We often think that only physical contact with an animal can soothe us. An anchored conviction that would like nothing to replace the heat of a wet truffle to chase everyday tensions. However, a Canadian study, published in the Human-Animal Interactions newspaper, upsets this certainty by showing that a simple dog video can be enough to trigger the same therapeutic benefits.

It is 2:30 p.m., you are stuck in the office after a trying morning. Suddenly, a colleague sends you a video of his Golden Retriever who plays in his garden. Five minutes later, you feel strangely peaceful, as if this virtual parenthesis had been enough to resolve the nodes in your stomach. This familiar feeling now finds a scientific explanation thanks to the work of Professor John-Tyler Binfet of the University of British Columbia and his colleague Christine Tardif-Williams of Brock University. Their study shows that watching a short dog video produces a significant reduction in stress, comparable to a real zootherapy session.

For the purposes of this research, more than 900 students and 120 members of the general public watched five -minute video modules featuring therapy dogs and their masters. These capsules incorporate elements of guided reflection, visual engagement with the animal and soothing narration. Participants completed a stress questionnaire before and after viewing to measure the impact of these virtual sessions.

It turns out that the soothing effect of dogs even works through a screen. “”Our results show that even during a virtual session, there is a significant reduction in stress in students as in the general public, regardless of age“Explains Professor Binfet, director of the Bark program at the University of British Columbia, in a statement.

Revolutionary accessibility

Beyond the fashion effect, these short videos of therapy dogs are revolutionizing access to the benefits of zootherapy. No more geographic constraints, restricted hours or long waiting lists. These free modules, available 24 hours a day, adapt to all time jobs and particularly affect isolated or reluctant people to solicit conventional psychological help. “”This format can also be ideal for people who hesitate to seek professional mental health support“Underlines Professor Binfet.

How to explain this surprising efficiency? Observe a dog, even through a screen, triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone of well-being, while reducing cortisol, that of stress. A positive chemical reaction that transforms our screens into unexpected therapeutic tools.

The research team plans to enrich their video therapy dog modules by integrating mindfulness exercises, in order to maximize the anti-stress effect of these virtual sessions. In a world where access to psychological care remains uneven, these short videos represent a tool for democratization of well-being, confirming that our links with animals transcend physical barriers. “”This research strengthens our theory according to which interventions assisted by dogs, whether in person or by videoconference, can be beneficial and help people reduce their stress“Concludes Professor Binfet. What make you want to click on the next puppy video that will pass in your news feed.