Are Dogs Empathic?

🐾Hey there, Pooches and Peeps!

Let me bark at you about something close to my heart—feelings. Not just mine (though, yes, I do get offended when the Bell steals my sunny nap spot), but yours, too. Us dogs? We’re emotional detectives with paws. And science is finally catching up to what we’ve always known: dogs are super empathic.

We can sniff out your mood (literally—your sweat changes when you’re stressed), read your facial expressions, and hear it in your voice when you’re feeling down. I don’t need a psychology degree—just a wagging tail and a good nose.

Turns out, dogs have something called oxytocin—it’s a fancy hormone humans also have that helps with bonding and love. So yeah, that warm fuzzy feeling you get when we cuddle? Not your imagination and totally mutual. Dogs and humans are indeed simpatico (in sync).

Sure, walking us helps you stay healthy and meet new people (we are the best conversation starters!) . But our emotional smarts go beyond that. Studies show emotional support dogs—like my buddy Miles, who helps his human with anxiety—can lower heart rates and blood pressure. Some of us work with kids on the autism spectrum, giving them comfort and confidence. Others visit hospitals and nursing homes to spread a dog’s special brand of joy, reduce stress, and maybe sneak a treat or two.

In my ideal future? “No Dogs Allowed” signs are ancient history, every park has a treat dispenser, and dogs are recognized as the furry therapists we truly are.

Come back to Gus Barks for more dog info and movie recommendations—and remember, dogs are people too.

—Gus🐾

References:

https://www.freshpet.com/blog/can-dogs-sense-human-emotions

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10426098/

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dogs-and-our-emotions