Recent studies suggest that our dogs are capable not only of detecting our emotions but also of experiencing them as a sort of mirror effect. Keep reading this #LivelongTip to learn more.
Studies indicate that dogs can empathize with humans by sensing their emotions. They have the ability to process and connect with the feelings of others.
A study published in Learning & Behavior reveals that dogs respond with changes in their heart rate and facial expressions when recognizing basic emotions in humans, the same emotions they themselves can experience. This suggests that, when perceiving another’s emotion, a dog’s body responds with reactions similar to those they experience themselves.
Therefore, if you wonder how your dog feels when he sees you crying, most likely he will catch the same emotion that causes your tears—whether it’s fear, sadness, or even extreme joy.