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Dogs Can Smell When You’re Stressed

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  July 31st, 2024

Researchers have discovered that dogs can smell human stress and it can affect the way they make decisions. The study was conducted in the United Kingdom, and helps shed more light on how dogs can be impacted by the emotions experienced by people.

sergey kolesnikov/Shutterstock

How the Study Was Conducted


Volunteers were asked to perform in high-stress situations, like giving a speech and solving math problems, so that researchers could collect samples of their sweat and breath, and collect the scent of stress. After moving through the stressful activities, the participants were able to relax comfortably while watching a calming video so the researchers could collect the scent of relaxation.


Researchers also trained dogs (who didn’t know the human volunteers) in a study room that had food bowls in different areas of the space. Basically, the dogs learned that a bowl in a particular location was always empty while a bowl in another location would contain food.  


Then, a bowl was placed in a new spot, called an ambiguous location, to see if the dogs would approach with optimism or pessimism. If a dog were to walk to the bowl to check it out right away, they were optimistic that there would be food in it. On the other hand, if they didn’t go to it right away to look for food, they were considered pessimistic.


The Results After Smelling Stress vs. Relaxation


Using cloths from the human volunteers, the dogs were exposed to the scents of stress and relaxation. After sniffing a cloth, a dog would be allowed to approach a bowl in an ambiguous location.


The researchers noticed that the dogs became pessimistic and hesitant to go to the bowl after they smelled stress. But when they smelled the scent from a relaxed volunteer, their behavior didn’t change.


This tells experts that dogs can be affected by the moods of their owners or trainers. If they sniff you and realize that you’re unhappy, frustrated, or stressed, their behavior may change, especially in situations when they aren’t sure if they’ll be disappointed or rewarded for taking a risk.


So, when training your dog, it’s best to be in a positive, relaxed state of mind. If you’re feeling negative emotions, they’ll likely pick up on that and, as a result, their ability to learn, their decision-making, and their performance may be altered.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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As the temperatures rise and the hot summer months roll in, some dog owners observe a change in their pet’s eating habits. If you notice that your pet is eating less than usual when it gets really hot outside, it’s only natural if you’re concerned about their health. However, understanding the real reasons behind this “seasonal change” can help you worry less and care for your pet as best you can. Is It Normal for a Dog to Lose Appetite in Summer?The reason why some dogs can lose appetite in the summer is simple: heat. Just like us humans, dogs too can feel lethargic, lazy, and less energetic when the heat is stifling. And, naturally, as their energy levels are decreased, they have a reduced need for caloric intake to replenish it. This is one of their “old” inherent traits from the wild: animals will adjust their food intake based on their energy requirements and the available resources. So, as your pooch doesn’t spend energy, preferring to snooze, they will not need to consume so much food to replenish it.Still, heat can cause some physiological changes that could affect your pet’s appetite. Hot summer months bring high temperatures that will slow the digestive process of dogs, making them feel full for longer. What is more, during this time dogs will drink a lot more water (as we humans do), which can also make them feel full and not hungry. Remember that hydration is important in the summer, as it helps regulate body temperature. Always make sure that your pet has access to fresh water, even when you are not home. This “self-replenishing” dog water dispenser is a great thing to have, as it will make sure that your pet always has access to clean, fresh water even when you’re away at work.

Cats Grieve, According to Study

Pet parents know how difficult it is to lose a companion, but some people are unsure of whether cats grieve like people do when another pet dies. A recent study has revealed that, yes, cats do grieve. Keep reading to learn about how the study was conducted and what the researchers discovered.

Audio, a 4-Eared Kitten, Is Turning Heads in Tennessee

Tales of rescue cats often capture our hearts online, overcoming rough beginnings and finding loving forever homes. However, a recent story out of Tennessee has captured the attention of people around the world online. Earlier this summer, True Rescue, an animal rescue based out of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, shared the newest kitties to come into their care. Among them was an 8–9-week-old kitten with a surprising genetic defect – he has 4 ears. Named Audio due to his ability to hear the world in surround sound (100% an intentional pun), this sweet boy weighed just over 2 pounds, but don’t let his small size surprise you. This little guy is full of personality, and he’s showing the world that, in some situations, more really is more!Four kittens came into the care of True Rescue after being dumped in a mechanic’s shop in a duct-taped box with no air holes. The kittens all required antibiotics and veterinary care for their condition due to an upper respiratory infection. They continue to take antibiotics as of the last update that the rescue provided to their followers but were doing well. After sharing the story of Audio on their Facebook, it was clear the people wanted to know more. The rescue shared this viral video, introducing the sweet young boy:

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