The influence of our well-being on our companions: A powerful emotional connection

August 15, 2024·6 min read

The evolution of the Human-Dog-Cat relationship

Humans have lived alongside cats and dogs for millennia. The relationship with dogs began around 32,000 years ago, with the domestication of wolves, originally for hunting and protection. The domestication of cats is more recent, going back about 9,500 years. Archaeological discoveries in Cyprus found a cat intentionally buried with a human, suggesting that the bond had already been established. Cats were first attracted to agricultural villages by rodents in grain stores, and humans gradually encouraged their presence to protect crops. Over time, these utilitarian relationships evolved into deep emotional bonds. Today, dogs and cats are integral parts of our homes and families, having developed an extraordinary ability to read and respond to our emotions, often better than we read theirs.

Inter-species emotional communication

Our animals are true emotional sponges, able to detect and sometimes absorb our feelings. This ability has allowed them to adapt to our human world over centuries and plays a crucial role in their everyday behavior and in the quality of our relationship with them.

• Stress and anxiety: When we’re stressed or anxious, our pets feel it. A study in Scientific Reports showed that dogs’ cortisol (the stress hormone) levels synchronize with those of their human companion. A dog may become restless; a cat might hide more often. These reactions are direct responses to our emotional state.

• Joy and serenity: Conversely, when we’re relaxed and happy, our animals tend to be calmer and more joyful. A serene owner often has a balanced, confident animal. This positive emotional synchronization strengthens the human-animal bond, creating a virtuous circle of shared well-being.

Hormonal impact: An invisible but powerful connection

Our bodies constantly produce hormones that influence our moods, and these molecules also impact our animals, creating a fascinating biochemical connection.

• Oxytocin, the attachment hormone: Also called the “love hormone,” oxytocin reinforces the bond between humans and their pets. A study published in Science found that when people pet their dogs, both parties’ oxytocin levels increase. This mutual boost strengthens emotional bonds and contributes to shared well-being.

• Cortisol, the stress hormone: When we’re stressed, our bodies release cortisol, which our animals can detect, potentially making them anxious or agitated. Dogs, in particular, can sense subtle changes in our scent linked to stress. While our pets sense our stress, they don’t necessarily understand its cause. This uncertainty can amplify their anxiety and provoke or worsen problem behaviors, like reactivity, simply in response to our emotions.

• Puberty and pregnancy hormones: Studies have shown that dogs can detect hormonal changes associated with puberty in teenagers, altering relationships. Many observations also suggest pets can sense pregnancies, sometimes before the future mother is aware, thanks to their ability to detect subtle hormonal changes.

Self-awareness for the well-being of our companions

Understanding this emotional connection encourages greater self-awareness. By caring for our own emotional well-being, we directly support our pets’ well-being. This awareness can inspire us to adopt beneficial practices for all household members, human and animal alike.

• Beneficial activities: Meditation, positive visualization, exercise, enjoying nature, personal development, or simply calm moments can positively impact both us and our pets. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior showed dogs whose owners regularly practiced meditation had lower stress levels.

• Non-verbal communication: Our pets are experts in body language. Research shows cats and dogs can recognize our facial expressions, a cat that sees its human frowning will avoid them, while it will seek contact if their owner is smiling and relaxed. This emotional reading skill highlights the importance of being aware of our own body language in interactions.

Toward a more harmonious relationship

By acknowledging the influence of our emotions, among many factors, we can work to create a calmer, more balanced environment for the whole family. Here are some ideas:

• Shared activities: Playing, walks, or cuddle sessions strengthen your bond and soothe emotions. These connection moments also stimulate oxytocin production, reinforcing the affectionate bond.

• Managing stress: Learning to handle our own stress can directly benefit our animals. Breathing techniques, meditation, or professional help can allow us to remain calm in stressful situations, helping our pets stay relaxed.

• Enriched environment: Creating a stimulating and secure environment for pets helps them cope with stress and negative emotions. This includes interactive toys, comfortable resting spaces, and safe opportunities for exploration.

• Routine and stability: Establishing regular routines, as much as possible, can help reduce stress for both humans and animals. Dogs and cats, in particular, appreciate predictability, regular meal, walk, and play times contribute to a sense of security and well-being.

To illustrate, here are two examples (names changed): Lisa and her dog Simba, Lisa found that her own fears and guilt made Simba anxious in her absence, leading to destructive behaviors. By working on her emotions and adjusting Simba’s environment, she could leave without returning to a stressed dog. Similarly, Hélène saw her cat Tigrou, who hid from visitors, open up after she addressed her own social anxiety with professional help and created a safe, enriched environment, also recognizing Tigrou’s past experiences.

These examples show how self-awareness can improve pets’ well-being, alongside specific adaptations for them. Reasons for behavior are multifactorial, sometimes, one element is linked to human emotions.

For further insight on how a professional can help, read my article: Why consult an Animal Behaviorist?.

Our emotional well-being and that of our animals are intimately linked. Nurturing our own balance and paying attention to their needs helps create a harmonious home where humans, cats, and dogs thrive together. This awareness encourages a global approach to well-being, giving equal importance to emotional health for every family member, two- or four-legged.

[Article originally written in French]

Sources

- NOVA. (2020). Cat Tales [Documentaire]. PBS.

- Servais, V. (2016). “La relation homme-animal. La relation à l’animal peut-elle devenir significative, donc thérapeutique, dans le traitement des maladies psychiques ?”. Enfances & Psy, 69(1).

- Grandgeorge, M., & Hausberger, M. (2011). “Human-animal relationships: from daily life to animal-assisted therapies”. Annali dell’Istituto superiore di sanità, 47.

- Lestel, D. (2007). “Les origines animales de la culture”. Flammarion.

- Cyrulnik, B. (2018). “La naissance du sens”. Hachette Pluriel.

- Kreutzer, M., & Vauclair, J. (2004). “La cognition animale au carrefour de l’éthologie et de la psychologie”. Psychologie française, 49(2).