Are any of your pups worriers? Are they always on high alert? Do they have separation anxiety or excessive fear? If so it is important to figure out the cause and find ways to calm them. Chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger a host of health problems. The problem occurs when fight or flight is triggered daily by excessive worrying and anxiety. The fight or flight response causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as Cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (blood fats) that can be used by the body for fuel. The hormones also cause physical reactions such as:
- Fast heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Muscle tension
- Nausea
- Nervous energy
- Rapid breathing
- Excessive barking
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling and twitching
When the excessive fuel in the blood isn’t used for physical activities, the chronic anxiety and outpouring of stress hormones can have serious physical consequences, including:
- Suppression of the immune system
- Digestive disorders
- Muscle tension
- Short-term memory loss
- Heart Issues
- Autoimmune response
If excessive worrying and high anxiety go untreated, they can lead to depression etc
Although these effects are a response to stress, stress is simply the trigger. Whether or not your pup depends on he or she handles stress. Physical responses to stress involve their immune system, heart and blood vessels, and how certain glands in your dog’s body secrete hormones. These hormones help to regulate various functions in their bodies, such as brain function and nerve impulses.
All of these systems interact and are profoundly influenced by your dog’s style and psychological state. It isn’t the stress that makes them ill. Rather, it’s the effect responses such as excessive worrying and anxiety have on these various interacting systems that can bring on the physical illness.
The good news is there are things you can do to help your pet ease their anxieties; from lifestyle changes, exercise, Acupuncture, Reiki, Essentials oils, and Bach flowers, to name a few….
First thing… If your dog does have excessive anxiety check with your vet to make sure it is not a physical issue or problem. If you have a holistic vet they will have a lot of alternative options to help your pet.
Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress in dogs, it allows them to burn off steam and quiet their minds It also produces a Dopamine flow and lessens Cortisol flow ( think runners high) If you have a herding do or one that runs hot and thinks a lot some good things to try are agility, swimming, dock diving hiking and herding there are places that will allow your pup to herd sheep and for the herding breeds this can really relieve a lot of stress as they are exhausted afterwards and this really puts them in touch with their natural instincts.
A good walk a few times a day if possible is another good way to alleviate built up angst and energy. Putting a doggie back pack on your pooch that holds water bottles is another good tool as it gives them a sense of purpose and importance.
If your dog has separation anxiety, try this experiment. This may involve you getting up 20 minutes earlier than normal but may be well worth it Before you leave your house take a few minutes to breathe and become calm sit with your pup in that energy and tell him or her where you are going and when you will be back. Then leave very calmly and quietly. Dogs are energetic and if you are very stressed and crazy when you leave they pick up on that and can carry that energy throughout the day. Another option of you have the time is sitting with your pup and doing a few acupressure points see below.
Another item to look at is how their main caregiver is feeling. Dogs tend to reflect the emotions of those around them so if their human pack is really stressed out that may also be cause for the anxiety. So just something to think about
A Few Points For Your Pooch…
GV 20 point right between her ears. Clears brain and calms the mind
HT 7 Pe 7 in the depression between the tendon and the ligament it is a natural depression and pretty easy to find just above the bend in the wrist hold bold sides that is actually 2 points Ht7 and Pe7 this clears the mind and calms the spirit great relaxation point and pups seem to really like this one if you can do both front legs that is great if they will only let you do one that is ok too… Great relaxation point clears brain, calms mind …
ST 36 find the front of the knee and slide your finger down into the little groove on the lateral side of each knee This point serves double duty it calms the mind and helps with any kind of physical stress that produce anxiety . It is also a great immune point and supports the immune system in case it has been over stressed In addition to that it is great for nauseous, diarrhea constipation and vomiting which can be caused by anxiety as well.
Bai Hui At the lumbar sacral space or the universal spot on dogs there is a little dip and it is right before the lumbar spine meets the tail ; this is a great calming point
KI 27 found between the sternum and the first rib and 2nd rib two fingers off the ventral midline brings up and releases old issues, great anxiety release point
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