Pets Reflect Owner Stress Levels, Research Shows
Animal behaviorists are finding that pets, particularly โขdogs, can mirror thier owners’โ stress levels to a surprisingโฃ degree. The extent โขof this โคmirroring, however,โ isn’t uniform and appears linked toโค the strength of the bond between pet and owner. As suggested by researcher Bernstein, a โcloser relationshipโฃ facilitates more emotional mirroring.
thisโฃ connection can be quantified using the Monash Dog Owner relationship Scale (MDORS), a tool utilizing 28 items to assess the perceived bond. Researchers frequently incorporate theโ MDORS intoโ their studies; a 2022 study, for โคexmaple, demonstrated an association betweenโฃ the โฃdog-owner relationship and the dog’s emotional reactivity.
Breed โalso plays a role, according to Tu. โขDogs bred for herding are naturallyโฃ attuned to environmental changes and โhumanโ cues. “They seem to be a little more responsive to humanโฃ cues, so they tend to haveโค higher correlations with their cortisolโ level with their owner’s โขcompared to perhaps some more ancient breeds โor solitary huntingโฃ breeds that where โขnotโค really bred for that,” tu explained. “Sheepdogs need to know howโข toโ work with โtheโค human to do their job.Humans โwere selective to breeds for these types of traits, and as a result, theseโ dogs โคare highly sensitiveโ to human needs.”
Bernstein emphasizes that an animal’s environment,alongside social โคandโข biological factors,are pivotal when considering stress.
Breaking the Stress Cycle
If โanโข owner observes increased signs of stress in their pet,Bernstein recommends identifying the underlying cause and adjusting the pet’s lifestyle accordingly. Recognizing that animals โkeenly observe โhuman behavior, owners mayโฃ need to make changes in their own lives to benefit both themselves and their companions.
“What environment were they raised in or are currently inโข that might be resulting inโข stress โbehaviors? Is thereโค something new happening in the animal’s life thatโข might be resulting in stress? Are they experiencing any medical issues?” Bernstein told Newsweek.
To address stress stemming from an owner’s anxiety, โฃboth parties need to cultivate a โcalm environment with a consistent, stress-free routine.All animals benefit from enrichment activities like puzzle toys and access to a safe play space, andโฃ positive reinforcement shoudl always โbe โขemployed.
Tu recommends consulting a veterinarian โคforโ guidance onโฃ managing a pet’s stress.โ Potential solutions include training techniques, environmental modifications,โค or, if necessary, medication.
Ultimately, โwhileโข pets demonstrably improve human wellbeing – impacting cardiovascular and mental health โฃ- human traits can also influence them. Owners should thus prioritize understanding their pet’s emotional needs alongside their physicalโ ones.
