Pet Stress & Illness

We often neglect the effects of stress on pets, but isn’t that foolish. We know stress causes illness in humans, and all the following are acknowledged to be stress-induced human illnesses in many cases:
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Spastic bowel
· Stress colitis
· Hives
· Headaches

When we see similar symptoms in pets, we should consider the stress factor, just as we do with human symptoms.

For example, pets that vomit when a family member dies or moves to college should be assessed for stress. Petsthat develop diarrhea after being kenneled should be assessed for stress as much as for bacteria or viral infection. Pets with red, itchy skin that looks like hives should be assessed for stress just as we assess their potential for allergies, flea sensitivity, drug reaction, mites, lice, and ringworm.

Headaches in pets
Assessing pets for headaches is tough because we have no method of confirming a pet has a headache, but logically we know they will have under many circumstances. I personally consider headaches a possibility for any pet that doesn’t have a healthy energy or expression coming from the eyes. I’m sure you’ve seen the same thing many times and might also have considered the possibility of headaches. These pets just ain’t doing right (ADR), even though we can’t find problems on lab tests or x-rays. Some of our ADR pets probably have stress headaches.

Treating stress
What should be done for ill, stressed pets? First go with the comfort food: Serve warm, easily digested chicken broth or beef broth. Then plug in an atomizer that emits calming pheromones. Put calming flower essences in the water, or give a calming homeopathic medication. If your pet is ill enough to need veterinary care, have your vet outline an anti-stress plan along with a plan to treat illness. Our pets recover so much faster when psychological factors are addressed with the physical.

Preventing stress
How can we prevent stress and stress-induced illness? The next time your pet faces a potentially stressful circumstances, use the anti-stress pheromones, flower essences, and homeopathy before the event. Pre-emptive calming products decrease the stress of the event and prevent illness. Using pre-emptive products, we’ll save money in the long run, and our pets will love us for it.