Holistic Health Hub

The Home Environment & Companion Animal Health

The home environment plays a critical role in the physical and emotional health of companion animals. Increasing evidence shows that a dog or cat's immediate surroundings—including air quality, human-animal interactions, noise, and chemical exposure—can influence the development or progression of conditions such as anxiety, dermatitis, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, obesity, and immune dysfunction.

Environmental stressors affect physiological and behavioral responses in animals, often contributing to chronic disease. While some effects are visible—such as inactivity leading to weight gain—others are more subtle or cumulative and leading to disease later in life.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

  • Air quality: Indoor air often contains higher concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and allergens than outdoor air. Pets are particularly susceptible due to their low proximity to the ground, increasing contact exposure and due to grooming, which increases ingestion of toxins.

  • Household chemicals: Regular use of synthetic cleaning agents, fragrances, plug-in air fresheners, and scented candles has been linked to increased respiratory and dermatological issues in dogs and cats. Many contain phthalates, formaldehyde, and other irritants or endocrine disruptors.

  • Physical activity: Inadequate exercise, often a result of the owner’s lifestyle, contributes to joint stiffness, poor muscle tone, behavioral issues, and metabolic dysfunction in pets.

  • Human diet and food sharing: Caloric intake from shared snacks and table scraps contributes significantly to pet obesity. Additionally, inappropriate foods can lead to gastrointestinal upset and nutrient imbalances.

  • Household dynamics and emotional climate: Dogs and cats are sensitive to social cues, tension, and vocal tone. Loud arguments, frequent punishment-based interactions, or emotionally stressed caregivers can result in chronic stress in pets, which is associated with immune suppression and behavioural issues.

  • Owner lifestyle and wellness: Caregiver health, stress levels, and emotional regulation have been shown to affect pet behavior and cortisol levels. A dysregulated or emotionally unavailable owner can impair a pet’s ability to feel safe, calm, and bonded.

The Human-Animal Environment as a Shared System

There is growing support for the “One Welfare” framework, which recognizes that human wellbeing, animal welfare, and environmental health are interlinked. When caregivers improve their own physical and emotional health, the benefits often extend to the animals in their care.

Integrating practices such as mindfulness, stress reduction, and movement-based therapies (e.g., yoga, walking, nature time) supports a calmer and more regulated household—conditions under which companion animals thrive. Behavioral veterinarians increasingly acknowledge the influence of owner stress and emotional regulation on companion animal anxiety and aggression.

Furthermore, recent data supports a direct correlation between owner behavior and pet health outcomes. A 2021 study in the U.S. found that dogs with highly stressed owners showed significantly more signs of anxiety and behavior problems than dogs whose owners had low stress scores (American Psychological Association, 2021).

Recommendations for Pet Guardians

To reduce environmental risk factors and support your pet’s health:

  • Ventilate the home regularly and use HEPA air filtration when needed.

  • Replace synthetic cleaning agents and fragrances with pet-safe, natural alternatives.

  • Prioritize daily outdoor activity for both you and your pet.

  • Monitor and minimise shared human food treats.

  • Cultivate a calm home environment; address interpersonal conflict when possible.

  • Invest in your own emotional and physical wellness as a direct path to improving your pet’s well-being.

  • Work with a veterinary behaviorist or holistic veterinarian to identify stress-related symptoms in your pet and create a targeted plan.

Further Listening

Jackie Gowland