A Closer Look at Pet Anxiety & How to Treat It Holistically!

As pet parents, we are all vaguely aware that we should minimize the stress our pet kids experience. As a holistic pet consultant, I think it is important that we also comprehend the health risks of prolonged anxiety, too. The fact is, living in a fearful or anxious state for long periods of time can take a dramatic toll on the health of a companion animal.

Any time your pet feels endangered, whether the threat is real or imagined, the body prepares to defend itself by unleashing a torrent of stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, that have far-reaching effects on the whole body. These hormones release energy, increasing respiration while inhibiting digestion, the immune system, growth, reproduction and even pain perception. These hormones also decrease blood flow to areas of the body that are necessary for movement. This is appropriate for survival in a real crisis, but when fear, anxiety or stress continues chronically, negative health effects are a real possibility. These effects could include fatigue, hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, skin disease, as well as metabolic and immune problems. You might be surprised to know that pets can manifest many of the same conditions that we do!

Chronic anxiety and stress can even cause permanent damage to the brain. We know that animals staying in shelter facilities are at increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, including upper respiratory tract infections, litterbox problems, hair loss, and bladder inflammation. And that’s nothing compared to the extreme duress of prolonged fear experienced by dogs in puppy mills! We can see the effects of stress on dogs when they exhibit signs of stress colitis, an inflammatory GI condition that causes diarrhea - often seen after boarding, veterinary visits, or grooming. Stressed dogs suffering from separation anxiety can also be destructive, chewing carpet, baseboards, or scratching up doors. Dogs that are chronically stressed can lick themselves raw, creating skin conditions like lick granulomas.

Apart from the mental and physical distress, stress hormones also imprint any fearful situation firmly in your pet’s memory as something that was scary and life-threatening. These feelings can be recalled from something as seemingly innocuous as pinpricks from a vaccine needle, a person wearing a lab coat or the sight of nail clippers. Any memory of frightening situations can prove to be a powerful fear stimulus. When your companion animal encounters a similar sort of situation, the stress hormones are released and the fear cycle resumes all over again.

The effects of fear and anxiety can be profound and highly distressing. We need to recognize fear in our pets, do more to decrease their fear when possible, and prevent fear by associating potentially fearful situations with positive stimuli. As you can see, dogs and cats who demonstrate pathologic levels of fear or anxiety need our help, not only for their emotional well-being but their physical well-being, too!

Ask us about using 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils formulated specifically for animals in our Animal Scents collection. Log onto:

www.NaturalLivingEssentialOils.com 

and search Product Categories for "Pets" to see our line of essential oils and essential oil- infused pet products. 

Animal Scents Care Collection (sold individually)

Individual Oils from the Animal Scents Care Collection

Essential Oils for Cats

Cats present their own unique controversies and requirements to essential oil use.  Most cat owners would agree that cats have distinct opinions of the world in which they allow us to co-exist, and this certainly holds true for aromatherapy. Cats are likely very proud of the fact that they are indeed the most contested topic in the world of essential oil use.  Human viewpoints of this subject range from the adamant stance that essential oils cannot be used safely for cats, to those who use contraindicated essential oils on a daily basis for their felines.

Essential oils for cats (and other animals) is a highly controversial topic, however it really is an argument that boils down to the quality of the essential oils.  Rest assured that ALL of the oils we recommend for use on your animals have been tested for safety and effectiveness prior to us recommending them to you.  The one factor that we stress is to ONLY use therapeutic grade essential oils, and the only one we recommend is Young Living Essential Oils, as they are tried and true for more than 20 years.

Cats are sensitive to most synthetically made products and "natural products" as well as someessential oils . . . . even if we are not aware of it!  We bring this up as many of us have sensitivities to food, household cleaners, hair and skin products, etc., however we may not recognize it because most of us are just not that tuned into our bodies and our environment. We may only recognize a change when we cease using certain products or stop eating a particular food item.

Have you ever considered the toxicity to your pets when you bomb your home with synthetic air fresheners, household cleaners or carpet cleaners?  Our pets have extremely sensitive noses and much smaller lungs, so subjecting them to breathing in chemicals and other toxic substances can do a lot of damage.

Many health problems today for humans, as well as for pets, can be traced back to toxicity within their environment, whether it's diet, personal care, or household products. 

Thankfully, there is something we can do about it!  Make a commitment to using non-toxic, holistic cleaning supplies, as well as diffusing healthy essential oils in your home and workplace for yourself and for your pets. 

Essential oils are the perfect solution for us and for our animals. Essential oils can replace most toxic medications for cats, dogs, birds, horses and any other living creature.  There are some oils that we cannot use on certain animals, cats included, so please do be careful and please ask us for guidance if you are not sure.  It is better to be safe than sorry, and the reason Healing Oils for Animals exists is to educate folks on the proper usage of essential oils for their pets, as well as for themselves.

