Can Your Stress Make Your Dog Stressed? New Study Says It’s Possible
A new study suggests that our furry companions are highly attuned to our emotions, to the point where our own stress levels can impact their well-being. Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) have found a fascinating link between owner stress and stress in dogs, particularly in potentially anxiety-inducing situations like visits to the veterinarian.
The study, which involved 28 dogs and their owners, showed a direct correlation between changes in a dog’s heart rate and changes in their owner’s heart rate. “Changes in human stress levels can have an innate and immediate effect on canine indicators of physiological stress,” the study reported.
“This result is in line with our hypothesis that changes in owner stress levels influence canine stress,” explained researcher Dr. Gareth Arnott.
Researchers orchestrated different stress levels in the owners. Half of the participants engaged in a mindfulness meditation exercise designed to induce relaxation and reduce stress. They were even encouraged to focus on positive affirmations about their pets. The other half experienced a "Digital Stress Test", a tool designed to elevate their stress level. Both pet owners and their canine companions wore heart rate monitors to track physiological responses.
The results revealed a striking trend: dogs whose owners displayed heightened stress levels showed corresponding increases in their own heart rates. This suggests that dogs are incredibly sensitive to our emotional states and may mirror our
stress, emphasizing the need for owners to prioritize their own mental well-being for the sake of their furry friends as well.
The study also pointed to the importance of allowing pets proper time to adjust to new environments, like a veterinarian’s office. Rushing a dog into an examination can exacerbate their fear and anxiety. The researchers recommend giving dogs ample time to acclimate, potentially reducing stress for both the pet and their worried owner.
Lead researcher Aoife Byrne told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster that the study findings have direct implications for veterinary practices.
“I think that’s very important because veterinary appointments can often be very short, everyone is under pressure, and I think there should be a real incentive to try and slow everything down”, she said, noting that stressed dogs may display elevated heart rates that can influence diagnostic readings.
These findings offer valuable insights into the bond between humans and their dogs, highlighting the impact our emotions can have on our pets. This research encourages not only a focus on providing our canine companions with a calm and reassuring environment, but also emphasizes the vital connection between our own well-being and theirs.
