JUNE 2011:  KEEPING OUR PETS STRESS FREE & HAPPY

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 Zo