Oxytocin Why Playing With Dogs Is So Good for Kids Playing with a dog causes the release of the mood-elevating hormone, oxytocin. Updated October 3, 2024 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk ...

When children and dogs play together, dogs get a boost in oxytocin and a reduction in stress hormones as well. Source: Katya Wolf / Pexels.

Charlie the dog was introduced to baby Laura the moment she came home. We taught him how to help change her diapers, swing her baby crib, and play gently with her. But the one thing we never had ...