Can Your Dog Pick Up on Your Stress?
If you’ve ever felt like your dog just knows when you’ve had a rough day, you’re probably not imagining it.
Dogs are incredibly perceptive animals. They read body language, tone of voice, scent cues, and subtle behavioral changes far better than most humans realize. But can they actually absorb or mirror your stress?
Research suggests they can.
Dogs and Humans Share Stress Signals
A widely cited study from Linköping University in Sweden found that long-term cortisol levels (a primary stress hormone) in dogs closely mirrored those of their owners. Researchers measured cortisol in hair samples, which reflects stress exposure over time rather than just a momentary spike, and discovered that when owners had elevated cortisol, their dogs did too.
Interestingly, the dogs’ stress levels appeared to be more strongly influenced by their owners than by the dogs’ own personalities.
Follow-up research in recent years has continued to explore emotional contagion between humans and dogs. Studies show dogs are highly sensitive to human facial expressions, vocal tone, and even scent changes associated with stress. In fact, a 2022 study demonstrated that dogs can detect stress-related scent changes in human breath and sweat with remarkable accuracy.
In short: your dog doesn’t just observe your stress — they may physiologically respond to it.
How Stress Affects Dogs
Like humans, dogs experience both short-term (acute) stress and long-term (chronic) stress.
Acute stress, such as a loud noise or an unfamiliar situation, is normal. Chronic stress, however, can lead to behavioral changes and physical symptoms that affect overall well-being.
Because dogs can’t tell us what they’re feeling, we have to watch for signs.
Signs Your Dog May Be Stressed
Stress can show up in subtle ways. Some common indicators include:
Jumpiness or Hypervigilance
A stressed dog may startle easily or struggle to settle. Everyday sounds like a door closing or phone ringing may trigger exaggerated reactions.
Physical Signals
Dilated pupils, excessive panting, drooling, trembling, sweaty paws, or pacing can all indicate stress. These signs can also point to other health concerns, so persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Self-Soothing Behaviors
Lip licking, yawning, excessive grooming, spinning, or repetitive behaviors can sometimes be coping mechanisms.
Digestive Changes
Stress can impact the gut. Diarrhea, decreased appetite, or occasional accidents in a house-trained dog may signal that something is off.
Behavioral Shifts
Withdrawal, lethargy, irritability, or uncharacteristic aggression can indicate emotional or physical discomfort. Sudden aggression in particular should always be discussed with a veterinarian to rule out pain or illness.
What Causes Stress in Dogs?
- Stress triggers aren’t always obvious. Common causes include:
- Changes in household routine
- Loud noises (construction, storms, fireworks)
- New pets or family members
- Separation from owners
- Lack of mental or physical stimulation
- Owner tension or emotional changes
Dogs thrive on consistency. Even subtle shifts in schedule or energy can affect sensitive pets.
Natural Ways to Help Support a Stressed Dog
Before addressing stress behaviorally, it’s important to rule out underlying medical conditions. Pain and illness often masquerade as anxiety.
Once medical concerns are excluded, gentle and natural support strategies can make a meaningful difference.
1. Identify and Reduce Triggers
Observe patterns. Does stress occur at certain times of day? Around certain sounds? Awareness is the first step toward thoughtful desensitization.
2. Consistent Exercise
Regular, moderate exercise helps regulate stress hormones and supports overall well-being. Walks, enrichment toys, and interactive play provide both physical and mental stimulation.
3. Calming Environments
Creating a quiet, predictable “safe space” can help dogs decompress. Soft bedding, white noise, and predictable routines go a long way.
4. Aromatherapy (Pet-Safe Only)
Some research suggests dogs respond to certain scents — such as lavender — with calming behaviors. Always use products formulated specifically for pets and consult your veterinarian before introducing essential oils.
5. CBD for Dogs
All vertebrates, including dogs, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in maintaining balance across multiple systems in the body, including mood and stress response.
Hemp-derived CBD interacts with the ECS to help support homeostasis. Many pet owners turn to CBD as part of a holistic wellness routine to help promote calm behavior during everyday stressors such as travel, separation, or environmental changes.
At Receptra, our pet CBD formulas are crafted with the same care and quality standards as our human products — thoughtfully sourced hemp, clean extraction methods, and clearly labeled dosing for both small and large pets.
As always, consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your pet’s routine.
6. Physical Connection
Massage, gentle brushing, and even simple belly rubs can lower heart rate and help reinforce feelings of safety and connection. Touch matters.
Sometimes the Best Thing You Can Do Is Regulate Yourself
Here’s the part many pet owners don’t expect:
Supporting your dog’s stress often begins with supporting your own.
Dogs are incredibly attuned to human breathing patterns, posture, tone of voice, and emotional state. Slowing your breath, lowering your voice, and maintaining consistent routines can create a ripple effect.
Calm is contagious, too.
If your dog seems out of sorts, pause. Take a breath. Step outside together. Go for a short walk. Reconnect.
There’s a reason dogs are often used as emotional support animals, but the relationship goes both ways. When you regulate your nervous system, you may be helping regulate theirs as well.
And that’s something worth wagging about.