Any source of anxiety or fear can lead to a stressed out dog, such as:

  1. Loud and unpredictable noises from fireworks, thunderstorms or construction
  2. Separation from their people or animal housemates
  3. Moving residences
  4. Arrival/departure of human or animal family members (i.e. childbirth)
  5. Schedule changes
  6. Memory loss due to aging or other physiological issues
  7. YOUR STRESS LEVEL!!!

Your pet’s internal radio is pre-programmed and locked to your station. You ARE the news, the entertainment the law, and the education source. To your pet, the sun rises and sets with you (or your family). Your stress is their stress. They will unquestioningly shoulder your burdens and hop in the muck right alongside you. They will also suffer the physical and emotional effects of elevated cortisol levels when there is stress in the home, and chronic stress leads to behavioral issues, digestive issues and ultimately, physical breakdown and illness within the body, all problems we wish to avoid.

Cortisol is a measure of physiological stress, which can be elevated during emotional distress. This is also true during short periods of physical stress, be it play, exercise or illness. An owner and pet hair sample study done over the course of one year showed a significant correlation between human and dog cortisol levels across the year. In 57 of the dogs in summer and 55 in winter, cortisol levels matched those of their owners. Much like menstrual cycle-synching amongst human females that cohabitate, the dogs’ cortisol levels became synchronized with that of their owners’.

This correlation was not influenced by dog activity levels or dog personality. It was, however, influenced by owner personality. Owners with higher stress levels tended to have dogs with higher stress levels too. Female dogs displayed even stronger connection with their owner’s stress levels, compared with male dogs. Previous studies have shown that female dogs are more emotionally responsive than males. There’s also evidence that increased oxytocin (the love and bonding hormone) in female dogs results in stronger emotional bonds with their owners, causing a corresponding increase in the owner’s oxytocin levels. This effect was not seen in male dogs. Though the study did not identify the causes of elevated stress in the dog owners, it was the owner’s reaction to the stressor(s) that directly impacted the dogs, not the type of stress or situational factors, per se.

There is evidence to suggest that dogs evolved alongside humans, and as they have become domesticated as pets, are more in tune with our emotions, bonding with us via eye contact, and deriving pleasure from working, playing and relaxing alongside us. Animals, particularly pets we share our lives with, are sentient creatures. They experience many similar emotions to those of humans, such as joy, excitement, contentment, fear, anger, sadness, anxiousness and depression. The impact we have on our dogs’ stress levels will, in turn, impact us. A consistent, calm, structured, nurturing environment with mental and physical stimulation is unlikely to lead to a dog with behavioral issues. In short, a happy owner begets happy dogs, and vice versa. Thus, if we reduce our own stress levels, it is likely we will also reduce our pets’ stress levels.

Chronic stress is detrimental for humans and for dogs, increasing the risk of adrenal insufficiency, which leads to illness and a decreased quality of life. Sometimes, we humans struggle to put our own needs first, but addressing stress for the greater good (your entire household, including your pets), might be the very motivation you need to make the effort.

So, how do you have well-adjusted and reasonably stress-free pets? In short, it starts with YOU. Here are 10 practical tips for cultivating a stable, low-stress and joy-filled life for, and with, your animals:

  1. Strive for a healthy work-life balance to YOUR daily and weekly schedule and that of your pet(s). Studies show greater work productivity and sense of fulfillment when there is better distribution of work hours and leisure hours. This holds true for our pets too.
  2. Daily movement of our bodies is a powerful mood modulator, not to mention key to head-to-toe physical wellness, including sleep quality. What better mindful movement accountability partner than your pup? If you have a slow-moving pet, you may need to add your own more intense solo/group activity, but the benefits to getting fresh air and exercise with your pet alongside you affect mind, body and soul … for both of you!
  3. Mental stimulation, in the form of walks or runs, interactive puzzles, toys, games or agility work, is essential for you and your dog. When you are at work, running errands or doing other activities away from home, make sure your pet has his or her own mentally stimulating options, such as safe chew toys or healthy treat-filled frozen Kong-type toys. Boredom, fear and loneliness lead to destructive habits and unstable behaviors.
  4. Create as consistent and stable a regular daily routine as possible, so that your pet can anticipate how things are likely to go, on an everyday basis. Everything from meals to walks, potty visits, playtime, alone time (in or out of a crate or secure space) and cuddle time defines your pets’ life and expectations. Be as consistent as realistically possible, and your pet will feel more grounded, confident and comfortable.
  5. Diet and digestive health are often major factors in physical, emotional and behavioral issues. Digestive upset from food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies and leaky gut syndrome may sometimes ONLY present as a behavioral issue, versus a more obvious symptom, like a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, hot spots, yeasty ears, obsessive licking or scratching, constipation or diarrhea. Work with a holistic wellness practitioner to address your pets’ diet and digestive health.
  6. Use your holistic wellness tools every day, such as pure, therapeutic grade essential oils, which provide aromatic emotional and physical support, and also targeted topical and internal support, with the guidance of a certified animal aromatherapy specialist.
  7. Seek out and work with a force-free trainer, to train you and your dog to communicate effectively with one another. Interview trainers, to find one whose preferred methods sound like something you are prepared to carry forward every single day.
  8. Puppy obedience classes, plus exposure to different people and their animals, both in your home and outside of the home, help socialize and desensitize your pets.
  9. If you suspect new behavioral issues are developing, including separation anxiety, get a veterinary physical exam, to rule out any underlying causes, then seek out a professional behaviorist immediately. It will be worth every penny of investment.

Get regular physical veterinary exams, to verify your pet’s health status. Proactive health care is always preferable to reactive medical intervention. Regular checkups help your vet have a baseline for your pet at his/her healthiest. This way, any issues are more easily identified early, rather than after years of detrimental and unchecked development.