Is Your Dog Stressed? How Would You Know?

The canine species is a sophisticated species. They communicate with each other and with their owners in subtle ways. Saying this, canines also have the same feelings we humans do. They feel happy, loved, excited, pleased, sad, lonely and stressed. These emotions they show through their body language.

As in humans, stress is not healthy for your canine companion. Watch their body language: Some things to watch for are:

• Head and Tail drooping and held lower than normal (tail tucked between the legs).
• Twitches in the skin and muscles
• Body held stiff
• Whining, excessive barking
• Excessive drooling or licking of the lips
• Circling
• Digging
• Destructive chewing
• Refusing to eat
• Urinary marking

Watch for anything that is out of the normal daily routine for your dog. Many things can cause stress in dogs. A change in their environment, a change in your work schedule, lack of exercise and attention, separation anxiety, boredom, noise intolerance such as the sound of firecrackers, frustration, fear of other animals and humans, new family or new family member, trauma and even in their jobs such as police K-9's. Stray dogs suffer from stress more because of the fear they are homeless; lack of food and love. Your dog can also pick up on your own stress. It is important to recognize excitement versus stress.

What To Do When Your Dog Is Stressed

Dogs basically take care of them selves when they are stressed. Licking their paws and lips as well as panting helps them to naturally relieve stress. However, there are times when the human factor has to come into play. Sit with your dog in a quiet place with no distractions. Talk softly and gently stroking him at the same time. Give him a daily massage to relax his muscles. Play a game of catch the ball. Let your dog run and 'blow off steam'. Arrange play dates with your dog or a doggie daycare center if you are going to be gone for several days. Provide chew toys; a Kong with a treat placed inside will keep him busy and his mind focused. Provide him a 'safe place' such as a den. Keep your dog quiet and give him lots of attention. Be patient with your dog. If you have to change your daily routine and will be coming home late or leaving early, have a friend or professional dog walker come in and check on your dog. Dogs are pack animals.

In other words, they do best when they are not alone. Turn on the television or a radio (I use Animal Planet) when I'm going to be gone all day. I've even caught them watching the TV when I come home. If things don't improve within a couple of days or if your dogs signs of stress worsen please do not hesitate to see your veterinarian as there may be an underlying physical cause for your dogs' stress.

Rescue Your Pet From Stress And Anxiety - The Natural Way

Did you know that stress is our body's natural defense mechanism?

When faced with a threatening situation, stress helps us instinctively go into "fight or flight" mode. Our senses are heightened and we're able to react quickly in order to survive the impending threat of danger.

Fortunately for our pets (and us) civilization has kept us relatively safe and sheltered from the dangers of the wild.

But that is not to say that modern life doesn't have its share of stress and anxiety.

Instead of the classic threat of predators or lack of basic essentials such as food, water or shelter, our dogs now suffer from a myriad of modern day worries: the loud boom of fireworks, speeding cars, strange new people, and of course those uncomfortable trips to the vet.

Luckily, our dogs have us to help keep them calm and bring their anxiety and stress levels down.

Being the amazing dog mom that you are, you make sure to look for ways to keep your dog relaxed and content. Providing your pooch with proper training and socializing skills are some of the best ways to you can help them grow into well-adjusted pets.

But life is unpredictable...

No matter how hard you try; there is always the possibility of an unexpected situation throwing your pooch off balance, resulting in a frightened, anxious and stressed-out pet.

That's why there's Rescue Remedy. A natural, holistic stress-reducing spray for both people and pets, Rescue Remedy can ease your dog's anxiety and stress levels, helping them cope with the situation at hand.

Here’s a response from our article, “Like Oil And Water: Mixing Kibble And Raw” (June 28, 2012):

“Hi guys!...have been using Barf on and off for some time. I just read the raw freeze dried and kibble [article]. I am guessing that that goes for Barf patties and kibble too. It makes tons of sense and I plan to NOT do that anymore. As usual, much thanks and lots of love.”

-Patti O. from Kings Park, NY

Here’s a response from our article, “Don’t Lose Sight: Vision Tests For Dogs” (June 14, 2012):

“Our Chloe was diagnosed with SARDS a week ago today, and we have been on a wild ride trying to stabilize her vision and rebuild her compromised adrenal system…With SARDS there appears to be a very short "window of opportunity" when you can halt the progression of the disease. Please be aware that SARDS dogs present with normal-looking eyes! It's just that the rods and cones cease transmitting images to the brain…most "regular" vets cannot diagnose SARDS.

I researched two different experimental protocols. Both seem to have merit, the one advocated by "Dr. G" (the one you mentioned), and the one advocated by Caroline Levin. She bases hers on a theory of "adrenal exhaustion."

So, if I had a dog with *any* seeing problems, I would get to a veterinary ophthalmologist ASAP. I wouldn't wait for another week or so. That's time -- and vision -- lost that likely cannot be recovered.”

-Susan A. from Portola Valley, CA