Jenkins, J. L. 1986. Physiological effects of petting a companion animal. Psychological Reports 58, 21-22.

This research compared the blood pressures and heart rates of 20 pet owners in their own homes while petting their dogs and while reading aloud. All pet owners showed a positive regard for their animals as demonstrated by high scores on a Pet Attitude Scale. The owners exhibited signifiantly lower blood pressures while petting than while reading.