Stressed Out Dog Owners Can Pass on Stress to Their Dogs

According to the Associated Press, when dog owners go through a stressful period, they're not alone in feeling the pressure.  Their Dogs feel it too.

Dog owners experiencing long periods of stress can transfer it to their dogs, scientists report in a study published in Scientific Reports.

The Swedish researchers focused on 58 people who own border collies or Shetland sheep dogs.  They examined hair from the dog owners and their dogs, looking at the concentrations of a hormone called cortisol, a chemical released into the bloodstream and absorbed by hair follicles in response to stress.

The researchers don't know what causes the synchronization in cortisol levels between humans and their pups.  But a hint might lie in the fact that the link is stronger with competitive dogs than in pet pooches.  Please click on the above link for more information.