Is Stress from Work Affecting Your Dog?

Posted Aug 6, 2025 in Health & Safety

It’s no secret that life can get hectic. Long work hours, tough days, and emotional ups and downs are part of being human. But what many pet parents don’t realize is that your stress doesn’t stay bottled up inside. Your dog can feel it, too! Our pets are highly intuitive. They can sense tone of voice, body language, and even particular scents. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, your dog does too.

Over time, this can affect their behavior, health, and happiness. The good news? With a little awareness and some intentional changes, you can help your dog cope better with stress.

How Human Stress Impacts Our Furry Friends

When you stay late at the office or have a tough meeting with your boss, your routines might change. Walks get skipped, playtime gets shortened, and your overall energy can feel tense or hurried. Dogs thrive on predictability and positive interaction; without this, they may begin to show signs of anxiety themselves. These signs include:

• Clinginess
• Excessive Barking
• Destructive Behaviors
• Loss of Appetite
• Pacing
• Potty Accidents

Inconsistent schedules or long periods of being alone are common causes of work-related stress for Fido. Even if these responsibilities seem normal to us, they’re not best for our furry friends. 

Helping Your Pooch Cope with Stress

There are plenty of ways you can support yourself and your pup during periods when work piles on.

Stick to a Routine: Consistency builds security. Try to feed, walk, and play with your dog at roughly the same times each day. Even on busy days, a short walk and 5–10 minutes of focused play can help your dog feel grounded. Consider creating a safe space for days when you can’t be on a strict routine. This allows your pup to enjoy a few comfort items when you can’t be around to give them your full attention.

Be Mindful of Your Mood and Energy: Dogs pick up on your mood. Take a moment to decompress before interacting with your dog after a hard day. Speaking softly and moving calmly can reassure them even when you’re not feeling your best.

Consider Calming Aids: There are plenty of safe tools that can help your dog manage their anxiety and stress. White noise, pheromone diffusers, compression shirts, or a supplement like CBD are great ways to manage stress.

Consult with a Professional: If your dog shows signs of chronic stress like aggression, withdrawal, or ongoing destructive behavior, consider reaching out to your trainer or a veterinarian. Excellent professionals can guide you toward the right solution for your dog.

Your dog doesn’t need a perfect owner. They need a calm, consistent one. By taking steps to manage your stress, you’ll not only improve your dog’s well-being, but likely find yourself feeling better too.