By Mary Jane Anderson

Stress is a common occurrence in our daily lives.

It is caused when a person or animal is placed into a situation which is unusual or when various demands are placed upon them. Dr Wayne Lesko of the Center of Stress Management in Arlington, Va., says, “Stress is anything that causes us to change.”

Dogs are creatures of habit. Change can effect a dog’s behavior as well as his physical well-being.  At times, why a dog is stressed may not be that obvious and we must discover the problem.  One classic sign of stress is the physical or psychological problem due to separation/ anxiety.

A good example of stress due to separation/ anxiety is the case of Heidi and Baron.  Heidi was a German Shepherd.  Her personality tends to be calm and collected under trying times.  Baron, a Sheltie, becomes unnerved during changes from the normal day routine.  The dogs share a quiet home with their master.  Recently, their master became ill and had to leave the dogs while he went to the hospital for treatment.  The first time he left, a friend cared for the dogs at their home during his absence.  On his return, the friend continued walking the dogs until he was able to resume their normal routine.  The dogs did not show any stress and happily welcomed his return.

After three weeks, the master returned to the hospital, but this time, he took the dogs to a relative.  On previous visits, Heidi and Baron were happy visiting the family, playing with the children and other dogs.  Nevertheless, stress proved too much for the dogs.  Interesting enough, each dog reacted differently to the stress.  Heidi, usually calm and collected, developed a sore spot from constantly licking a scratch that needed to be treated.  She was given a large dose of a sedative to calm her down.  Poor Heidi, usually a pillar of strength, was in a terrible state for a few days on her return home.

Baron was just a basket case, fretting and mopping until the return of his master.  Then, Baron would not leave his master out of his sight.  After a week, the dogs were back to their schedule.   The dogs, then, were taken to the veterinarian to be treated for prevention of fleas.  Heidi reacted to the powder and returned home mopping and constantly scratching which put her back into stress.  Baron, again would follow his master around not allowing him out of his sight.  After three weeks, the dogs returned to a normal life only to find the master returning to the hospital.  Unfortunately, the change of their life style will be repeated again and again.

What will happen to the dogs?  Can the dogs survive this constant turmoil?  Yes, extra attention can help relieve the tension until a new routine is established.  Any break in a normal learned behavior will cause stress for an animal. Dogs have a wide range of emotions, including anger, depression, anxiety and jealousy.  Sometimes, a loss of a household member or another pet through death can plunge a dog into a grieving process.  Three German Shepherds lived and played together for many years.  Finally, the dogs died from old age, one after another.  The last of the three dogs became so depressed even when another dog came into the home; he was never the same.  Stranger can also unnerve a dog.  Jealousy can bring on stress when a baby is added to the home.  Even newcomers or a new puppy may stress a dog. 

Thunderstorms are another occurrence that commonly places a dog under stress.  Sometimes, you can distract him with a fun activity.  Amy becomes greatly stressed during thunder and lighting storms.  Playing ball, her passionate game, helps relieve the tension.  If you are calm, you can help your dog and mutually reduce stress.

There are times when stress is unavoidable.  However, helping your dog can be worthwhile in reducing stress. You can successfully recondition your dog’s new out look on life.  Dogs are usually accommodating to change with time, patience and understanding.