If your work makes you nervous, your dog may feel it too.
A new study published in a scientific report found that work stress can affect your dog at home.
The study, led by Tanya Mitropoulos and Allison Andrukonis, shows that when dog owners live in work problems after get off work, the habit is called “work-related reflection” their pets show more signs of stress.
Researchers surveyed 85 working dog owners. They measure the stress of work and the frequency of people constantly thinking about work in their spare time. They then asked the owner how they thought their dog was stressed and also tracked actual behaviors related to dog stress, such as complaining, pacing or upset.
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The stressed office staff on the left covered her face as she sat on her laptop. On the right, the black Labrador Retriever is obviously anxious. A new study found that work stress affects dogs through emotional contagion and work-related reflection. (Getty Image)
The study found that owners with higher work stress make dogs show more stress-related behaviors. Even as researchers took other pressures at home, this link remains firm. Interestingly, owners are not always aware that their dog is under pressure. This is the behavior of a puppy who tells a story.
What is the biggest factor driving connection? Reflect. Mental working owners are more likely to be stressed dogs. Thinking about the work clock seems to spread pressure to humans to pets.
This idea is called “cross-border” when one's pressure spills on others in the home. Previous research has shown that this happens between spouses and now there is evidence that it can happen between people and pets.
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A dog sat on the hardwood floor with a sad expression. New research finds that dogs can absorb owners’ work stress through emotional cues and routine changes. (Getty Image)
Dogs are particularly sensitive to their owners’ moods. Scientists call this “emotional contagiousness” that dogs can pick out the thoughts of people's feelings through tone, body language, and other subtle cues. The dog will notice when the owner is distracted or irritated by work stress. Over time, this can affect the health of the dog.
The study also proposes another explanation. When people focus on work issues, they may become more patient, more distant or less consistent with routines like walking and feeding. This type of care changes can also increase stress in dogs.
A woman pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration while working at home. A study published in the 2025 scientific report links work stress and counterintelligence to signs of stress in pet dogs. (Getty Image)
The author points out that Americans overwhelmingly view pets as part of their family. This makes it even more important to understand how our behavior affects them.
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In the words of research, “hired dog owners may benefit from avoiding work-related introspection at home to protect the well-being of human best friends.”
Putting your work aside as you walk through the door will not only help your own health. It can also help your dog.
