Dedicated to Puxtla and Zempo
In recent years, science has begun to recognize the positive impact of trees on human health due to the volatile substances they emit, such as phytoncides, which strengthen the immune system and reduce stress (Post WALKING WITH THE TREES). But could something similar happen with pets? This is an idea that has not yet been fully explored, but could open a new line of research into the invisible benefits that animals offer those who walk with them.
In this post we present certain hypotheses throughout their development with the purpose of channeling actions to discover and demonstrate the healing power of the different substances emitted by animals and that some of us adopt as pets, an action that would facilitate the transmission of these healing influences.
Zempo y Puxtla
Emission of Biological Substances by Animals
We know that trees release phytoncides, volatile compounds with antibacterial and relaxing properties. To draw a parallel with animals, we could consider the following:
• Pheromones and other chemical signals:
- Animals secrete pheromones for intraspecific communication (between individuals of the same species). Although these substances are designed to influence other animals, some studies have shown that humans can react to them unconsciously.
- Example: The use of synthetic canine pheromones (such as Adaptil) has been investigated to reduce stress in dogs and it has been observed that they can also generate a more relaxed environment for humans.
• Animal microbiota and its environmental influence:
- Animals transport and release beneficial bacteria into the environment. Living with dogs, for example, enriches the human intestinal microbiota, which could positively impact the immune system.
- Hypothesis: If animals release beneficial microorganisms into the air (through breath, skin or fur), this could influence human health by strengthening their microbiome.
• Odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs):
- Each species of animal has its own characteristic odor, derived from chemical compounds given off by its body. Could these compounds influence the psyche or well-being of humans?
- Some studies have shown that the smell of certain animals, such as horses or dogs, can induce states of calm and reduce anxiety in people.
Influence of Animals on Human Health
Although there is no evidence that animals emit healing substances into the environment, multiple positive effects of their presence have been documented:
• Skin-to-skin contact effect:
- Touching and stroking an animal can lower blood pressure and decrease cortisol, suggesting an indirect biochemical impact.
• Effect of body temperature and vibrations:
- It has been documented that cats, when purring (25-50 Hz), generate vibrations that can stimulate bone and muscle healing. Could there be a correlation between exposure to these types of frequencies and cell regeneration in humans?
• Placebo effect and psychological well-being:
- If we believe that the proximity of animals helps us, it is possible that our body reacts favorably to that expectation.
THE WALK: Stimulating factor.
The connection between movement and the emission of substances in pets
Just as humans release different substances through sweat and breathing when performing physical activity, it is logical to assume that animals also modulate the production and release of certain substances depending on their level of activity. During the walk, the pet’s body enters a state of metabolic activation that could influence the production of pheromones, natural oils in the skin, and even the composition of the microbiome that they share with their environment.
Various studies have shown that the microbiota of dogs, for example, can influence the microbiota of the humans with whom they live, promoting greater bacterial diversity in their owners. This exchange of microorganisms could be related to health benefits, from a better immune response to a lower incidence of allergies.
Pheromones and volatile organic compounds: a possible path to healing
Animals emit pheromones that play a fundamental role in their communication and behavior. Some of these substances have calming effects, such as the appeasing pheromones of dogs and cats, which are used in therapies to reduce anxiety in these animals. Although their effect on humans has not yet been thoroughly studied, it is plausible that exposure to these pheromones during walking has a positive impact on people’s emotional well-being.
On the other hand, there are volatile organic compounds that animals can emit through their skin, saliva or glandular secretions. When walking, the pet’s blood circulation accelerates, its breathing intensifies and its body temperature increases, which could enhance the emission of these beneficial substances.
The role of movement in activating these processes
The central hypothesis of this reflection is that movement (Walking) activates and amplifies the production and dispersion of these substances, just as occurs with trees and their phytoncides. When an animal is at rest, its metabolism operates at a basal rate, with minimal emission of compounds. But when walking, a dynamic process is generated in which your body interacts more intensely with the environment, allowing a greater diffusion of substances that could have positive effects on the humans who accompany you.
In addition, walking with a pet also involves exposing humans to new natural environments, which can favor the absorption of beneficial substances from both the animals and the environment itself. This reinforces the idea that the combination of movement, outdoors and animal companionship has a multifactorial impact on health.
Beyond dogs and cats: other pets with healing potential
Although dogs and cats are the most common pets that accompany humans on their walks, there are many other species that walk with people and that could be emitting substances with beneficial effects that have not yet been explored and therefore unknown. Some possibilities include:
• Birds: Breathing Pure Air. Birds’ metabolism and air filtration through their lungs could influence the quality of the environment in which they are found. Birds such as canaries and parrots not only brighten the environment with their song, but they could release substances through their plumage or their breathing. It is known that bird lungs are highly efficient at filtering air, which could influence the quality of the environment in closed spaces. Could the presence of certain birds improve oxygenation or air purification in the home?
• Fish and the Aquatic Environment. Although they do not accompany you on walks, the aquatic ecosystems in which they live generate compounds that could have relaxing effects on those who observe them. Aquariums have been associated with reducing stress and anxiety, but research on their biochemical impact is scarce. Aquarium water is known to contain microorganisms and natural compounds that can influence air quality. Could the presence of ornamental fish in an enclosed space generate effects similar to those of natural environments near water?
• Rodents: Pheromones and Close Contact. Hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits release pheromones that affect behavior and the chemistry of the environment. All of them have a close relationship with humans and can release pheromones that affect the chemistry of the home. It has been documented that guinea pigs can influence the emotional regulation of children and adults who caress them, reducing anxiety.
• Reptiles: Interaction with a Different World. Their skin and body temperature can influence the tactile perception and emotional state of their owners. Although reptiles, such as turtles and lizards, do not emit strong odors or have sweat glands, they can influence the environment through the temperature and texture of their skin. Contact with certain species can induce a state of calm or promote mindfulness, suggesting a possible indirect effect on mental health.
Hypotheses for the Future
If trees emit phytoncides and dogs influence the microbiota, it is possible that other species also interact with the environment and the human body in ways that are still unknown. Future science could explore how different animal species, through their breathing, skin or microbiome, can influence human well-being.
Conclusion: a new field of exploration for health and well-being
Interaction with animals is an inexhaustible source of benefits for humans. While science has demonstrated the positive effects of animal companionship on emotional and mental health, there is still much to discover about the physiological impact of the substances they emit. The idea that these substances can be enhanced through movement opens a fascinating door for future research.
Walking with a pet is not only an emotionally rewarding experience, but it could also be an invisible source of physical and mental well-being. The invitation remains open: let’s continue exploring, walking and discovering how nature and the living beings around us can influence our health in ways that we still do not fully understand.