Sentinel Digital Desk
For thousands of years, dogs have been our companions, transitioning from hunters and herders to beloved pets. However, modern life still brings them challenges, like stressful visits to the vet.
A study in France found that how owners behave at the vet significantly affects their dogs’ stress levels. Negative behaviors, such as scolding, heightened the dog's anxiety during examinations.
Researchers monitored 28 dogs and their owners using heart-rate monitors to measure stress. Owners were exposed to either a stressful task, like solving math problems, or a calming meditation video.
Results showed that dogs' heart rates dropped as they became familiar with the clinic environment. This suggests that allowing time for dogs to settle can reduce stress and improve examination accuracy.
The study found a strong link between the owner's and dog’s heart rates. If an owner became stressed or calm, their dog’s heart rate often mirrored this change, indicating emotional contagion.
Dogs may sense and reflect their owner's emotions. When an owner is stressed, their dog is more likely to feel anxious too, reinforcing the importance of a calm owner during vet visits.