Dog and human brains found to be similar in one function - study

A study has shown that when dogs perform commands requiring behavioral inhibition, theta activity arises in their frontal brain regions, similar to humans. Scientists conducted EEG on 14 dogs and identified similarities in the neurophysiological mechanisms of self-control, which could aid in studying age-related and cognitive changes.

Research conducted by scientists from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest has shown that the brains of dogs and humans exhibit similar activity during self-control. The non-invasive EEG study involved 14 dogs, yielding 226 recordings of approximately 30 seconds each. Scientists compared the animals' brain activity at rest and during tasks requiring suppression of impulsive behavior. Special attention was given to theta rhythms (4–8 Hz). In humans, an increase in these waves in the frontal brain regions is associated with cognitive control. In dogs, an increase in theta activity was observed in the same regions during tasks, similar in frequency and location. Co-author of the study, ethologist Márta Gácsi, noted that dogs live and age faster than humans but exist in a similar social and physical environment. This allows for faster study of age-related and cognitive changes. In humans, dysfunction of the frontal regions is linked to ADHD and difficulties with weight control. The authors emphasize that the data do not yet allow behavioral disorders in dogs to be considered analogs of human ones.