Here's Looking At You, Pooch.

You can play fetch with your pooch. Pet its head and stroke its fur. Talk as if you were having a conversation with a close member of the family. But it's the gaze into the eyes that seal the deal.

That eye-to-eye look is one major reason for the unspeakable bond between man's (or woman's) best friend and you. It's not just the dog biscuits and the walks around the block.

Researchers analyzed levels of the chemical oxytocin in both humans and pooches when they gazed into each other's eyes. And the longer they gazed, the more oxytocin was produced.

It's the same hormone that helps bond a mother and baby. It produces feelings of joy, closeness, and calm. In medicine, we consider it a "feel good "chemical ---one that may help explain why probably love your dog as much as you do.

One interesting part of the study was the fact that the fact that both the human and the dog produced oxytocin—the researchers called it a biofeedback loop. When one looked into the other's eyes, the more the other was prone to gaze back—producing more oxytocin in each.

The breeds tested included Golden retrievers, poodles, miniature Dachshunds, miniature Schnauzers, a Jack Russell Terrier, and two "mutts."

When you think about it, it makes sense. Eye contact is one of the primary forms of communication between humans, and now it appears to be the case with humans and dogs. It's something not seen in other animals, at least not at this point.

It's no wonder your dog truly becomes part of the family... and why my dog gets anything she wants. (She's got me wrapped around her little paws--no question about it.)

Dr. Dave Hnida is CBS4's Medical Editor. He blogs about the latest studies and trends in the health world. Read his latest blog entries, check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @drdavehnida