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In a dog’s limited lifetime stress reduces the length and quality of that life. The owner’s stress also affects his dog. How is this so? Through the remarkable relationship we have with our dogs we can influence their health in unexpected ways from being catastrophic to beneficial for them. Part of that is through handling our own mental health issues in a healthier manner. One study suggested the direction stress flowed was unclear: dog to human or human to dog? I think it can work both ways. If it is difficult to think of our own well-being while depressed or otherwise stressed, consider the reflection within your BFF (Best Fur Friend) because it will be there. Similar ways are possible to help both friends via a walk together, relaxation, good/solid sleep, eating well, looking at something new, hugs or medicine, perhaps. In addition, please remember the holidays can increase additional stress in our life. Exactly what is in the body that works with stress? Cortisol is called THE stress hormone and is a natural steroid hormone in the body. It works with the brain to control moods and reactions. It also controls blood pressure, regulates sleep patterns, raises blood sugar, and supports increased energy in times of stress. Cortisol manages other things measurably within the body, too. If allowed to remain in a stressful situation for too long, higher cortisol levels can lead to several health problems, mentally and physically. Too much or too little cortisol can have difficult consequences on the body such as developing Addison’s or Cushing’s. Cortisol works with the immune system, as well. Cortisol levels can be measured in a dog’s saliva and in the hair of the dog owner! A yearlong study published in Scientific Reports by Dr. Lina Roth (Linkoping University. Sweden) found that the rise and fall of stress levels during the winter and summer months were mirrored between the dog owner and their dog. The synchronization of cortisol levels in the pair is not completely understood. Another stress-related study was by Dr. Nancy Dreschel of Penn State and was published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science. In summary, she said, “It was hypothesized that stress caused by living with anxiety or fearfulness has deleterious [harmful] effects on health and lifespan in canines.” The effect of chronic depression or stress can be measured in white blood cells, too. Stress actually causes accelerated shortening of telomeres (structures at the end of the chromosome) resulting in advancing the aging process, hence, shortening a lifespan. Telomeres shorten with age naturally but at a slower rate. Shortening a life is one of three stress issues including compromising the psychological and physiological health of a dog. Higher cortisol in dogs is expressed by exhibiting a greater number of known stress-related behaviors.
Finding ways to reduce your stress daily or especially over the holidays can be a challenge within itself. It is our wish for you over the upcoming days to end the year joyfully and be able to share that joy while finding some time to relax with your pets and minimize those stressful moments. Look for those ‘Stress Busters’ to hoard and use as needed!  IMAGE COURTESY OF PNWCDR This article is dedicated to our friend whose precious dog expressed his stress in the center of her bed over last year's holidays. REFERENCES: “17 Signs My Dog Has Anxiety.” PetSwag, petswag.com/blogs/petswag-post/17-signs-my-dog-has-anxiety-petswag. “5 Signs Your Dog Is Stressed.” Dogtopia, 11 Apr. 2019, www.dogtopia.com/blog/5-signs-your-dog-is-stressed/. Coates, Dr. Jennifer. “Is Your Pup Stressed? Watch for These 5 Signs of Anxiety in Dogs.” BeChewy, 2 Sept. 2022, be.chewy.com/behavior-stress-anxiety-10-signs-your-dog-is-stressed/. “Doggie Language.” Pacific Northwest Cattle Dog Rescue, 7 Oct. 2022, pnwcdr.org/training/doggie-language-2. Accessed 12 May 2023. “Dogs Owners Feeling Long-Term Stress Can Transfer It to Their Dogs, Science Shows.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 6 June 2019, www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/dogs-owners-feeling-long-term-stress-can-transfer-it-their-n1014451. “Guide to Stress Management for CRPS & Chronic Pain.” Burning Nights, www.burningnightscrps.org/support/news-and-blog/article/stress-management-crps-chronic-pain/. Marafarr. “12 Instant Stress Busters.” Meant2Prevent, 21 May 2021, meant2prevent.ca/12-instant-stress-busters/. Mood, Abbie. “How to Tell If Your Dog Is Stressed: Body Language and Warning Signs.” American Kennel Club, 18 Oct. 2019, www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-stressed/. “Physical Activity Reduces Stress.” Physical Activity Reduces Stress | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st. “Signs Your Dog Is Stressed and How to Relieve It: VCA Animal Hospitals.” Vca, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it. Singfield, Adam. “Workplace Stress (Part 1 of 3): Stressors Shared by Women and Men.” Work Feels Good, 27 Aug. 2020, workfeelsgood.com/workplace-stress-part-1-of-3-stressors-shared-by-women-and-men/. “Stress in Dogs.” Blue Cross, www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/stress-in-dogs.
