When it comes to symbiotic relationships, it seems that our dogs get even more from us than we ever knew, including our chronic stress.
Our dogs always seem to know when we are happy or sad, and when we don’t feel well they are at our side, offering comfort. So it should come as no surprise to learn that even our stress levels can have an impact on our pups, particularly chronic stress.
According to National Geographic, a new study confirms that our chronic stress can have an impact on our dogs and lead to them dealing with the same problems as their humans. This means that if you deal with anxiety and stress on a daily basis, then it is likely that your dog will as well.
We have always known that there is a special connection between a dog and their owner, but now we are getting further proof that the way we feel has an impact on them. This bond is something that has developed over time, as we have domesticated pups to make them companions.
While dogs can be used as emotional support animals, it is important to note that even these animals can take on the stresses of their humans, which is why people with chronic stress and anxiety are likely to have pups who are stressed out and anxious. Although it is important to realize that a properly trained support animal is better able to handle the emotions of their owner.
When a dog lives with chronic stress, we see it having an impact on things like their fur, which tends to grow slower than normal. And while you may think this is no big deal, it can be a problem in the long run.
However, while you might think this means that if you are someone dealing with chronic stress then you should not adopt a dog, the exact opposite is true. Even though our dogs take on our emotions, our pups actually help to improve our mood. This means that even people with chronic stress will benefit from having a dog in their life.
From lowering blood pressure to helping you cope with stress and anxiety, dogs are actually extremely beneficial to our health, so it is in our best interest to adopt a pup as a companion.
Although we hate the idea of our pups being stressed out because of us, it certainly reinforces the notion that a dog is a man’s best friend. After all, they can understand how we are feeling, even when we can’t understand them.
Did you know that your dog would take on your stress? How do you feel about this study and information? Tell us what you think in the comments below.