Dog days: How owner stress influences pet anxiety at the vet
Research conducted by scientists from Queen's University Belfast sheds new light on the relationship between owner stress and their dogs' reactions during a veterinary visit. The results suggest that our emotions can directly impact the well-being of our four-legged companions.
According to Science Alert, the study involved 28 dog owners who participated in the experiment with their pets. Both humans and animals were equipped with heart rate monitors, which enabled measuring stress levels by analysing heart rate variability.
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 the dogs' heart rates decreased as they acclimatized to the new environment, suggesting that veterinarians should give animals time to adapt before starting examinations. This may reduce stress and improve the accuracy of examination results.
Emotional contagion
Another key finding was that changes in owners' heart rates directly impacted their dogs' heart rates. A similar reaction was observable in the dog if the owner's heart beat faster or slower. This phenomenon was called "emotional contagion," meaning animals can intuitively pick up human emotions.
The study showed that dogs can sense their owners' emotions and react to them, which can affect their behaviour in stressful situations such as visits to the vet. The importance of a holistic approach to veterinary care was emphasized, encompassing the well-being of animals as well as the emotions of their owners.
Therefore, to improve the comfort of dogs during veterinary visits, researchers recommend:
- Creating a calm atmosphere for both the animal and its caregiver.
- Allowing dogs time to adapt to the new environment.
- Making owners aware of the impact of their emotions on animal behaviour.
