The findings could explain decades of conflicting research about whether pets truly improve human well-being.
Scientists at the University of Arizona have created the first dependable method to track conversations between people and their furry companions.
Researchers discovered that pet owners dedicate one-tenth of their total speaking time to their animals, with each person displaying unique communication patterns.
The findings could explain decades of conflicting research about whether pets truly improve human well-being.
The research team developed AURAL-Pet, which stands for Audio-based Understanding of Relational Animal-directed Language, according to university officials.
The system works as a checklist identifying different types of interactions, including praise, questions, commands, and frustration.
The recordings showed dramatic differences in how people communicate with their pets.
Some owners used nicknames in every interaction, while others never did.
The research utilized the electronically activated recorder, or EAR, a smartphone application that randomly records moments throughout the day, according to the university.
The team examined 5,072 sound clips from 240 participants.
Researchers are now using AURAL-Pet in the C.A.R.E.
study, which collects mental health and well-being data from adults over 60.