The Unexpected Way Your Moods Impact Your Pet

Content reviewed by Jennifer Sperry, DVM, Medical Director

We've all seen the heartwarming stories: "How my dog saved me from anxiety" or "10 ways your cat improves your mental health." But here's a mind-bender for you: what if your mood is messing with your pet's head?

Turns out, that emotional street could go both ways, and science is starting to delve into just how much our inner state can impact our soulful sidekicks.

The new pet parent paradigm

Gone are the days when Fido was just there to fetch the newspaper. Today's pet parents are all about a more holistic life with their pets—one that focuses on wellness and well-being. And we’re not talking just trends, buzzwords, bougie pet spas, and organic treats. This new wave of pet parents recognizes pets as sentient beings with complex emotional lives similar to our own.

Dogs are a mood mirror

You know that surreal feeling when your dog seems to know you're sad before you do? Turns out, it's not just in your head. Dogs, in particular, are emotional sponges, soaking up our inner world like it's their job (which, let's be real, it kind of is).

A groundbreaking study published in 2018 found that dogs can smell human emotions and adopt them as their own. You read that right - your stress sweat could literally be stressing out your pup.

The sniff test

To test how dogs respond to human emotional chemosignals, researchers placed a dog, its owner, a stranger, and a contraption pumping out human sweat in a single room.

They collected sweat samples from men who had watched either fear-inducing or happiness-inducing videos. Then, they exposed Labrador and Golden retrievers to these emotion-laden scents and watched what happened.

The results? When dogs smelled "happy sweat," they were more likely to approach and interact with the stranger in the room. In the presence of fear chemosignals, dogs showed more owner-directed behaviors. They stuck closer to their humans, possibly sensing that something was "off" and seeking reassurance. Dogs exposed to the fear odor displayed more stress-related behaviors. So, they weren't just reading the emotion; they were feeling it too.

Dogs' heart rates were significantly higher in the fear condition compared to both the happy and control conditions. This physiological response suggests a deeper, involuntary reaction to the emotional chemosignals.

Dr. Biagio D'Aniello, the lead researcher, explains: "The role of the chemosignals in dog-human communication... may be important for dogs' perception of human emotions". In other words, your dog isn’t just your best friend—they may also be an astute (but cute) emotional barometer.

Your dog may feel your pain (literally)

Just when you thought your dog couldn't get any more in tune with your feelings, science drops another fascinating learning. One study took a page from human infant research to explore whether dogs show empathy towards distressed humans.

Researchers set up scenarios in which dogs witnessed their owners or strangers either talking, humming, or pretending to cry. As it turns out, dogs paid more attention to people who were pretending to cry than those who were just chatting or humming, almost like they had a built-in distress detector.

Not only were these pups seemingly concerned, but they also tried to fix the problem. When humans turned on the waterworks, the dogs approached in what observers described as a "submissive" manner.

Most surprisingly, if the stranger was the one shedding tears, instead of turning to their owner for reassurance, they went straight to the upset stranger, offering sniffs, nuzzles, and licks.

Dr. Deborah Custance, one of the study's authors, notes: "The fact that the dogs differentiated between crying and humming indicates that their response to crying was not purely driven by curiosity. Rather, the crying carried greater emotional meaning for the dogs and provoked a stronger overall response."

As a caveat, the researchers do offer a reality check. This behavior is likely less of an example of pure empathy in the human sense and more likely a combo of emotional contagion and learned behavior.

It gives more credence to the fact that our pets can catch feelings from us and demonstrates how the bond between humans and dogs goes way beyond just fetch and walks.

Cats are subtle absorbers

Now, cat people, don't think stereotypically aloof felines are immune to your mood swings. While cats might not be as overt in their emotional mirroring, they're still picking up what you're putting down.

A study published in PLoS ONE found that cats living neurotic owners were more likely to exhibit behavioral problems and stress-related illnesses. "Cats may not always find living as our pets easy, and it’s important that we are aware of how our behaviour may be impacting upon them, in both positive and negative ways,” study author Lauren Finka told PsyPost in 2019.

Plot twist: maybe don't stress about stressing your pet

Before you spiral into guilt over every bad day potentially scarring your pet for life, take a deep breath; science may be throwing us a curveball.

A study published in Scientific Reports presents a different picture when it comes to pet emotions. It turns out that dogs living with more neurotic owners actually had lower cortisol levels. Why? Researcher Lina Roth suggests these owners might seek more comfort from their pets, showering them with stress-reducing pets and attention.

So, if you're a bit of a worrier, your extra snuggle sessions might be doing your pup a world of good! The study also found that competition dogs had a stronger cortisol link with their owners, possibly due to the bond formed through regular training.

While this study suggests your mood does matter to your soulful sidekick, it also highlights how much we still don't know. The jury's still out on just how strong this emotional contagion really is - positive or negative. So, pet parents, maybe we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

While it's fascinating food for thought, don't stress too much about transferring your every emotion to your pet. Your dog or cat might be more resilient than we give them credit for.

Hacking the human-animal bond

So, what's a responsible pet parent to do with all this info? Here are some science-backed tips to keep your pet's emotional barometer in the green:

1. Mindfulness for two: Practices like meditation can lower your stress levels, which in turn may chill out your pet. Make mindfulness walks a regular practice, so both you and your pet can slow down, enjoy your surroundings, and enhance your bond.

2. Gym buddies: Physical activity is a mood booster for both species. Based on your pet's age, health, and breed, your vet can suggest some activities you can try, such as more frequent short walks, interactive toys, or even agility training.

3. Prioritize zen: Dr. Sarah Wooten, veterinary journalist and UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine graduate recommends: "Pets thrive on routine and structure - especially cats! Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, exercise, playtime, and rest. Predictability can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of stability for your pet.”

4. Positive reinforcement: Reward-based training methods not only teach good behavior but also strengthen the emotional bond between you and your pet. Dr. Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, affirms, “don't hesitate to sprinkle your dog with praise. It's not only good for them, but also good for you.”

The future of furry feelings

As we dig deeper into the science of human-animal bonds, we're uncovering a whole new level of interspecies emotional intelligence. It's not only about how pets can help us feel better anymore—it's about creating a symbiotic relationship where both pets and their people thrive.

So next time you're feeling down, remember: your mood isn't just your own. You've got a whiskered emotional copilot who's riding those waves with you. While the jury's still deliberating on just how much our internal state can impact our pets’, one thing's for sure – seeking inner zen is a win-win.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.