The rising cost of living is taking a toll on pet owners, with many struggling to afford essential care for their animals. According to the RSPCA’s Kindness Index Report 2024, 78 per cent of pet owners say it has become more expensive to look after their pets in the past year.

Financial concerns are increasing, with nearly half of pet owners (49 per cent) worried about affording their bills and one in five (21 per cent) concerned about feeding their pets. The number of people cancelling their pet insurance has also risen, from six per cent in 2023 to nine per cent in 2024, leaving more animals at risk of receiving inadequate or delayed medical treatment.

JIMMY BRATLEY, Veterinary Practitioner at Adaptil, has warned that financial pressures do not just impact owners but also affect their pets. As part of Pet Anxiety Month, he explains how a pet owner’s stress can influence a dog’s behaviour, leading to increased anxiety and behavioural issues.

A recent study has shown that long-term anxiety in humans can directly impact their dogs, raising their stress levels and potentially causing changes in behaviour. Research suggests that dogs are highly sensitive to human emotions, picking up on stress, fear, and other negative feelings through visual cues, tone of voice, and even scent.

How Dogs Sense Human Emotions

Dogs can detect six basic human emotions – happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust – using a combination of sight, sound, and smell.

Research has shown that dogs are highly attuned to facial expressions and body language. They can differentiate between a happy and an angry face simply by looking at a photograph. They also pick up on subtle changes in posture and movement, interpreting these as emotional signals.

A dog’s sense of smell is so powerful that it can detect chemical changes in humans based on their emotional state. In one study, dogs exposed to sweat samples from people who had watched a horror film displayed higher stress levels than when they smelled samples from people who had watched a happy film.

Dogs also respond to the tone of human voices in a way similar to people. Positive tones are processed on the left side of their brain, while negative tones are processed on the right.

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs experiencing anxiety may display a range of behavioural changes. Common signs include excessive barking or whining, pacing, scratching, chewing, drooling, panting, and shaking. Some dogs may dig persistently or have accidents in the house despite being house-trained. Recognising these signs early can help prevent stress-related behavioural issues from worsening.

How to Reduce Anxiety in Dogs

JIMMY advises pet owners to consult a vet if they suspect their dog is struggling with anxiety. Once medical causes have been ruled out, there are several steps owners can take to reduce stress in their pets.

Spending more time together, particularly through physical contact such as stroking or cuddling, can help ease anxiety. Identifying and removing stress triggers from the home environment can also make a significant difference.

Exercise plays a crucial role in managing anxiety, with activities such as walking, running, or playing helping to release pent-up energy and reduce stress. Providing a quiet, safe space for a dog to retreat to can also be beneficial.

For dogs with persistent anxiety, professional guidance from a vet or behaviourist may be necessary. Certain products, such as pheromone diffusers, calming supplements, or anxiety wraps, may also help in managing stress.

Strengthening the Human-Dog Bond

JIMMY suggests that strengthening the bond between owner and dog can improve emotional well-being for both. Shared activities such as training, exercise, and play can provide both mental stimulation and a sense of security for the animal, helping to reduce anxiety.

With financial pressures increasing, understanding the impact of stress on pets is more important than ever. By recognising the signs of anxiety and taking proactive steps, pet owners can help their dogs feel more secure, even in difficult times.