises get your pup freaked out, petting while gently talking to them during a thunderstorm can help him or her calm down and cope with the situation. While a good neck and chest rub is not always a quick fix for anxiety, it can help moderate the intensity of negative emotions. In fact, in research the most dramatic effect on shelter dogs exposed to human petting was a reduction in their cortisol (stress hormone) levels ⁴!

person petting a chocolate brown doberman dog — Image Credit: Ryk Porras, Unsplash

4. Strengthens Their Bond With You

Dogs associate petting with positive emotions like praise, love, and comfort. Petting reassures your pet that you still consider it a worthy member of your pack. This gives your pup a sense of belonging and an increased feeling of having a meaningful existence.

The show of affection is crucial to establishing a strong bond with your pup, as it enhances your pup’s overall happiness and alleviates signs of stress, boredom, or anxiety.

How and Where Do Dogs Like Being Petted?

Dogs are very particular about how, when, and where they like being petted. The rule of thumb is to let your pup initiate the petting. A dog that wants to be petted will sniff you, lick your hand, give you a soft gaze, smile at you, and generally seem more relaxed. They could also show pleasure in your interactions by wagging their tail or nuzzling up against you.

Once you have a go-ahead, bend, kneel, or squat to your pup’s level to make them feel more comfortable. Standing over your furry friend might make your petting sessions feel more intimidating than pleasurable, especially if you haven’t had your pup for long and they are still getting used to you. Even though the idea is to get to your dog’s eye level, let your furry buddy be the one to initiate eye contact.

girl owner petting her dog's back — Image Credit: TaniaKitura, Shutterstock

Slowly and gently stroke your pet’s fur along the grain. Generally, dogs love a good round of petting on the following neutral areas:

Chest
The base of the neck
Shoulders
Side of their body

It is okay to pet in other areas if your dog allows you. Most pups will not mind a good petting at the base of their ears and the back of their neck. A dog that also wants a tummy rub will lie down on their back or roll over to expose their belly. When petting sensitive areas, always watch your dog’s body language; back away if they show signs of discomfort or resistance.

It’s often not a good idea to pet a dog on their face or the top of their head. Most get frightened and defensive because they may perceive you as a threat. However, if your pet trusts you enough, he or she will enjoy petting in just about any area. This includes sensitive spots like under the chin, on the side of the thighs and, around their lower back, and near the base of their tail.

dog licking his owners hand — Image Credit: Alicia Fdez, Shutterstock

Are There Dogs That Don’t Like Being Petted?

It is best to avoid petting a pup who shows fear, discomfort, or aggression. Back away if a dog pins their ears back, tucks their tail, growls, or barks at you when you attempt to initiate contact.

Some dogs show a greater preference for petting than others. Anecdotal evidence suggests that breeds like Chihuahuas and Great Danes are essentially lap dogs that appreciate good petting from anyone in their inner circle. However, breeds like Malamute pups, Scottish Terriers and Cairn Terriers prefer having their personal space. Ultimately though, it often comes down to individual preference and it bears repeating that these claims are anecdotal.

Even dogs that love petting may not want to be touched by unfamiliar people. If you cannot resist petting an unfamiliar dog, approach them slowly with an open palm. Ask their owner or caretaker if it’s okay to pet them. Remember that petting is a distraction for dogs, and all dogs, especially service dogs shouldn’t be petted without permission. If the owner or caretaker approves, check if their dog calmly wags their tail and seems to approve your approach. Consent is important for dogs too! If the dog seems receptive to your attention, give him or her a gentle rub on the side of their face. Avoid making sudden movements that may cause panic or confusion.

Important

If a service dog ever approaches you without their owner or caretaker, please note that they aren’t asking for attention or pets and instead are trying to get assistance. Acknowledge their presence and indicate that you are willing to follow them. Trained dogs will then lead you to the person they feel needs help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does my dog stare at me when I’m petting them?

A pup that stares straight into your eyes as you pet them is thought to be expressing affection and adoration. It is widely believed that just like petting, mutual staring between a dog and their owner triggers a surge in oxytocin. The neurochemical is also released when a mother and her newborn baby stare into each other’s eyes.

Jack russell dog ready for a walk with owner or hungry ,begging on lap — Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock

Is it okay to pet my dog while they sleep?

While your pup may not seem unhappy when you pet them while they sleep, he or she is likely just being polite. Rubbing their ears or other sensitive areas can startle them awake. Depending on their dream, they could even react aggressively and bite. Fortunately, dogs love cuddling with their owners at night. However, some dogs don’t appreciate bear hugs, as the gesture might make them feel trapped.

Does petting make a dog feel loved?

Yes. From a dog’s view, petting is a physical and emotional interaction. Stroking your pup in all the right places makes them feel happy, loved, and special. Your dog perceives the petting session as a show of affection. It also promotes health by signaling the brain to release neurochemicals and hormones which serve as powerful stress relievers, and strengthens their bond with you.

welsh corgi cardigan dog and his owner — Image Credit: Krichevtseva, Shutterstock

Final Thoughts

Dogs and humans are both considered social. The partnership between you and your furry buddy is mutually beneficial on multiple levels. During a petting session, you both experience a surge in hormones and neurotransmitters associated with positivity, improved health, mental well-being, and stress relief: oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.

Petting your pup does more than just make them feel good; it triggers a surge in positive emotions and a drop in negative feelings like loneliness, fear, and anxiety. The blend of positive neurochemicals helps to relieve discomfort, alleviate stress, and give your furry buddy an improved sense of well-being.

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Featured Image Credit: Jean Alves, Pexels