Can humans get separation anxiety from dogs?
Lane Denesik
2025-07-19 12:04:26
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The idea of a beloved, adorable companion scared and alone at home is enough to trigger anxiety in any owner. What’s more, recent studies demonstrate that bonded dogs and humans can experience what is known as emotional contagion: The way a friend’s smile can make us happy or our child’s hurts also make us feel hurt, our emotions can be influenced by those around us, including the pets we steward. Without intervention, this shared anxiety can become cyclical and self-perpetuating. However, this also means improvement in a dog’s anxiety will naturally ease it in its owner as well.
Pete Abshire
2025-07-19 09:24:06
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: 13
Scenarios where owners might feel separation anxiety.
Many people have become accustomed to working on an 100% remote basis and have had the company of their furbabies.
This can be a particularly challenging time for people who only live with their dogs, as some are required to return to the office on a part-time, or even full-time basis.
There are other situations beyond control where owners are forced to be separated from their dogs.
Another situation which can induce separation anxiety in humans when separated from their dogs is going to university.
Overall it is very common and normal for hoomans to also feel just as anxious about leaving their furry friends as it is for the animal's too.
Don't be hard on yourself and gradually build up to it.
This works both ways.
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