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Why vaccinate your dog at all? First of all, most of these diseases are preventable if vaccinated. Some of these things such as rabies can be transmitted from dog to human. Distemper and parvo are deadly for puppies with no immunity. Fortunately for most of us, there is now a 3-year series offered with rabies and DAP (also known as DHP or DHPP - with parainfluenza included). These vaccines used to be annual shots. Vaccines protect dogs from disastrous diseases that can be costly for veterinary intervention. One of the more unusual vaccinations available is the Western diamondback rattlesnake vaccine for those pets in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, southern California, and in our great state of Texas. Lastly, do vaccines have to be given in the month they expire? Rabies coverage is very sensitive about this down to the week the last vaccine was given in some states. So, yes to answer the question. Just mark your calendar to schedule vet trips for timely vaccinations.  IMAGE COURTESY OF PETMD References:
Editorial, PetMD. “Basic Vaccine Schedule for Dogs.” PetMD, PetMD, 25 Nov. 2020, https://www.petmd.com/dog/infographic/basic-vaccine-schedule-dogs.
Sterilization is the most common surgery performed and is considered very safe with a very low chance of complications. One thing that has not changed over the years is that altered animals versus intact animals live longer. Altered females outlive intact females by 23% and the male altered animal outlives the intact male by 18%. With sterilization, there is a reduction or elimination of reproductive organ cancers. Uterine disease, pyometra, and other uterine-related infections are eliminated. If done early enough the possibility of mammary tumors is reduced or eliminated. For a sterilized male there are several problems with lowered incidence such as enlarged prostate and more. The reduced breeding behavior includes less desire to roam and less aggression. Staying home more lowers the chances of being hit by a car, less urge to mark, less barking, and less mounting. less fighting or injury. For the females reduced breeding behavior includes less howling, nervousness, mounting, no bleeding, or heat-related crying. The time for surgery is left to your vet’s discretion although we suggest later than 6 months especially for the males to achieve better bone and muscle development. Female Traditional Spaying - OHE (Ovariohysterectomy)
In the Absence of Ovaries
Ovary Sparing Spaying, i.e. Hysterectomy:
When the Ovaries Are Left Intact:
Ovariectomy, i.e. Laparoscopic is more common in Europe, also known as a female gonadectomy:
Tubal Ligation:
Male – Normal hormonal function continues with either procedure. Traditional Neuter (Orchiectomy)
Vasectomy
Chemical Neuter or Intratesticular Injection:
Conflicting Sides: There are studies now about when to sterilize a dog with arguments and studies on both sides of the debate. If you have noticed there are notes about when the ovaries are left and when they are removed. The information is documented. This leaves us with your vet as your authority. So why is sterilization important? One of the major reasons is pet overpopulation. One of the other reasons is to eliminate or significantly reduce the breeding behaviors. References: Avery, Dr Alex. “Ovaries Only...which Is the Best Spay Surgery for Your Dog?” Our Pet's Health, Our Pet's Health, 31 Jan. 2021, https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/ovariectomy. Dr. Patty Khuly, VMD MBA. “Canine Sterilization.” Embrace Pet Insurance, 26 Mar. 2021, https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/canine-sterilization. DVM, Dr. Debra Primovic -. “Vasectomy in Dogs.” RSS, PetPlace, 22 Aug. 2015, https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-health/vasectomy-in-dogs/. JiniJini Patel Thompson is a natural health writer and Lazer Tapping instructor. She began riding at age 2 in Kenya. “New Healthier Procedures for Dog Spaying or Neuter: Listen to Your Horse.” Listen To Your Horse | More Freedom | More Joy | More Horse, 2 July 2016, https://listentoyourhorse.com/new-healthier-procedures-for-female-and-male-dog-spaying. Mdit. “Sterilization of a Dog (Castration & Ovariectomy).” MDIT, 22 Nov. 2019, https://mydogistop.com/sterilization-of-a-dog-castration-ovariectomy/. “Spaying and Neutering Your Pets - Surgical Sterilization.” PPHC - Plantation Pet Health Center, 13 Mar. 2019, https://www.plantationpethealthcenter.com/veterinary-surgery/spaying-neutering-pets/. “Sterilization Free Icons Designed by Freepik.” Flaticon, 20 May 2022, https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/sterilization_1068494?term=Sterile. |
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