My Labrador retriever had a nervous breakdown. I kept throwing him a boomerang. ~Nick Arnette~
Our pets have unique personality traits and individual comfort zones. For many, routine and familiar surroundings are of utmost importance for security; others love change and adventure. Following are several situations and events that can trigger stress in our more sensitive pets:
Company and visitors: Pets have no way to prepare for company and the changes they bring; we need to be sensitive to their needs and plan accordingly by trying to provide an area where they can retreat to be alone and recharge. I was recently reminded of how both sensitive and amenable our dog & cat companions are when two young children visited for several days. As expected, Evie, our acutely timid cat, hid for the duration of the visit. The other cats sought out attention and, when tired, found sanctuary in other rooms. Captain, our older, almost blind, German Shepherd can become snappy when stressed, so to keep everyone safe and secure, he was kept comfortable in a room to himself. The other two dogs did very well, but it also seemed important to keep them tethered to their regular daily meal and outdoor schedules.
Kennel Stress: As you can imagine, kennel stays are extremely stressful for pets, especially for those rescued from pounds and other kennel-like environments. Bloody colitis is often seen when a dog returns from a kennel. (Bloody colitis is very often stress related, except in puppies; they frequently have diarrhea because they seem to eat anything and chew on everything.)
Even if it means being alone more, it’s best for pets to stay in their own home, either with a pet/house sitter, or by having someone who will regularly check on them. If a kennel stay is unavoidable, visit several to find one you’re most comfortable with using and ask questions. Try to supply your pet’s food so that he doesn’t have to adjust to a change in diet (this may also reduce your rate), and bring familiar, unwashed, bedding, along with toys for comfort and chewing. Don’t be stressed or in a hurry when you leave your pet; remember, he/she doesn’t understand anything about the new surroundings, including that it’s temporary. For more information, click http://www.kenneldesign.com/products/blueprints/01successfulkennels.php
Thunder Storms & Loud Noises: Almost every dog lover has known a dog that‘s sensitive to thunder, firecrackers, vacuum cleaners and other loud noises. (For more on thunder storms and other pet fears & phobias, please click: http://www.canine-clippers.com/newsletters/august2009.htm.) As I type this, our hound Zoë is starting to panic because it’s raining, and she must sense very distant thunder. Since ancient times, mothers have swaddled babies to relieve colic and to calm them to sleep. Dr. Temple Grandin pioneered changes in the meat industry with her research on how pressure to their bodies reduced stress in cows at slaughter houses; she also applied this technique to herself (she is autistic) when she felt highly anxious. Based on the principal of swaddling pressure, my daughter recently recommended a ‘Thunder Shirt’ for Zoë’s acute anxiety; I’m going to order one and try it out (I’ll report the results next month). To muffle the sharp, cracking sound, Aimee Mootz, in our Sterling salon, recommends applying a couple of drops of mineral oil to a dog’s ears.
Pet Caregivers: Our pets don’t always know that a trip to the vet, groomer, or other professional care-giver, is for their benefit. For tips on making these visits less anxious and more fun, click: http://www.canine-clippers.com/newsletters/december2009.htm.
As a general stress-reduction rule, try to have a crate or other enclosure available for your pet to enter when the comfort of a closed-in, cave-like retreat is needed. Cats also need a safe, elevated place to escape and watch from high. Familiar and well worn toys can provide security & comfort to anxious pets.
Finally, of course, nothing beats physical attention and play. Most pets love for their people to meet them at their own level to pet them and to have fun…….what could be simpler or easier? It helps everyone to stay healthy and happy!
Summer weather is here and we need to remember to protect our dogs from the heat and also to protect their sensitive skin. Please click here for tips: http://blogs.dogster.com/living-with-dogs/protecting-dogs-from-sunburn-and-cancer-on-dont-fry-day/2011/05/
If you would like to learn how to become a dog groomer, our classes begin the second Tuesday, of every month. Please contact our Dumfries School at 703-221-3647.
All three of our Northern Virginia locations need groomers & bathers. If you or anyone you know is interested, please see below, and give us a call!
~ Written by Rebecca Nilson ~ nilsonowensrebecca@gmail.com
540-829-6665: Wash & Wag of Culpeper, 217 Southgate Shopping Center