Can dogs sense when you’re stressed? The surprising sixth sense of our four legged friends

As the saying goes, “dogs are man’s best friend,” but for many of us, our dogs are much more than that—they’re companions, assistants, and even fur babies.

We can’t imagine life without them, and a recent study from the UK has revealed why our bond with our canine friends is so strong.

Speaking to NPR lead author Dr. Zoe Parr-Cortes revealed that dogs can smell stress on humans and will then adjust their behaivour to cope with our distress.

“Some people have looked at can dogs actually detect differences in odor. And they have. But nobody had really looked at how that affects the dog’s emotions,” she said.

The study involved eighteen dogs to see how they reacted to the scent of both stressed and relaxed people. It found that dogs were “significantly less likely” to approach a food bowl when they smelled someone who was stressed, compared to when they smelled someone who was calm.

Researchers first observed the dogs’ preferences by placing food bowls in one corner of the room and empty bowls in the opposite corner. Naturally, the dogs headed toward the side with the food.

Next, they measured the cortisol levels, heart rates, and self-reported anxiety of one group of human participants after they underwent stressful activities. Another group relaxed in a comfortable chair while watching soothing videos.

The researchers collected breath and sweat samples from these participants and presented them to the dogs.

Dogs that sniffed rags from stressed individuals showed less interest in the food bowls, whereas those that smelled rags from relaxed individuals were less affected.

Parr-Cortes told NPR that the findings suggest stress-related scents might influence how dogs handle uncertain situations.

“They might be less likely to try something risky if they think they’re going to be disappointed,” she said.

“Being a species that we’ve lived and co-evolved with for thousands of years, it kind of makes sense that dogs would learn to read our emotions because it might be helpful to them to know if there’s something threatening in the environment or some stressor that they need to be aware of.”

While it’s clear that creating a stress-free environment is crucial for our dogs’ well-being, when selecting a dog breed that suits your needs and preferences in retirement, there are several key factors to consider.

As your lifestyle undergoes a shift towards a more relaxed and leisurely rhythm, the significance of finding a four-legged friend that perfectly aligns with your specific needs and preferences cannot be overstated.

From size and energy levels to grooming requirements and temperament, each facet plays a pivotal role in ensuring a harmonious bond with your furry companion.

Several key factors to consider include:

Size: You may prefer dogs that are small or medium-sized to accommodate your living arrangements. Smaller breeds are often easier to handle and require less physical exertion.

Energy Level: While some may be active and enjoy regular exercise, others may prefer dogs with lower energy levels. A breed with moderate exercise requirements may be more suitable, avoiding the need for intense daily workouts.

Temperament: You should look for breeds known for their calm, friendly, and easygoing temperaments. Dogs with a gentle disposition are more likely to adapt well to a retiree’s lifestyle and be comfortable in various social settings.

Trainability: Breeds that are intelligent and responsive to training can make life your life easier. Dogs that are easy to train can quickly adapt to household routines, making them more manageable companions.