Emotional Contagion in pets: How dogs and cats can absorb Human stress 

Emotional contagion is a process by which animals, especially pets that are close to their humans, pick up their emotions and respond to them accordingly. This phenomenon is most commonly seen in cats and dogs, who are known to be highly attuned to their owners or human companions. Extensive research and studies have suggested that dogs and cats absorb human stress in diverse ways. The peculiar emotional bonding between pets and their owners plays a significant role in how the pets perceive emotions and react to their state. They can sense the change in human emotion through various cues such as body language, voice, and even chemical signals that help in determination.

Emotional contagion is considered a primitive form of empathy. Both positive and negative forms of emotional contagion exist across various species. It typically develops when animals share a closely nurtured environment with humans over an extended period. Among all animals, dogs and cats are particularly known for exhibiting both behavioral and physiological responses to human emotions.

Dogs and Emotional Contagion 

Dogs are often considered the most emotionally intelligent animals. They are particularly sensitive to their owners’ emotional states. For decades, dogs have lived alongside human beings, developing the ability to communicate and understand their vitals. They respond in ways that other animals cannot. This special form of bonding makes them highly receptive to us.

How does this work?

Dogs are witty. They have an acute sense of adapting and the ability to detect human body language, making them attuned to the emotional state of humans. For instance, if there is any change in the behaviour of the human, the person seems stressed or anxious, one might observe a change in posture, rapid movements as well as a fidgeting behaviour in dogs. They are excellent at picking up nonverbal cues from their companions. 

Behavioural responses in dogs 

When they sense the change, they may react in different ways. Some become more affectionate, comforting their owners by licking, nudging, and other means. Interestingly, studies have shown they not only can detect emotion but also can distinguish between the states of mind of their owners. They can point out the difference between a happy face as well as a sad face.

The Role of Attachment in Dogs 

The attachment that dogs form with their owners is special. They bond really quickly and strongly and more likely emphasise the behaviour of an empathetic nature. This kind of attachment is similar to the attachment between a child and a parent. As much as they show loyalty toward their own children, much affection is seen, too. 

Cats and Emotional Contagion 

Cats are often considered as more independent and freaky than dogs. They are capable of picking up on subtle minor changes around them, including the emotions of the owners. Likewise, as researched in the case of dogs, they can too detect the emotional state of their owners and seek to calm them by providing a sense of comfort, even though they are considered a bit moody, they are still influenced by the emotions of those around them. 

Behavioural responses in the case of cats 

When a cat senses stress in their owner, they find different ways Some cats show love by sitting on their owner’s lap and curling next to them. This is a form of providing comfort to the owner. Other cats might retreat to a quiet place. Cats are also known to show signs of stress themselves, which might include excessive grooming, vocalisation, etc. 

Science behind Emotional Contagion 

The ability of dogs and cats to sense human stress is more rooted in their overall evolution and the unique bonds that they share over time with humans. Both of these species are highly evolved animals, capable of interpreting the emotional and physical cues of individuals. Additionally, reading the body language and expeditions of the owners isn’t the task for the less evolved one. They are perfect at interpreting the emotions of their respective owners. They visualise and react likewise to them. The chemical changes can influence the behaviour the overall behaviour and functioning of the pets taking place within the human companion. 

Impact on Pets and Owners 

However, it is strongly believed that pets can affect the state of emotion of the owner. As pets, it could affect them too. Prolonged exposure to certain levels of behaviour in a continuous manner can affect the pet and create adverse health problems. As responsible owners, it is important for them to recognise the changes and foster them in a healthier as well as calmer environment. 

Thus, from the article, we can draw that dogs and cats have a remarkable ability to sense the emotional state of their owners. This sensitivity in them is the result of the strong connection between them, making them highly responsive to their owners. While the reaction may vary from breed to breed yet, the intention is the same: to calm as well as cheer up the owner. 

FAQs

1. What helps Dogs and Cats manage Separation Anxiety? 

Providing an activity towards the pets once you are gone is imperative. As it keeps their minds off from it. 

2. Do dogs have Emotional Contagion?

Yes, studies have shown dogs do have emotional contagion behaviour toward their owners as well as the humans they are highly affectionate towards. 

3. Do dogs recognize their humans crying?

Yes, it is pretty extensively established that dogs do respond to human crying.