November 29th, 2012
Why reducing stress in animals increases their life span!
~Extra love = Extra life
Greetings Dog Lovers,
It is Sarah the groomer again here to grace you with another dose of reality about dog loving. The moral of this article is actually quite simple…Dogs that receive extra love receive extra life! This concept isnt too hard to imagine because it resonates throughout all life. In our human race we can easily accept that the pampered live longer. This in my opinion doesnt mean you have to be rich, you just have to follow a few simple rules: eat right, stay fit & active, rest well, and REDUCE YOUR STRESS!
With all things considered one must agree that a life without bills, driving, arguments, and big-time decisions sounds ideal. Thus this is a life of dog. Unfortunately there is still stress in this beautiful synopsis. Yes dogs have stress. While in all life forms some stress is useful. It is our position that as dog owners and care-takers we are to provide a relatively stress free life. Studies have shown that if we want to add years to “Fe-Fe’s” life we need to reduce their stress intake.
In an effort to allow our human minds to understand why we should be patient with our pets and what they are going through during stress, let’s investigate some of the stress triggers in dogs.
Loud Noises: Dogs may not know or understand where the loud noise they are hearing originates from, and they do not know how long the uncomfortable sound will last. We as humans are able to distinguish what the loud noise is and usually where it is coming from, we can then alter our position in order to regain our comfort. Remember unlike us dogs cannot control the environment and the things that frighten them, the results of the unfamiliar are fear and anxiety. Their thought process may go something like this; “ouch that is uncomfortable to my ears, what the heck is that, I have to get away from it, but where is it coming from?"
Some of the noises that my dogs have had problems with were: FIREWORKS, screaming / loud crying, truck horns and thunder. From a training perspective I do agree that you should not coddle or give attention to dogs who are exhibiting behaviors of fear (shaking, crying or hiding), coddling only reinforces their behavior. Instead, try redirecting your dog’s energy by giving him or her something to take their mind off of the noises. Energetically play with a favorite toy or game and remember to remain calm, especially during the storm so that your dog feels calm as well. Dogs do reflect your feelings and if you seem apprehensive, they will pick up on that and feel anxious.
As was stated earlier we are able to control our environment and make decisions based on how we feel about situations. If you do not like heights, you do not climb up high, if you do not enjoy sailing then you don’t go sailing or if a scary commercial comes on you can switch the channel.
Change: Many triggers of stress in dogs originate from changes as well. It is important to keep a healthy routine within the home. Although they cannot control their surroundings to a tee, once they are used to certain schedules they being to feel more comfortable about what happens next. Changing this routine frequently can cause their stress levels to rise. Every creature internalizes stress and biologically reacts to it; the common bodily reactions to stress are an increased heart rate, increased panting/ sweating and dry mouth. These extra excretions of energy will deplete the body if activated on a consistent and abnormal basis and can weaken their immune system.
A way to reduce your dog’s stress is to; 1.) Take them out of high stress situations and 2.) Avoid being around stress triggers. While I do not condone living your life in fear and running away from what scares you as humans, in the case of dogs and animals in general I do think a level of tolerance can be utilized while introducing a no-fear type of attitude. Why do you ask? Well consider this when you are not in control of our surroundings and put out of our comfort zone we can react emotionally and erratically until we are comfortable again. Many times unlike dogs though we can see the silver lining as to when this horrible ordeal will be over, animals lack this foresight especially in new situations. We must be patient, apply good training techniques and understand their position before gaining a common ground on the fear. Reacting impatiently and aggressively will not solve your problems and will only add more fuel to the fire.
Some tips to de-stressing and keeping stress at a minimum:
- · Make your own dog food (less stress on their digestive system)
- · Groom your dogs on a regular basis
- · Veterinary checks on a regular basis
- · Dental checks and cleanings
- · Control pet weight
- · Stay committed to a healthy routine in your household
- · Obtain obedience training
- · Massages [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZQVyf82asM]Massage Demonstration Video
Those are just a few ideas, I am sure you know of a few of your dog’s favorite things, do those more!!
Cheers!
~Sarah~
465-1125 /448-1032
STUBSDALE@GMAIL.COM
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