How Dogs Mirror Your Anxiety

There are a variety of things you could be stressing over right now. Whether it be over your health, the health of loved ones, or economic stability – there’s a good reason you might be feeling overwhelmed. But can that stress reflect onto Fido? Let’s find out.

If You’re Stressed, Chances are Fido is Too

When you’re feeling the pressure of stress, no matter the cause, our dogs can feel it too. According to a study done in 2019, our furry friend’s stress levels can be significantly influenced by their owners. Due to factors such as possible depression, unemployment, or maybe even a global pandemic – you can be put under extended periods of stress, and sadly your dog will experience it with you.

A huge problem that comes with this is that stress in dogs can lead to destructive behavior an even have a negative impact on their immune system. Meaning the longer Fido is under pressure, the more likely they are to get sick.

How to Recognize Stress in Your Dog

Since your canine can’t verbally tell you they are stressed, it’s up to you to recognize the signs that point to them experiencing this feeling. Lucky for you, your pooch is actually great at communicating – even without being able to use words.

The most common sign of stress that dogs will exhibit is destructive chewing. For canines, chewing releases dopamine, which can help them relax and feel slightly better. So if you notice your pooch has suddenly started chewing whatever is around – it’s probably in an attempt to relieve their stress and anxiety. Here are some other common signs you should look out for:

• Using the house as their toilet, instead of going outside
• Excess shedding or panting
• Refusal to eat, or withdrawal from food
• Pacing or shaking
• Whining or barking
• Excessive licking

As pet parents, we share a special relationship with our canine companions. Because they love us so, they try to protect us in more ways than one. The issue is that sometimes in an attempt to “protect” us from feeling down, it can cause them to feel the same. But luckily, there are ways to manage stress with your dog.

Healthy Ways to Decompress with Your Pup

Here are four great ways to de-stress with your dog:

• Go outside more! Take more walks, or go on longer ones. Play fetch and other games in the backyard more. Fresh air and exercise can help increase your mental health significantly.
• Teach your pup a new trick. Your pooch loves to please, so allowing them to do so is excellent. Going over old tricks or teaching Fido some new ones, also gives you a distraction and helps you focus on something other than what you’re stressing over.
• Encourage appropriate chewing. Get more durable and long-lasting chews so your pooch can alleviate their stress without destroying your things.
• Find a calm space for both of you. As mentioned before, our dogs try to protect us – so even if they’re exhibiting signs of stress, they most likely won’t leave you to find a relaxing space. So, you need to do that for them. Turn off any distractions, and go to a quiet, calm place in your house to simply relax and snuggle with your pooch for a bit.

Our canine companions are incredible sources of stress relief, which can help out our mental health tremendously. But we don’t want our pups to end up mirroring our stress, so it’s vital to make stress management a priority for both you and Fido’s sake.