How Your Stress Levels Could Be Affecting Your Furry Friend

Emotional Contagion: The Link Between Human and Canine Emotions

What if your dog was a reflection of your emotions? Does your pet feel your stress or share your calm? If so, it’s not just a coincidence: a British study confirms that your emotional state can directly influence your faithful friend, right down to their heartbeat.

A Study Reveals the Connection

A research team from Queen’s University Belfast came to this conclusion after conducting an experiment in which 28 dog owners were fitted with heart monitors while subjected to potentially stressful situations, such as a digital test – or calming ones, such as a guided meditation session.

Correlating Heartbeats

At the same time, the researchers monitored their dogs’ heartbeats for possible correlations between human and canine emotions. As expected, participants reported a significant increase in stress after the digital test, followed by a noticeable decrease after the meditation. But what particularly caught the researchers’ attention was that variations in the owners’ heart rates seemed to precede those of their dogs.

Dogs Reflect Their Owners’ Emotions

In other words, the stress or serenity of the owners seemed to literally go straight to the heart of their companions. For Dr Gareth Arnott, a specialist in animal behaviour and co-author of the study, the results suggest that dogs may be susceptible to emotional contagion. This phenomenon, well known in humans, translates into the unconscious mirroring of emotions through expressions, voice or even posture.

The Implications of Emotional Contagion

Stress in Veterinary Settings

60% of dogs are frightened when they arrive at a veterinary practice. (Envato Elements pic)

So, whether positive or negative, emotions can influence those around us – dogs included. “This has significant implications for managing canine stress in veterinary settings, as it provides evidence to suggest that owners’ stress may influence the stress of their dogs,” Arnott explained.

Reducing Stress in Dogs

As Arnott and his colleagues point out in the study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 60% of dogs are frightened when they arrive at a veterinary practice – a reaction that could, in part, be due to the attitude of their owners. “If vets help owners feel more calm while attending the clinic, it could help their dogs feel more at ease, too,” the researchers concluded in an article published on The Conversation website.

Practical Tips for Reducing Stress in Dogs

Calm Down Before Your Dog Does

So if you wish to appease your four-legged friend in a stressful situation, start by calming yourself down. Dogs have a remarkable ability to adapt to new environments: their heart rate slows over time, provided they are given the space they need to acclimatise.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of managing our own emotions to ensure a more comfortable and stress-free experience for our canine companions. By recognizing the connection between human and canine emotions, we can take steps to create a more peaceful environment for both ourselves and our pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can emotional contagion occur in dogs of all ages?
A: Yes, emotional contagion has been observed in dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors.

Q: How can I reduce my own stress levels to benefit my dog?
A: Engage in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, deep breathing, or exercise, to calm your mind and body.

Q: What can I do to help my dog feel more comfortable in stressful situations?
A: Provide a safe and comfortable environment, offer gentle reassurance, and avoid physical restraint or punishment.