Your pets are stressed out, too

May 29, 2020

Dr. Niwako Ogata, an associate professor of veterinary behavior medicine in Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says pets could be feeling secondhand anxiety from their owners who are coping with lifestyle changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Stock image)
Dr. Niwako Ogata, an associate professor of veterinary behavior medicine in Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says pets could be feeling secondhand anxiety from their owners who are coping with lifestyle changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Stock image)

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating emotional stress and anxiety for humans – but chances are, their furry companions are likely feeling the same way.

Dr. Niwako Ogata, an associate professor of veterinary behavior medicine in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says pets could be feeling secondhand anxiety from their owners who are coping with lifestyle changes caused by the pandemic. People’s disruption in routines and more time at home can also induce anxiety in animals, especially if they have underlying anxiety issues.

Read the full story at Your pets are stressed out, too

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