Stressed at Work? Your Dog Might Be Feeling It Too, Says Study
If you think your work stress stays at the office—or in your head—think again. According to a recent study, your dog might be absorbing your anxiety, and it could be affecting their emotional well-being more than you realize.
New research is shedding light on the deep emotional bond between humans and their pets, suggesting that our moods don’t just influence us—they can transfer directly to our furry companions.
What the Study Found
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports examined how human stress, particularly work-related anxiety, can influence canine behavior and physiology. The researchers tracked both human and dog stress levels over several months by measuring cortisol, a hormone linked to stress, in hair samples.
The key finding?
Dogs consistently mirrored the stress patterns of their owners, especially when those owners reported high levels of work-related tension or anxiety.
Interestingly, the dog’s own personality traits—like whether they were naturally nervous or calm—had less influence on their stress than the owner's emotional state.
Why Dogs Mirror Human Emotions
Dogs are incredibly attuned to human emotions. Thanks to thousands of years of domestication, they’ve evolved to pick up on subtle cues in our voice tone, facial expressions, posture, and daily habits.
When you’re feeling anxious, overworked, or irritable, your dog may:
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Become more clingy or restless
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Experience changes in appetite
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Display destructive behaviors (like chewing or scratching)
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Sleep less or seem more alert
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Avoid eye contact or hide
In short, they pick up on your emotional cues—and often internalize them.
The Role of Work Stress
The study emphasized that job-related stress was a major factor in the emotional transmission to dogs. Why?
Because work stress is:
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Chronic: It builds daily and can become long-term.
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Mentally draining: It leaves us with less emotional bandwidth at home.
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Invasive: With remote work and smartphones, we often bring it home—consciously or not.
If you’re constantly checking emails, venting about your boss, or emotionally shutting down at home, your dog notices—and responds.
Which Dogs Are Most Affected?
All dogs are emotionally perceptive, but the study suggests some may be more sensitive to their owner’s moods:
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Breeds known for strong bonds (like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, or German Shepherds)
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Rescue dogs with past trauma
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Younger dogs still learning routines
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Dogs with little socialization or limited exposure to other humans and animals
Dogs that spend more time with their owners—especially during work-from-home arrangements—may also be more likely to mirror stress patterns.
How to Protect Your Dog’s Mental Health
1. Manage Your Own Stress First
Dogs are your emotional mirrors. Simple self-care strategies can benefit you and your pup:
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Deep breathing exercises
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Setting work boundaries
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Taking regular movement breaks
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Practicing mindfulness
2. Create a Calm Home Environment
Your dog thrives on routine and calmness. Try:
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Calming music or white noise during your work hours
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Setting up a safe, cozy space for them to relax
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Maintaining regular mealtimes and walks
3. Exercise Together
Physical activity is a stress reliever for both species. Go for a long walk, run, or playtime in the yard. A 15-minute outdoor break can reduce stress hormones—for you and your pup.
4. Engage Their Brain
Mental stimulation can offset emotional stress. Use:
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Puzzle toys
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Training games
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New commands or scent-based activities
5. Know When to Seek Help
If your dog is showing ongoing signs of anxiety—whining, shaking, pacing, or destructive behavior—speak with a vet or dog behaviorist. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.
Final Thoughts
We’ve always known dogs are loyal and loving—but this study highlights just how deeply connected they are to our emotional worlds. When you bring your work stress home, your dog doesn’t just sense it—they may live it with you.
The good news? With awareness and small changes, you can care for your own mental health while also protecting your dog’s well-being. Because in the end, your happiness is their happiness too.