Author: Robin Vandensteen
Why your emotions influence your pet’s behaviour
You come home after a busy day. Your mind is full and you’re longing for some peace and quiet. But today, of all days, your dog seems more restless than usual. He follows you everywhere, barks more readily or seems on edge during your walk.
Coincidence? Not necessarily.
Dogs and cats are more sensitive to our emotions than we sometimes realise. They notice changes in our voice, body language and daily routines. But do pets really sense our emotions? And how does your mood influence their behaviour?
Can pets sense human emotions?
Yes, dogs and cats can recognise certain signals of human emotions. Scientific research shows that dogs, in particular, can distinguish human facial expressions, vocal tones and even stress-related odours.
A 2016 study, published in Biology Letters, showed that dogs can combine information from human facial expressions and vocalisations. Evidence has also been found that cats can recognise certain human emotions.
That doesn’t mean your pet understands exactly why you’re sad, angry or tense. However, it can notice changes in your behaviour and react to them.
So your pet doesn’t need to read your mind to realise that something is different.
"Dogs and cats can recognise certain signs of human emotions."
Can your stress affect your dog’s behaviour?
Imagine this: you’re in a rush and need to take your dog out quickly. During the walk, he pulls on the lead, barks at other dogs and barely seems to be listening to you. You get frustrated and he becomes even more restless.
Sound familiar?
In 2024, researchers at the University of Bristol investigated how dogs reacted to the scent of stressed and relaxed people. The results showed that, under certain circumstances, dogs reacted more cautiously when they detected human stress odours.
So your stress can influence how your dog experiences his surroundings.
In addition, stress often changes your own behaviour too. Perhaps you speak more loudly, move more quickly or have less patience. For your dog, this changes the way you both communicate. However, your stress isn’t automatically the cause of his restlessness. Previous experiences, physical wellbeing and environmental stimuli also play an important role.
Do you recognise this behaviour? If so, be sure to read our article on why your dog is restless.
Can a cat sense when you’re feeling sad?
Cats can also recognise human emotional cues. Research from 2020 shows that cats can associate certain facial expressions with corresponding sounds. However, not every cat reacts in the same way. Some cats seek more contact when you’re feeling sad, whilst others prefer to withdraw when things at home are busy or tense.
That doesn’t necessarily mean your cat is taking on your sadness. Perhaps she’s reacting to changes in your voice, behaviour or daily routine.
Peace, safety and predictability are important to cats too.
Is your pet a mirror of your emotions?
You sometimes hear that pets are a mirror of their owners. There is a grain of truth in this, but the statement needs to be qualified.
A dog that becomes restless when you are tense is not necessarily experiencing the same emotion. Perhaps it is reacting to your body language, tone of voice or a previous experience.
The same applies to cats. A cat that keeps its distance isn’t automatically disinterested or sad. That’s why it’s important not to be too quick to interpret behaviour through the lens of human emotions. Look at what your pet is showing, when the behaviour occurs and what your pet needs at that moment.
Would you like to recognise subtle signs of stress more effectively? Then check out our blog on five silent signs of stress in dogs and cats.
How can you create a calmer environment for yourself and your pet?
You don’t have to be relaxed all the time to build a good bond with your pet. Everyone has difficult days.
However, small changes can help make your daily interactions calmer and more predictable.
1. Communicate calmly and clearly
Are you feeling tense? Try to move and speak a little more calmly. A predictable approach can help your pet assess the situation better.
2. Maintain a familiar routine
Fixed times for meals, rest and activities provide many animals with a sense of security. A familiar routine can be particularly helpful during times of change.
Read more about how you can help your pet settle into a new situation.
3. Respect your pet’s boundaries
Not every dog or cat wants attention when you’re feeling sad. Give your pet the chance to seek contact or keep their distance as they wish.
4. Learn to recognise body language
Restlessness, avoidance behaviour, hiding more often or changes in activity levels can be signs of stress. Always consider the situation as a whole.
5. Opt for positive reinforcement
By rewarding desired behaviour and taking your pet’s needs into account, you build trust and mutual understanding.
Is it your fault if your pet is stressed?
No. Your emotions can influence your pet’s behaviour, but they are not automatically the cause of a behavioural problem. Fear, anxiety or aggressive behaviour can have various causes, such as pain, overstimulation, past experiences or changes in the pet’s environment. That is why it is important to look beyond just the visible behaviour.
Have you noticed sudden or persistent changes in behaviour? First, have a vet check for any possible medical causes.
In cases of persistent anxiety, stress or other problem behaviours, professional guidance can help you understand the underlying causes. At Pettherapy.be, you can access behavioural therapy for dogs and behavioural therapy for cats.
Greater peace of mind starts with mutual understanding
The relationship between you and your pet is a constant interplay. Your emotions can influence their behaviour, but their behaviour also affects how you feel. A strong bond isn’t created simply because you’re always calm or your pet always behaves perfectly.
A strong bond is formed as you both come to understand each other better and better.
Would you like to understand your pet’s behaviour better?
Have you noticed that your dog or cat finds it difficult to settle down, reacts anxiously or displays behaviour that worries you? At Pettherapy.be, we look beyond the symptoms. Using a personalised, scientifically-based and positive approach, we assess what your pet needs.
Together, we’ll work towards greater calm, trust and mutual understanding.
Get in touch with Pettherapy.be and find out how we can help you and your pet.
Robin Vandensteen is an online marketer and copywriter at Thys Communicatie.
