We’ve already told you how pets contribute to your health, but did you know that they also manage your stress levels? Pets help improve your mood, get you to exercise and socialize, and provide unconditional love. Are you doing the same for them? Being a responsible pet owner means helping your pet manage his stress. Whether he is old and arthritic or young and anxious, pets of all ages can stress out.
Pets are very sensitive and emotional, meaning stress can be triggered easily. Major events like travel, illness, and loss of a family member can cause stress. Even simple things like dealing with other animals in the house can contribute to your pet’s level of stress. Rivalries, jealously and unfriendliness between animals in the house may lead to fear or anxiety when the animals are together. Behavioral problems can also lead to stress. For example, one dog’s excessive barking can set your other pets on edge.
Here are some tips on how you can prevent or relieve pet stress.
- Don’t let your pet be lazy. Make sure you are giving you pet enough daily exercise. Pets, especially dogs, build up a lot of energy throughout the day. Without a way to relieve this energy he may become anxious which causes stress.
- Keep your pet on a schedule. Being able to recognize that it is almost time to go outside, eat, sleep helps keep him calm.
- Don’t play favorites. When it comes to attention and care, your pets are just like little kids. If you show one an obvious amount of extra attention, the other will start acting out. Simple things like giving pets treats at the same time can help put an end to rivalries.
- Show your pet the same amount of unconditional love he shows you. When it comes down to it, pets crave your love and attention. A well loved and cared for pet is happy pet.
