Stress signals: How your mood affects your dog's vet visit
Research conducted by scientists from Queen's University Belfast sheds new light on the relationship between owners' stress and their dogs' reactions during veterinary visits. The results suggest that our emotions can directly influence the well-being of our four-legged companions.
The study involved 28 dog owners who, along with their pets, participated in the experiment, reports Science Alert. Both people and animals were equipped with heart rate monitors that allowed the measurement of stress levels by analyzing heart rate variability.
Does owners' stress affect dogs?
During the experiment, owners were subjected to stressful and relaxing stimuli. The first group performed mathematical tasks and oral presentations, while the second watched a five-minute video with breathing exercises.
It was observed that dogs' heart rates decreased as they became accustomed to the new environment, suggesting that veterinarians should allow animals time to adapt before starting examinations. This may not only reduce stress but also improve the accuracy of test results.
Emotional contagion
A key finding was that changes in the owners' heart rates directly impacted their dogs' heart rates. If the owner's heart beat faster or slower, a similar reaction was observed in the dog. This phenomenon was termed "emotional contagion," meaning that animals can intuitively pick up human emotions.
The study revealed that dogs can sense their owners' emotions and react to them, which can impact their behavior in stressful situations, such as veterinary visits. The importance of a holistic approach in veterinary care was emphasized, encompassing both animal welfare and the emotions of their owners.
Therefore, to improve the comfort of dogs during visits to the veterinary office, researchers recommend:
- Creating a calm atmosphere for both the animal and its caretaker.
- Allowing dogs time to adapt to the new environment.
- Making owners aware of how their emotions affect animal behavior.
