How Pets Get Stressed?

Over the last several weeks I’ve witnessed the ways stress affects our pets…

• When Neece’s 99-year-old mom was taken to ER and then unexpectedly placed in hospice care, Zara, her 5-year-old Doberman mix, began avoiding her. As her mother’s principal caregiver, it was a tremendous stressor for Neece, not to mention the deep grief. And, she missed the comfort Zara provided.
• When Kelly’s health deteriorated, Wilson, her Pomeranian, barely ate. 
• Elliot, Barb’s 19-year-old cat, became anxious when Barb returned home with a cast on her foot. They both had to adjust.
• Chalee the Chesapeake's neck and shoulder were so tense, just like her 'mom' (Mirroring ailments is pretty common.)

Many animals experienced anxiety when their routines changed as a result Covid. Everyone home, then everyone gone. And now we have “Covid puppies”... the puppies (and adult dogs) who were adopted during Covid lockdowns. These dogs weren’t able to be properly socialized and now suffer from anxiety just living in our unpredictable world.

We are living in a time of unprecedented levels of fear and uncertainty.  

Even if our lives appear okay on the surface, there is an underlying tension brought on by the global changes and living in these uncertain and turbulent times. According to a recent American Psychology Association (APA) poll, 87% of Americans believe there’s been a constant stream of crises during the last 2 years. And 73% of people are overwhelmed by the constant crisis. 

Our brains are just not designed to deal with constant crisis or threats, real or perceived. The APA report stated that when we feel threatened we lose impulse control, have difficulties learning new things, and experience emotional overload. 

We humans can reason our way through perceived threats. Animals, however, cannot.  Animals' “fight or flight” instinct is hardwired to recognize changes in their environment, threats or not. And, just like us, they have trouble learning, they overreact to situations, and they lose impulse control (if they ever had it to begin with.)

One way animals detect changes is through the chemical changes in our stress hormones. 

It’s how therapy dogs detect seizures and provide emotional support to people suffering from PTSD. It’s a beautiful gift for us humans.

If you’re like most pet parents, you want your animals to be happy, not stressed, and to have the best life possible. These days, taking care of yourself is the place to start. Just like the flight attendants tell us, “put on your oxygen mask first”.

Self-care is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity! For us and our beloved animal friends.

The good news is our pets help us reduce stress. Petting an animal has been shown to lower blood pressure. Did you know some colleges bring therapy dogs to campus during exam weeks?

Living in the present moment is a huge gift our animals give us, when we allow ourselves to receive it. Spending just 10 minutes a day being thoughtful and present with your animal friend will help both of you feel better.

Here are some ways you can relieve your stress, and your pets’...

• Exhale. Yep. Just keep breathing.
• Unplug. Turn off your phone or silence the ringer. Take time away from the computer or iPad. 
• Get back to nature. Go for a walk. If you have a dog, take them with you. Allow your dog to take the lead and go wherever they want.
• Walk barefoot in the grass if weather permits.
• Spend time with your fur baby and cherish the moments… wiggle a feather on a stick to your cat or play tug with your dog. 
• Cuddle up with your furry friend and do nothing else. 
• Get a massage, and give one to your pet. Do some Ear Slides, and while you're at it, do yours too. Ears have acupressure points that reduce anxiety and steady breathing. 
• Take Rescue Remedy yourself and give a few drops to your pets. It’s a do-no-harm remedy that really helps the body return to balance.

And, of course no list would be complete without some aromatic suggestions.

Diffusing or simply spritzing the room with whatever scent soothes you and your pet will relieve stress and ease anxiety. You can easily DIY a room or linen spray.  All you need is a 2 ounce spray bottle, water, and 1-3 essential oils. Fill the bottle with water and add 12 drops of essential oils. (That’s a safe, 1% dilution.) Remember, oil and water don’t mix so shake the bottle before spritzing to disperse the oils in the water. Then spritz a chair, your bedding, a dog's bed, or just the air. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started…

• Looking for quiet your mind?  Try Bergamot, Frankincense, or Ylang Ylang
• Having a rough day or week? Lemon, Sweet Orange, or Juniper Berry will lift your spirits
• Do you need some nature? Go forest bathing in your own home with Cedarwood Atlas, Balsam Fir, and Copaiba

Whatever you do, don’t stress about how to reduce stress! That's really counterproductive. Instead, just focus on BEING present with your animal friend. 

If you and your fur baby are feeling stressed these days, and need more help relaxing or reducing anxiety, email me. I have lots of tips and ideas that can help.