Stressed at work? Your dog may be feeling it too

Before you take that next deep sigh after work, think about who's watching. Your dog may be soaking up your stress

A little work stress is normal, but a new nature study suggests that stress might not stop with you

It could be affecting your family members, including your furry companion. The study centers around emotional contagion, a phenomenon where people unconsciously mimic the feelings of those around them

And according to Psychology Today, dogs experience this too, not just through behavior, but through their powerful sense of smell

The study surveyed 85 dog owners and asked how often they thought about work outside of work hours

Researchers found that owners with high-stress jobs tended to have dogs who exhibited more stress-related behaviors

These included excessive nose or lip licking yawning avoiding eye contact and a lower tail or tucked between the legs And the market is responding Brands like Zesty Paws offer calming treats infused with melatonin and herbal supplements to help relax stressed out dogs

According to Data Insights Market, the dog calming treat industry is worth an estimated

1.5 billion in 2025 and it's expected to grow. Some stress and dogs may have roots in the pandemic

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says more than 23 million American households adopted a pet during that time

That's nearly one in five households. When owners were called back to the office, many dogs experienced separation anxiety, including older pets who had gotten used to having company all day

The study also found that working from home or even having flexible hours may help reduce the transfer of stress to your dog

So the next time you start to unwind, remember your dog may be feeling everything you are and then some

With Straight Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Belton. Download our app or visit san.com for more