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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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So what is the best way to handle getting a dog that is being re-homed? Introduce your new friend to a space at home with an open crate to feel safe. Place the crate with a treat in it away from the home’s major traffic areas. It will be to your advantage to limit your dog’s explorations until everyone is on the same page about where or when to go potty and what constitutes a chew toy. Getting everyone on the same page takes a leader and a plan. The plan is based on starting with a routine because simple repetition will ease fears, encourage trust and confidence. You are the leader just to be clear. Some folks miss this point creating a more difficult transition. Who’s the boss??? Health Matters. We would encourage you to take your new friend to the vet asap for an overall well check and especially a stool check to make sure unknown and unwelcomed critters (giardia or coccidia for example) are not coming into your home, too. Unfortunately, dogs often experience soft stools or diarrhea simply due to stress but the only way to know the difference between stress, parasite(s) or both is with a stool check. Underlying Issues. Make notes or observations. For those who have rescued their dogs out of situations, or if they are throwing a tantrum. Take a breath. Dogs give off social cues. If you do not know how to read them or what they mean take the time to observe them. Is there a pattern of behavior? Storytime: We rescued a Havanese years ago, little did we know when we first found her. We did our due diligence and decided she'd be great for 2 Cute, however when we arrived we found her chained on a concrete pad, spiked collar used for aggressive breeds around her neck, less than a twenty minute drive from Lake Eerie. It was November and there was already two feet of snow on the ground. Matted and covered in mud, we could not leave the bright little dog there. We made an emergency grooming appointment because there was no saving her coat, stopped by a local pet store for a sweater, and brought her to Texas. It took 3 years to stop the happy-piddling. However with time, patience, and observations of her social cues, we were able to correct the issue. Happy ending. Right? The point though is that she gave a consistent set of social cues. If put in the same situation she would exhibit the same repetitive behavior. For us it was easy to work with her and improve over time. It's not always like that though, and if you find that you are struggling, reach out to your vet. They are there to help, and if they don't know then they have the experience and resources to direct. Getting Started: The Early Days. Through the first days your pup needs to set the pace of interaction with the ability to go easily into the crate. He or she needs you to monitor any excited children and his comfort cues. A big change can be challenging. Let your pup guide you at his pace except where routine demands come into play. Occasional treats go well with settling in but be mindful that he may experience a temperamental tummy with all the ‘news’. Have water freely available. He may eat less, initially than you think he should as he becomes more comfortable. We advocate free feeding where food is available 24/7. No, our dogs do not have a weight issue. Children and new pets. We all expect a gentle dog with children but the fact is your pup is still a stranger and your family is new to him. Always monitor children with a new pet. It is wonderful if beforehand you can use a stuffed animal to teach the children how to pick up and set down a dog. This is a new situation to them as much as it to your new dog, and practice creates confidence and provides you the opportunity to teach them how to positively interact with a new dog in a safe space. Tip: The best starter is to have your child quietly sit on the floor criss-cross applesauce and allow the dog to explore coming to them, crawl in their lap and even lick their face. A treat might seal the relationship! Basics: Problems with your new friend will show up pretty quickly. A friend recently adopted a dog and learned potty training was not well done. She wisely started working with her new dog as if it was a puppy learning to potty 101 with 2-hour intervals. Things improved rapidly with patience, praise and treats – the ultimate positive training triple threat. Your expectations may be different than what they were taught. As you get to know them, they get to know you. As your dog becomes more familiar with his new family, routine, and world, he will settle in and begin a lifelong journey with you based on love and trust. Smooth sailing is a great thought but highly doubtful in reality which is fine because it is in the things you learn about one another that will deepen and define your relationship. Consider a simple manners class in a couple of months for many good reasons. Best wishes for a wonderful adventure! If the fit is not right. It's okay. There is no need to tolerate a dog. As a person if you lived with someone that tolerated you, that would be damaging. So the healthy thing to do is return the dog if you have bought from us, if not reach out to that person, if you feel that there'd been abuse reach out to your vet to or talk about options. Also don't be afraid to reach out. We are here to educate and welcome any questions or concerns. |
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