Dogs Mirror Owners Stress
When you look at your dog’s behavior or health, what do you see reflected back at you?
Our dogs are often a mirror reflection of our own selves.
Don’t just react negatively here. Think about it, even if it’s uncomfortable. Look closely and evaluate the possibilities.
Consider conflict management.
High energy responses to stress
Restless, ungrounded, unsettled
Trust issues or insecurity
Relationship challenges
Even health issues
Dogs and Stress: How Our Emotions Affect Our Canine Companions
Dogs are highly attuned to their owners' emotions and can easily pick up on stress and other negative feelings. This is because dogs have evolved to read and respond to human cues, such as body language and tone of voice.
When a dog senses that their owner is stressed, they may become anxious or fearful themselves. This can manifest in a number of ways, such as pacing, panting, and whining. It may even lead to them feeling very clingy to you or isolating themselves more.
Chronic stress in dogs can lead to a number of health issues, just as it can in humans. These include digestive problems, such as leaky gut, as well as weakened immune systems and increased risk of disease.
Essential oils can be used to reduce stress and release emotions in both dogs and humans. Some popular essential oils for stress relief include lavender, chamomile, and bergamot. These oils can be diffused or applied topically to help calm the mind and body.
It is important to note that not all essential oils are safe for dogs. Before using any essential oil on or around your dog, it is important to research the oil and its effects. It is also important to use only high-quality, pure essential oils and to dilute them properly before use.
-In addition to using essential oils, owners can also help reduce their dog's stress levels by providing a stable and loving home environment, regular exercise and interaction, and positive reinforcement training.
It is also important for pet owners to take care of their own emotional well-being, as a calm and happy owner is more likely to have a calm and happy dog.
In conclusion, dogs are highly attuned to our emotions and can easily pick up on stress and other negative feelings. Chronic stress can lead to a number of health issues in dogs, just as it can in humans. Essential oils can be used to reduce stress and release emotions in both dogs and humans. However, it is important to use only high-quality, pure essential oils and to dilute them properly before use. Moreover, owners can also help reduce their dog's stress levels by providing a stable and loving home environment, regular exercise and interaction, and positive reinforcement training.
It may not be direct in your face reflection. But just consider the possibility.
Next time you’re frustrated with your dog, or his behavior is not good, pause and ask how “you” are feeling in that moment, and the time just before.
What was the energy you brought to your activity with the dog. The energy in your house.
And most importantly, what will you do now?
Fascinating Article from Nature.com regarding how dog and owner stress levels become synchronized.