How does animal interaction reduce human stress levels?
Written by
Natalie Hamilton
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.When animals interact with humans, they stimulate instant physiological changes to fight human stress effectively. Interaction with therapy animals leads, within minutes, to a decrease in cortisol levels in the body. Blood pressure is reduced, and breathing patterns return to normal. This biological change in the body occurs due to the stimulation of the touch sense, which involves the parasympathetic nervous system.
Relaxation starts when there is skin-to-fur contact. The nerve endings send messages to the emotional centers of the brain. This, in turn, triggers the relaxation response, which counteracts the fight-or-flight response. I have measured blood pressure drops of 10-15 mmHg during therapy dog sessions. The body enters the recovery mode quickly.
Cortisol Reduction
- Physical touch decreases stress hormone production significantly
- Measurable changes occur within 5-10 minutes of interaction
- Lowered cortisol persists for hours after sessions
Parasympathetic Activation
- Tactile stimulation triggers nervous system relaxation response
- Heart rate variability patterns shift toward healthier coherence
- Breathing rhythms synchronize with animal movements
Blood Pressure Regulation
- Systolic pressure decreases 10-15 mmHg on average
- Vascular tension eases through nitric oxide release
- Consistent sessions create lasting cardiovascular improvements
Animals vary in the kinds of help they provide for stress. Small animals provide gentle contact, best suited for managing acute anxiety. Dogs need movement that metabolizes stress hormones; horses are grounded by their size and warmth. Matching animals to types of stress yields maximum therapeutic effect.
Sticking to these sessions helps convert temporary relief into resilience. It helps lay the foundation for cumulative stress resistance. Your body will learn to activate these calming responses faster. I recommend starting with 15-minute sessions twice a week and gradually increasing the session length as your nervous system becomes accustomed to the process.
Read the full article: Pet Therapy Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide
