How can you help your dog deal with stress?

We can hardly protect our dogs from any kind of stress. However, stress is different. Excessive or chronic stress, unfortunately, has a detrimental effect on the dog’s body. How does distress (“bad” stress) affect your dog and how can you help your pet deal with stress?

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How does distress (“bad” stress) affect a dog?

Under stress, the dog’s blood increases cortisol levels – the so-called “stress hormone”. And if there is a lot of cortisol, changes occur in the animal’s body at the level of physiology, and this cannot but affect the behavior of the pet.

First of all, distress or chronic stress “hit” on genitourinary system. And sometimes puddles at home are not a sign of “ill manners”, but a symptom of urinary incontinence – one of the consequences of stress.

Indigestion disorder also often associated with stress.

Chronic stress affects functioning immune system dogs

An increase in cortisol levels negatively affects neural connections and affects the areas of the brain responsible for reducing the level of arousal.

That is a dog behaving badly (for example, barks too much or walks badly on a leash) not because “harmful” or “vindictive”, does not learn new commands, not because she is “dumb”, but because she cannot cope with stress.

Good, as you can see, is not enough. Can dogs be helped to cope with stress? Can.

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How to help dogs deal with distress (“bad” stress)?

First of all, you need to ensure that you do not create additional stress in the dog’s life. You need to become a wise and calm protector for the dog, on whom you can rely.

To overcome the consequences of excessive or chronic stress in a dog, an anti-stress program is compiled, which includes the following items:

1. Examination at veterinarian. Rule out possible illnesses, especially if the dog has dandruff, skin problems, incontinence, diarrhea, etc.
2. Provide the dog shelter – a secluded place where she can feel safe.
3. Establishing clear and understandable rules. A good attitude towards a dog is not the same as “permissiveness”.
4. Revise loads. Are they excessive? Sometimes it’s helpful and necessary to introduce “boring days” (3 or 4 days) to get your cortisol levels down.
5. Find the right one for a particular dog balance mental and physical stress, so that there is neither boredom nor overstimulation. When training, carefully observe the dog in time to notice fatigue or signs of stress.
6. Practice exercises on relaxation.
7. Enter exercises for possession of the body and balance.
8. Entertain the dog search games.
9. Use comfortable and safe ammunition. 
10. If necessary, review ration. 
11. Use massage и TTouch.
12. You can use aromatherapy and music therapy. 

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How to dose physical activity to help the dog cope with stress?

In order not to develop excessive stress, it is necessary to dose physical activity for the dog. And for this you should follow the rules:

• The increase or decrease in physical activity occurs gradually.
• Physical activity for the dog should be regular (usually at least 3-4 times a week).
• Physical activity should be moderately intense, lasting up to 30 minutes.
• Consider the individual characteristics of the dog.
• Control your desires. Of course, everyone wants to have a champion, but is your dog suitable for this role?
• Track your pet’s emotional and physical state (both during and after class)

To defeat chronic or excessive stress, you need to become a guarantor of safety for your dog. Let your pet know that he can relax in your company.