Does Fido have What It takes to Be An Olympian?

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The Olympics are starting in a few days, as well as we’ll all be watching in amazement as athletes from around the world break records in swimming, running, jumping, etc. After incredible feats of speed, strength, balance, as well as endurance, we’ll see the faces of athletes radiate with big smiles. as well as for those of us watching from the sofa, we may wonder, “You’d believe they’d be exhausted or in agony — exactly how can they be smiling?!”

New research study published this year in the Journal of Experimental Biology provided insight into these post-exercise smiles in an fascinating article titled, “Wired to Run.” Investigators from the institution of Anthropology at the university of Arizona provided data showing that brains in humans as well as dogs respond to high-intensity endurance exercise like running by pumping out chemicals called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids target the reward centers of the brain, providing your brain the equivalent of a gold medal high-five. This means that your brain gets a chemical gold star every time you exercise — or what some people have called a “runner’s high.”

While brains reward humans as well as dogs for aerobic exercise, the exact same is not true for other animals. For example, in the exact same research study explained above, researchers at the university of Arizona likewise had ferrets to exercise as well as determined their chemical changes. When the ferrets exercised, their brains only got ho-hum comments however no huge reward. So, while your dog may enjoy chasing you around the yard, your ferret will not.

This research study proved that genetically speaking both you as well as Fido are developed to get enjoyment from aerobic exercise. getting out for a power walk, run, or romp is not just great for your health. Both you as well as Fido have been difficult wired in your brains to crave as well as enjoy exercising. as well as now you understand that for you as well as Fido — exercise truly is its own reward.

Here are some “Olympic events” your dog may enjoy:

Longest sphere catch for Retrievers

Highest disc catch for border Collies

High jump for dogs who enjoy escaping from enclosures

Fastest 12-inch hole digging for terriers

Sprint work for Greyhounds

Fastest doggie paddle for Poodles as well as other water dogs