A study conducted by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has suggested that stress levels in dogs may be influenced by the stress levels of their owners, particularly in situations like visits to the vet. Researchers found that changes in an owner’s stress could directly impact their dog’s stress, highlighting the importance of managing both human and canine stress in veterinary settings.
The research, led by veterinary expert Aoife Byrne and Dr. Gareth Arnott from QUB’s School of Biological Sciences, explored whether alterations in an owner’s stress affected their dog’s stress levels. It specifically looked at how stress during a vet visit, a common source of anxiety for both pets and owners, might manifest in physiological changes in both parties.
Methodology and Findings
The study involved 28 dogs and their owners, aged between one and 17 years, who attended a veterinary clinic in Dublin. Heart rate monitors were fitted to both the owners and their dogs to track changes in their heart rates, providing an objective measure of stress. The participants were divided into two groups: one group of owners practiced a relaxation exercise, including breathing meditation and positive affirmations like “My dog brings me joy,” designed to reduce stress. The other group completed a “Digital Stress Test,” which was intended to induce moderate stress in the participants.
The study found that changes in the owners’ stress levels significantly influenced their dogs’ stress indicators. When owners experienced heightened stress, there was a corresponding increase in the heart rates of their dogs, suggesting a clear physiological link between the two.
Implications for Veterinary Practice
This discovery underscores the importance of reducing stress for both dogs and their owners in veterinary settings. The research suggests that providing dogs with more time to acclimatize to the clinic environment before being examined can help lower their stress levels. This gradual introduction could not only improve the dog’s well-being but also enhance the accuracy of physical exams and diagnostics.
Veterinarians are also encouraged to consider the emotional state of the owner. Since the stress of an owner directly impacts their dog’s stress, managing the owner’s anxiety could, in turn, help alleviate the dog’s distress. The researchers advocate for a more relaxed approach in clinics, where visits are not rushed, and both the owners and their pets are given time to settle.
Looking Ahead
Despite the promising results, the researchers acknowledge the study’s limitations due to its small sample size. They hope future studies will expand on these findings and further explore the relationship between human and canine stress in different environments.
Ms. Byrne, in an interview with BBC’s Good Morning Ulster, emphasized the potential benefits of slowing down the pace of veterinary appointments. “Veterinary appointments can often be rushed due to time constraints. But we should slow everything down to help both the dog and the owner feel more at ease,” she said. She added that understanding the link between owner and dog stress could lead to better practices in veterinary care, improving overall outcomes for pets.
The study, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science, highlights the growing understanding of the emotional and physiological bonds between pets and their owners and the need for a holistic approach to veterinary care that considers both parties’ stress levels.
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