We’re all aware of the adverse affects that stress can impose on human health, but recent research reveals few pet owners fully realize that their four-legged companions at times suffer similar physical ill effects that are likewise stress-related and similarly marked by an accelerated heart rate, an increase in blood pressure and nervous system symptoms.
With all of its collective destruction, probably the most damaging consequence of stress in pets is evidenced in a lowering of the beneficial level of the immune system. A compromised or weakened immune system renders an animal unable to withstand an assault from potential disease-causing microorganisms that would normally be repulsed.
That being said, one reading this article might ask, “What exactly makes up the immune system?”
Frankly, I’m not exactly sure, but I do know that it is an overused term and by itself is a convenient oversimplification of a very complex organic system.
In an article for “Dog World,” veterinarian T.J. Dunn describes it thus: “The ingredients of the immune system are composed of numerous and diverse body tissues and fluids that when working in harmony provide unique contributions to maintain a healthy body.”
And what is stress? It has been defined in a number of ways, but simply stated, is anything that challenges a pet’s ability to change or adapt to a new or different circumstance. According to Janet DePeitro, a Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins, “Some stress is necessary. Chemicals that are produced by stress have a well-known influence on organ development and growth. Mild to moderate stress is believed to be important to a successful adaption to the environment.”
Stress in companion animals can appear in many forms and from numerous causes. It often goes unnoticed.
A few of the obvious causes are: prolonged exposure to cold or heat, loneliness, separation anxiety, boredom, hunger, malnutrition, tension in the household, fear of humans or other animals, new family, thunder, long car rides, boarding, surgery — the list of stressors can go on and on.
Continuous exposure to such factors finally promotes dangerously high levels of stress hormones in the blood stream, increasing the work load on the heart, lungs and other body organs. Outward signs of unresolved stress in companion animals may include pacing, trembling, drooling, panting, dilated pupils, loss of appetite, vomiting and/or diarrhea, barking, digging and urine marking.
Many of these often subtle signs and problems can be avoided by assessing such factors as what kind of pet suits your particular home or lifestyle before you adopt or purchase. If your lifestyle is inconsistent or riddled with stressful situations you don’t need a hyper type dog — better a laid-back Labrador or a cat.
If stress-related problems like those listed above do surface, consider an obedience class (in which you participate), offer extra kindness and patience and schedule a discussion with your veterinarian. Books, videos and even special, soothing CD music are also available to help you identify and more readily remedy the problem.
Recently, attempts to eliminate behavioral problems have fostered “pet therapists” and “pet psychics” who have become popular in some areas. If you’re considering this approach I suggest you first have a serious talk with your veterinarian.
DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS is a retired Oklahoma City veterinarian. If you have any questions regarding the health of your pet, please write to “Ask a Vet,” at 3142 Venice Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or e-mail bfauks1@aol.com.
Features
Stress can hit pets, too
- Features
-
-
Is this home improvement hell? Or the redecorating promised land?
Regarding this redecorating thing I’ve been telling you about ... don’t ask. After pretty much gutting FB (front bedroom) and GB (guest bathroom), I closed their doors hoping for out-of-sight-out-of-mind to set in, but it’s not working.
-
Behavior 'rehab' can be a tricky proposition
Q: My 5-year-old daughter is in “rehab” for some listening issues at school. When she comes home with a note from her teacher indicating one or more of these incidents at school, she is confined to her room for the rest of the day. What should I do if she is constantly calling me, wanting to ask me something, wanting me to get something for her, and so on? She isn’t coming out of the room, but she is constantly trying to engage me. It’s driving me nuts.
-
Special care needed for senior pets
Q: I have a black Labrador mix that is starting to get gray hair around her muzzle. Baby is only 6 years old and we have taken very good care of her. She has always had her shots, she was spayed as a puppy, is on monthly heartworm preventative and is a good weight for her body size at 66 pounds. Is she really already a senior citizen, and what should we watch for? We love her very much and want to keep her healthy and happy as long as possible.
-
High self-esteem, reward system can backfire
The media recently reported “new” research findings to the effect that rewards often backfire and self-esteem is not the wonderful, uplifting personal attribute once thought. As a result, schools are rethinking their teaching and classroom management philosophies.
-
When rooms talk, it’s time to remodel
I think I might need a keeper. Every room in this house is screaming at me (some more loudly than others), and the cacophony is driving me nuts. You know how it goes. You spruce up one room (in my case the kitchen), and every other room in the house clambers for its share of TLC too.
-
Seminar focuses on pet allergies
Paul DeMars, DVM, Community Practice at Oklahoma State University’s Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, will present a Pet Care Seminar at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the McElroy Hall Auditorium at the corner of Farm Road and McFarland on the Stillwater OSU campus.
-
Canadian Carnaval is cool carousing
Yes, I have the coolest job in the world — and I visit some really cool places. But the spot that takes the Popsicle is Québec with the Carnaval de Québec and the Hôtel de Glace.
-
Wobblers syndrome is chronic, progressive
Q: I have an 8-year-old dog that is three-quarters Doberman Pinscher. He always has been quite active and healthy until about a month ago when he began showing slight signs of weakness and stiffness in his hind legs, but didn’t exhibit pain. He’s worse now.
-
Today’s children are being mis-educated about their feelings
Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of England, once said, “One of the great problems of our age is that we’re governed by people who care more about feelings than they do about thoughts and ideas.”
-
Purging of high heels brings despair
If you recall, last week I promised that you had heard the last of my New Year’s purging of closets and cabinets.
- More Features Headlines
-
Is this home improvement hell? Or the redecorating promised land?
