Can Dogs Feel Our Anxiety? What Science Really Says

Research shows that dogs are highly attuned to human emotions. They can pick up on changes in our tone of voice, posture, facial expressions, and even stress-related chemical signals. When we feel anxious, our dogs often reflect that tension in their own behavior.

This emotional connection means our well-being directly impacts theirs. Creating calm, structured routines helps regulate stress for both dogs and humans. Activities that encourage focus—like slow feeding or problem-solving games—help dogs settle emotionally, even when their owners are feeling overwhelmed.

Being mindful of our own stress isn’t about being perfect—it’s about building calm moments together.