naturalpet Stressed-Out Pets
Specializing in: • Newborns to 21 years • Preconception/Prenatal Support • Acute Sick Visits to Complex Care • Family-Centered Care • Nutrition Needs • Vaccine Counseling • ADHD/Autism/Allergies/Asthma • Needle-Free Allergy Treatment
Practicing in Central FL for over 30 Years
357 Wekiva Springs Road Longwood, FL 32779
www.MyCIPC.com Schedule a Meet & Greet with Your Doc!
321-280-5867
Let Master Stylist Nicole Nemeth bring out your natural beauty!
for any haircut ($25 value)
50% OFF
during the month of May!
New Clients Only Also specializing in
Hair ExtiHa r Extensions, Hair Color European Highlight Technique, Kera n treatments and
ensions, Hair Color,
European Highlight Technique, Kera n treatments and
Yuko Japanese Straightening
Stella Luca Salon 460 North Orlando Avenue, Winter Park Village
407-234-5527 (rated #1 Salon by OBJournal)
Natural Ways to Calm Fear and Anxiety by Sandra Murphy
W
hile most American pets live on easy street,
with meals, treats, exercise outings and affection provided, the good life also poses challenges—dogs and cats can get stressed. “Basic stress is fear-based.
Separation or isolation anxiety requires in-depth training,” says JennaLee Gallicchio, a certifi ed separation anxiety trainer who uses scientifi c and hands-off techniques at her All Stars Dog Training, in Bedminster, New Jersey. She authors a bestselling series that was launched with The Secret to Getting Your Dog to Do What You Want.
A drug like Reconcile, the pet
version of Prozac, looks like a quick fi x, but can bring many harmful side effects. Laurel Braitman, Ph.D., of Sausalito, California, bestselling author of Animal Madness: How Anxious Dogs, Compulsive Parrots, and Elephants in Recovery Help Us Understand Ourselves, estimates that 70 million U.S. dogs are given the same drugs their humans use for anxiety or depression. Considering the potential dangers, such drugs should only be used briefl y as a last resort with veterinary supervision to ensure the proper dosage based on age, size and temperament. There are more natural and safer alternatives.
Common Stressors Dogs hear sounds at four times the distance we do; cats hear even better. Thunderstorms, fi reworks, traffi c, TV, music and children can unnerve them. Add in a new home, baby, another
34 Central Florida natural awakenings
pet or anticipation of car rides associated with fear of the veterinarian and even normally mellow pets can get upset. Irregular work hours undermine established routines. Pet or human health issues, plus household drama, add special reasons to fret. Pets separated from their litters too early can
experience anxiety as adults.
Stress Less Strategies “Let your dog have a space where he can retreat when he’s had enough,” advises Dr. Carol Osborne, owner of Ohio’s Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center & Pet Clinic. She recommends Bach’s Five Flower Formula, diluted chamomile essential oil or a pet-safe tincture of the Chinese herb skullcap for additional relief.
Dogs like routine. “Regular exercise helps, including two, 20-minute daily walks. A tired pet is a happy pet,” Osborne says. “Walks can eliminate stress and anxiety by 50 percent for you both.”
“Cats need exercise that mimics hunting; cats stare and plan, stalk or chase, pounce and grab,” says Marci Koski, certifi ed by the Animal Behavior Institute and owner of Feline Behavior Solutions, in Vancouver, Washington. “An indoor cat’s prey drive can be met with interactive toys.” A place to climb or hide and a window with a view will help as will periodic playtime catching moving toys; with nothing to catch, a laser pointer’s red dots are frustrating for a cat and a potential danger to its eyes.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48