STRESS: How it can affect our dog(s)

Stress is a part of a sneaky group of health hazards. It can be totally silent and unnoticed. When triggered, it causes unanticipated trouble or just continues to build like a silent, growing snowball careening down a hill.  Stress can cause our perspective to shrink until we can no longer see further than our doubts, fears, and anxiety. 

​The saddest thing about this scenario is that many pet owners are not alone although they may not recognize it. We do not think of stress as a contagious disease but in reality, and now confirmed in scientific data,  we understand we share stress with our dog(s).   It is actually a two-way street because our dogs share their stress with us as well although we may not consciously acknowledge what is going on.  Stress is an emotional contagion with a physical impact.  

IMAGE COURTESY OF MEANT2PREVENT

In a dog’s limited lifetime stress reduces the length and quality of that life. The owner’s stress also affects his dog. How is this so? Through the remarkable relationship we have with our dogs we can influence their health in unexpected ways from being catastrophic to beneficial for them. Part of that is through handling our own mental health issues in a healthier manner.  

One study suggested the direction stress flowed was unclear: dog to human or human to dog?  I think it can work both ways.  If it is difficult to think of our own well-being while depressed or otherwise stressed, consider the reflection within your BFF (Best Fur Friend) because it will be there.  Similar ways are possible to help both friends via a walk together, relaxation, good/solid sleep, eating well, looking at something new, hugs or medicine, perhaps.  In addition, please remember the holidays can increase additional stress in our life. 
    
Exactly what is in the body that works with stress? Cortisol is called THE stress hormone and is a natural steroid hormone in the body. It works with the brain to control moods and reactions. It also controls blood pressure, regulates sleep patterns, raises blood sugar, and supports increased energy in times of stress. Cortisol manages other things measurably within the body, too. 
    
If allowed to remain in a stressful situation for too long,  higher cortisol levels can lead to several health problems, mentally and physically.  Too much or too little cortisol can have difficult consequences on the body such as developing Addison’s or Cushing’s.  Cortisol works with the immune system, as well.
    
Cortisol levels can be measured in a dog’s saliva and in the hair of the dog owner!  A yearlong study published in Scientific Reports by Dr. Lina Roth (Linkoping University. Sweden) found that the rise and fall of stress levels during the winter and summer months were mirrored between the dog owner and their dog.  The synchronization of cortisol levels in the pair is not completely understood.  Another stress-related study was by Dr. Nancy Dreschel of Penn State and was published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science. In summary, she said, “It was hypothesized that stress caused by living with anxiety or fearfulness has deleterious [harmful] effects on health and lifespan in canines.”
     
The effect of chronic depression or stress can be measured in white blood cells, too. Stress actually causes accelerated shortening of telomeres (structures at the end of the chromosome) resulting in advancing the aging process, hence, shortening a lifespan. Telomeres shorten with age naturally but at a slower rate. Shortening a life is one of three stress issues including compromising the psychological and physiological health of a dog. Higher cortisol in dogs is expressed by exhibiting a greater number of known stress-related behaviors.

Signs of Stress in Dogs

• Avoiding you, and other things/hiding
  
• Lack of appetite
• Awkward Posture
  
• Cowering 
  
• Shaking
  
• Yawning
  
• Sweating paws 
  
• Freezing
  
• Whining 
  
• Vomiting
  
• Gastrointestinal Issues
  
• Increased licking
  
• White of Eyes​                 

• Increased Heartbeat
• Drooling
• Ears Up or Back
• Snarling or Lunging
• Tail tucked
• Blinking Quickly
• Nervousness
• Increased Watchfulness 
• Pacing
• Compulsive or Repetitive Behaviors 
• Pottying in the wrong place
• Dilated Pupils
• Restlessness
• Digging/Scratching at the floor       

Finding ways to reduce your stress daily or especially over the holidays can be a challenge within itself.  It is our wish for you over the upcoming days to end the year joyfully and be able to share that joy while finding some time to relax with your pets and minimize those stressful moments.   Look for those ‘Stress Busters’ to hoard and use as needed!
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IMAGE COURTESY OF PNWCDR

This article is dedicated to our friend whose precious dog expressed his stress in the center of her bed over last year's holidays.

REFERENCES:
“17 Signs My Dog Has Anxiety.” PetSwag, petswag.com/blogs/petswag-post/17-signs-my-dog-has-anxiety-petswag.


“5 Signs Your Dog Is Stressed.” Dogtopia, 11 Apr. 2019, www.dogtopia.com/blog/5-signs-your-dog-is-stressed/.


Coates, Dr. Jennifer. “Is Your Pup Stressed? Watch for These 5 Signs of Anxiety in Dogs.” BeChewy, 2 Sept. 2022, be.chewy.com/behavior-stress-anxiety-10-signs-your-dog-is-stressed/.


“Doggie Language.” Pacific Northwest Cattle Dog Rescue, 7 Oct. 2022, pnwcdr.org/training/doggie-language-2. Accessed 12 May 2023.


“Dogs Owners Feeling Long-Term Stress Can Transfer It to Their Dogs, Science Shows.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 6 June 2019, www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/dogs-owners-feeling-long-term-stress-can-transfer-it-their-n1014451.


“Guide to Stress Management for CRPS & Chronic Pain.” Burning Nights, www.burningnightscrps.org/support/news-and-blog/article/stress-management-crps-chronic-pain/.


Marafarr. “12 Instant Stress Busters.” Meant2Prevent, 21 May 2021, meant2prevent.ca/12-instant-stress-busters/.


Mood, Abbie. “How to Tell If Your Dog Is Stressed: Body Language and Warning Signs.” American Kennel Club, 18 Oct. 2019, www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-stressed/.


“Physical Activity Reduces Stress.” Physical Activity Reduces Stress | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st.


“Signs Your Dog Is Stressed and How to Relieve It: VCA Animal Hospitals.” Vca, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it.


Singfield, Adam. “Workplace Stress (Part 1 of 3): Stressors Shared by Women and Men.” Work Feels Good, 27 Aug. 2020, workfeelsgood.com/workplace-stress-part-1-of-3-stressors-shared-by-women-and-men/.


“Stress in Dogs.” Blue Cross, www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/stress-in-dogs.