Effects of oxycotin on dogs is similar to that to humans, finds a novel study. Researchers from Japan said when sprayed with oxycotin, the canines became more affectionate and were also more likely to sniff, lick and paw.

These behaviours were seen more in the dogs that were sprayed with oxyctin than the canines sprayed with the saline solution. The dogs were found to be more affectionate not only towards their owners, but also towards other dogs around them.

The study explains that oxycotin is not only meant for reproductive purposes, but has a bigger role like it is important in social relationships. For the study, researchers included 16 adult dogs with different breeds.

Some were sprayed with oxycotin formulation and others were sprayed with a saline solution, which in the study acted as a placebo. Main aim of researchers was to know whether the spray is able to affect the animals' behaviour with their owners.

To have more clear idea, the research team also took samples of blood and urine levels of dogs before and after oxycotin receipt. "We found that after receiving the oxycotin spray, dogs displayed more affiliative behaviors and paid more attention to their owners than during the controls", said lead researcher Teresa Romero.

As per the research team, the study findings broaden the learning aspect of social bonding. Another benefit of the finding is that it may also explain the bond that began with domestication of wolves around 33,000 years ago.

"Our findings suggest that oxycotin might be an important mechanism that allowed the evolution of enduring cooperative bonds between related and unrelated individuals", said the researchers.