Feeling work stress? Your dog might be feeling it too

Stress from work doesn’t always stay at the office—and it may be affecting more than just your mood.

A new study finds that your dog may be picking up on it, too, especially if you have a hard time letting go of work worries at the end of the day, Psychology Today reported.

The study—by researchers at Washington State University and published in the journal Scientific Reports—looked at 85 working adults who live with dogs.

It found that dogs showed more signs of stress when their owners felt highly stressed at work and couldn’t let it all go at day’s end.

Participants completed surveys about their work stress, how often they thought about work during their free time (rumination), as well as their dog’s behavior.

Dogs whose owners often dwelled on work were more likely to act stressed themselves—pacing, whining or being less playful.

Interestingly, many dog owners didn’t realize their pets were showing signs of stress.

Further, it wasn’t just high job stress that affected the dogs—it was rumination that made the biggest difference.

When people mentally carry work problems into their personal time, they tend to be more tense and distracted.

Their body language, tone of voice and behavior can signal stress—and dogs are very good at picking up on these emotional cues.

If you’re a dog owner who struggles to “turn off” work mode at home, researchers say there are steps you can take to protect your pet “catching” your stress:

Practice mindfulness. Deep breathing, meditation or simply being present can help you leave work stress behind.
Create end-of-day rituals. A short walk or change of clothes can help signal that the workday is over.
Spend quality time with your dog. Put down your phone and play, cuddle or train—be fully present!
Watch your body language. Dogs read your tone and posture. Staying calm can help them relax.
Keep your home peaceful. A calm, consistent environment helps dogs feel secure.
Seek help if needed. If your stress feels overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist or even your employer.

Your dog doesn’t know your job title or what your boss said to upset you—but they do know when you’re upset or distracted.

By learning how to mentally leave work behind, you can create a happier home for both you and your pet.

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