Some of the best essential oils for cats include Lavender, Oregano, Thieves and Peace & Calming, however there are many other oils and nutritional products that are also quite effective!  Remember to always use therapeutic grade essential oils from a trusted source, such as Young Living.  There IS a difference, as demonstrated in the graph below.  

Please contact us for more information on Essential Oils for Animals, 

as well as Essential Oils for You!

www.GiftedGuidanceEssentialOils.com

The Loss of a Pet ~ Dealing With Grief

Part of the privilege of sharing our lives with pets (or fur kids) is the emotional bond we share with them. Even among these relationships, often there is one very special companion animal, whether a dog, cat, bird or even a reptile, who leaves an indelible mark on our lives.

When we are faced with the loss of any fur kid, much less a truly exceptional companion, we may be surprised to find ourselves suffering from agonizing grief. Some people worry over the intensity of their feeling, doubting their right to grieve so acutely. Rest assured, beloved furry, feathery or scaly companions ARE NOT ‘just animals’. This sentiment, shared by some who have chosen not to share their lives with pets, belittles your experience, so give it the credence it deserves … none.

Companion animals occupy special places in our hearts, and losing such a connection means that no one will ever fill that special place in quite the same way again.

Grieving the loss of a pet is normal, because the loss is real, and it hurts. Pets are family!  If you are in the midst of bereavement, we want you to know three important things:

1. Grief is a natural and normal reaction to the loss of a friend, including those with paws, tails, fur, feathers, beaks, scales, hooves, etc.

2. Grief affects everyone differently, so however you choose to grieve, it isn't "the wrong way".

3. A multitude of web and print resources address this issue and may help you cope during this difficult time.

The most vital thing is to open yourself to grace and give yourself permission to react to loss, whatever feels most natural to you. People have unique grief experiences, which is to say, the individual members of a family may have varying reaction to the loss of the same companion animal. Normal reactions to grief include deep sadness, feelings of hopelessness, crying, denial, numbness and anger.

The many stages of grief are well-established, however be aware that the progression is not necessarily linear ~ i.e., they can occur before, during and after the loss of the beloved. Sadness can last quite some time, even many months, but with proper attention to yourself, you will recover. While the pain may recede with time, these feelings are a legacy, a reminder of the importance of the role they played in your lives.

Losing a companion animal is devastating.  And yet, many pet parents don’t receive the kind of emotional support they might expect if they had lost a human family member.  Failing to show such a depth of compassion is common for those who have never shared a special bond with a companion animal.  These people might say to themselves, “What’s the big deal … it was just a pet.”  What they don’t understand is a very simple truth … losing a companion animal is losing a member of your family.

Anytime we suffer a dramatic loss, it is appropriate to grieve.  Your first priority should be to come to grips with the fact that it is perfectly acceptable to grieve the passing of your companion animal.  Accepting the magnitude of your loss can facilitate the process of grieving.  The more you fight to suppress your feelings, the worse your grief can become.  Hiding the heartache will do you no good.

Grief takes many forms, whether it’s denial, anger, bargaining, depression and ultimately, acceptance.  While many tout the different characterizations of grief as if they were absolute stages, these steps should be interpreted more as a continuum of emotion.  That is, some may not experience them and others may experience many simultaneously.

Some find the process of grief frustrating, as it is a process of reaction.  We may ask ourselves, “What can I do to feel better?”  Those who have experienced a recent loss should take some comfort in knowing that there are outlets for this impulse.  There are several organizations that allow you to contribute funds in the memory of your companion animal.  Many of these groups will publish an announcement of your gift along with a special message of tribute.  In this way, you can create a legacy for your companion animal.

Additionally, you should be certain to actively take care of yourself physically.  Because grief takes a toll on us physically, you should allow yourself extra time to sleep, be sure to exercise and eat well.

Don't be tempted to navigate your grief alone. If you feel like you don’t have the proper support to help process the loss of a companion animal, please seek out help from the following list of ‘pre-approved’ sources.  Don’t arbitrarily assign time limits to your grief.  The bottom line is ~ as with most emotional processes ~ it takes as long as it takes.  Above all, know that you are not alone in your experience.  Be sure to talk to other pet parents about your loss, but be sure to spend time sharing memories about the best times you spent with your companion animal, too.

If you’ve recently lost a constant and dear companion, we truly hope you’ll be able to deal effectively with your loss and find solace in the happy times you shared.  And, don't be afraid to reach out for help from the trusted sources listed below.  

Resources:

ASPCA Pet Loss Support Hotline
1-877-474-3310
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-loss

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine CARE Pet Loss Support Hotline
1-877-394-2273

Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
517-432-2696

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline
607-253-3932

Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
508-839-7966

Pet loss support website:
http://www.petloss.com

Argus Institute Colorado State University
http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/diagnostic-and-support/argus/Pages/default.aspx

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com