Study Says Petting Dogs<br />or Cats Can Reduce Stress A study commissioned by Washington State<br />University has found that comfort from an animal<br />can have a “significant impact” on stress levels. In as little as 10 minutes, interacting with animals<br />was found to cause a significant reduction<br />of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. The study, which involved almost 250 college<br />students, examined four different groups. One group was allowed to interact with the cats<br />and dogs for 10 minutes, while the other three<br />groups either observed or remained isolated. Researchers then took saliva samples from the<br />participants and found that those who directly<br />interacted with the animals had less cortisol. Patricia Pendry, an associate<br />professor at WSU, believes the<br />study shows “exciting” results. Patricia Pendry,<br />via The Ladders
