Dogs can interpret human emotions by reading facial expressions, vocal tone, and body language, and by detecting chemical signals linked to stress hormones such as cortisol. Research indicates dogs can distinguish the odor of a stressed person from a relaxed one and may respond differently when owners return home still upset. Long-term cortisol levels in dogs have been found to closely mirror those of their owners in widely cited findings. Additional research suggests work-related stress can carry over to dogs, especially when owners continue mentally replaying workplace stress at home. Dogs therefore may experience emotional contagion alongside humans rather than catching anxiety in an infectious way.
"“Dogs are extremely intuitive and are able to interpret human feelings through facial expression, vocal tone, body language cues, and even by picking up scents associated with cortisol and stress hormones,” says Dr. Stephanie Liff, veterinarian and advisor to pet wellness company Spot & Tango."
"“Research has shown that dogs can actually distinguish the odor of a stressed person from a relaxed one and respond differently. So when you come home still stewing over a work conflict, your dog may be picking up on signals you don't even realize you're sending,” elaborates Liff."
"“A widely cited 2019 study published in Scientific Reports found that dogs' long-term cortisol levels closely mirrored those of their owners.”"
"“A 2025 study found that work-related stress in humans may ‘cross over’ to their dogs, particularly when owners continue mentally replaying workplace stress at home.”"
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