If your dog has ever suddenly snuggled up to you when you’re feeling anxious, you may have asked yourself, can dogs sense anxiety attacks?
Many dog owners report feeling a sense of calm and safety when they are with their dogs, especially when they are upset. Dogs and their humans share an incredible emotional connection, but does that mean dogs can detect when their human is anxious?
How Dogs Can Sense Anxiety in Humans
Many pet owners have claimed their dogs are able to detect changes in their behavior and physical symptoms long before they even realize they’re having an anxiety attack. Here are some ways in which your dog detects your emotional distress.
They Can Smell Your Anxiety
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. With more than 220 million olfactory receptors, dogs can not only sniff out potential threats but also emotions. A recent study found that when we are experiencing psychological stress, the smell of our sweat and breath changes. And our furry friends can smell this change.
Their keen sense of smell also helps them detect chemical changes in our bodies, which is why dogs can sense anxiety attacks. Studies have shown that dogs can even detect changes in our cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.
They Detect Physical Signs
Dogs are keenly perceptive. They can pick up changes in your voice and body language. So, when you are experiencing an anxiety attack, and your body goes into fight or flight mode, it can cause physical changes, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and rapid breathing. Your body language may also change, and you may speak in a different tone or pitch.
Dogs are highly attuned to these subtle changes. This also makes them excellent therapy dogs. So, the answer to whether dogs can sense panic attacks or anxiety attacks is yes.
They Notice Behavioral Changes
Dogs are incredibly observant and sensitive to their owners’ routines and habits. They may notice when you deviate from your normal patterns or behaviors, which could indicate that something is wrong.
So, if your anxiety causes you to become more reclusive or develop new habits, your dog will notice them. Your pup will also want to soothe you by trying to get you to play or simply lying against you.
How Dogs Help with Managing Emotions
Studies show that spending time with a dog has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Petting your dog increases oxytocin levels, the hormone associated with social bonding and relaxation. And when your dog is providing this free therapy service, make sure you award your pup with some tasty and healthy treats! Just remember to research safe treats, like can dogs have dragon fruit or green beans.
Whether or not dogs sense anxiety attacks is a question that has been examined through many studies. Dogs can even be trained to perform specific tasks that help manage anxiety and panic attacks. For example, a trained therapy dog can be calming during stressful situations. In contrast, dedicated service dogs are trained to alert humans of an oncoming anxiety attack while providing physical support during the attack.
The companionship and unconditional love of a dog can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. Having a furry friend to cuddle with, talk to, and share our lives with can provide a sense of comfort and support that can be invaluable during times of stress and anxiety.
FAQs
Can My Anxiety Affect My Dog?
Your dog can not only detect your anxiety but also be impacted by it. Research has shown that stress and anxiety are contagious from humans to their canines. Dogs tend to mirror our emotions. So if you’re anxious, it’s highly possible your dog is, too.
What Do Dogs Do When They Sense Your Anxiety?
If you’re asking yourself, “can my dog sense my anxiety,” they can. And when they notice it, they generally give you emotional comfort and ground you before an anxiety attack can escalate. Trained dogs can fetch emergency medicine or your phone. Some service dogs are also skilled at deep pressure therapy.
Which Dog Is Best for Someone with Anxiety?
Golden Labradors, Poodles, Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Great Danes are some of the breeds recommended for those with anxiety.
Conclusion
Now that you know the answer to can dogs sense anxiety attacks is a resounding yes, you can perhaps rest easy knowing there’s someone who can offer you comfort. Dogs are incredible creatures who form intense bonds with their humans. Their calming presence, support, and unconditional love can provide comfort and solace during times of stress and anxiety and have a profound impact on our lives!
