Help for Pets with Anxiety 

 

Pets suffer from anxiety for a variety of reasons, and their behaviors reflect that anxiety in a variety of ways. In Animals Make Us Human, Temple Grandin cites the Brambell Report's five freedoms every animal should have, including "freedom from fear and distress." The book is not light reading - lots of scientific details - but well worth the effort for anyone who loves animals.  Bottom line - How can we help our pets live happy, fulfilled lives free from fear and distress?

 

Assuming there is no underlying medical problem, the most important influence on your pet - always - is you. If you are stressed and anxious, your pet feels it. What to do? Try yoga, qigong, meditation, massage, Reiki... At the very least, when you feel stressed, take two or three deep, slow breaths. In Malcom Gladwell's What the Dog Saw (chapter by the same name), check out the analysis of the way Cesar Millan moves with dogs - it expanded my understanding of what's going on during those interactions and encouraged me to pay more attention to the way I move around animals. 

  

Bach's Rescue Remedy has long been recommended by veterinarians, trainers, animal behaviorists, and others for reducing stress in pets in crisis situations. I have used it with several pets. The special pet formula contains no alcohol, and it can be given by simply putting four drops on a treat your pet likes. It is safe for all animals, including cats, dogs, horses, and birds - and humans. I usually find it (in its bright yellow box) at Henry's Market in the homeopathy section. 

 

Pheromones may also effectively help ease anxiety. I carry Comfort Zone spray for dogs and for cats in my first aid kit. It's also available as a diffuser. Sentry makes the Good Behavior pheromone collar as an alternative to the spray or diffuser.

 

A couple of things I haven't actually tried but that seem worth checking out are music therapy (see Through a Dogs Ear) and gentle, constant body pressure with a Thundershirt. (If you've seen the movie Temple Grandin, her "squeeze box" exemplifies the calming effect of pressure.)

 

Massage and Reiki can also help relieve stress - both for you and for your pet. I regularly offer Reiki to the pets I take care of and to shelter pets - as well as to humans.  You will finds articles about animal Reiki at the Animal Reiki Source and at the Shelter Animal Reiki Association site. If you'd like more information about Reiki for your pet or for yourself, get in touch with me by phone or email - I'd love to share my experiences with you and to offer you a free "sample" session.

 

One final note - A couple of you have tried the Bark Free device to help control anxious barking.  In one case it worked very effectively with a single dog.  In another home with two dogs, one completely ignores it and the other is frightened by it. I also heard from an owner who tried the Bark Off (a similar but different device - as seen on TV) and found it completely useless.

 

Again, if you have any stories to share, please do phone (714-501-5330) or email me. (Christina@NotHomeAlonePLHS.com).