Neural signature of human-dog interactions: EEG correlates from comparisons with plant and replica dog in a within-subject, cross-over randomized trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human-dog interactions (HDIs) are widely associated with emotional and physiological benefits, yet their neural underpinnings remain poorly understood. This study investigated cortical oscillatory dynamics during HDI compared to two control conditions: interacting with a plant and a realistic dog replica.

Methods

In a within-subject, cross-over randomized design, 29 healthy adults participated in three EEG sessions, each including all conditions. EEG power spectral density was analyzed across theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz, including slow and fast sub-bands), and beta (13-30 Hz, including low and mid sub-bands) frequencies from 10 electrodes covering prefrontal, frontal, central, parietal, and occipital regions.

Results

Our observations revealed distinct ne

SUBMITTER: Carbone F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12920550 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature