More than just companions, dogs are deeply attuned to our emotional states—so much so that they can physically absorb the feelings we emit. This intimate connection between humans and dogs reveals a fascinating interplay between mind, body, and spirit, highlighting why the atmosphere we create for our pets is just as vital as food or shelter.
Erica Marie Coston, a dog herbalist, beautifully sums it up: “More important than providing a big house and yard for our dogs is providing an environment of love and joy. This helps keep their heart healthy and in sync with yours.” In essence, a dog’s quality of life hinges on the emotional environment we cultivate around them.
The Science Behind the Bond
Dogs are gifted with heightened senses, especially an acute sense of smell. When humans experience stress, they release hormones like oxytocin, which dogs can literally detect. This sensory sensitivity means dogs are continuously reading our emotional signals, often before we even realize it ourselves. As an observer and canine herbalist with decades of experience, I have seen firsthand how our moods directly affect our dogs.
The human heart emits a powerful electromagnetic field, roughly five thousand times stronger than the brain’s and detectable several feet away. This invisible field is a form of vibrational energy that influences those around us—including our dogs. The HeartMath Institute has extensively studied how our emotional state alters this field, shaping how our bodies and minds harmonize.
Dogs experience our emotions not just on an intuitive level, but physiologically through their own heart and nervous system. Their autonomic nervous system toggles between relaxation (parasympathetic mode) and alertness or stress (sympathetic mode), responding directly to their environment—which includes our emotional energy. Chronic emotional tension in humans often means the same for their canine companions, increasing the risk of health issues.
When Emotions Transcend Species
Consider the story shared by Dr. Judith Orloff in her book Emotional Freedom: a woman with a rare kidney disease became pregnant despite warnings. Miraculously, she gave birth to a healthy child. Meanwhile, her deeply bonded golden retriever suddenly developed kidney disease and died shortly after the birth. This example of emotional transference underscores the profound depth of connection and shared energy between dogs and their owners.
The Ripple Effect of Stress
Stress, anger, fear, or grief are natural human emotions, and a bad day here and there won’t harm your dog. But prolonged negative emotional states can push both owner and pet into a persistent “fight or flight” response, disrupting heart rate variability and overall well-being. Chronic stress in dogs can lead to digestive troubles, weakened immunity, and behavioral issues, mirroring the effects in humans.
Animal behaviorist Temple Grandin advises that fostering joy and minimizing fear or panic around animals greatly benefits their emotional health. By consciously managing our moods and tone, we can create a more harmonious space for our dogs to thrive.
Cultivating a Healing Environment
The good news is that by tending to our own emotional health, we also nurture our dogs’. Techniques like flower essences, mindful body language, and holistic practices can ease anxiety and create calm. When we find our center, our dogs sense it, allowing them to relax and feel safe.
Creating an environment rich in love, patience, and positivity is ultimately the most healing gift we can offer. It’s not about perfect behavior or an immaculate home—it’s about the invisible currents of emotional energy we share.
Rita Hogan, C.H., is a clinical canine herbalist with over twenty years’ experience. She combines holistic wisdom with scientific insight to support the mind-body-spirit health of dogs and their humans.
Excerpt adapted from The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice by Rita Hogan, © 2025 Healing Arts Press.