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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 10, 2018)
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Paw Prints Jodi Schneider McNamee Columnist Natural alternatives for anxious dogs If you or someone you know suffers from severe anxiety, you know how dif- ficult it can be to get through the day. And just like people, dogs can experience anxiety, which can be provoked by fear, separation, and environ- mental changes. Anxiety affects all breeds of dogs and can lead to seri- ous behavioral problems if left untreated. Dogs are individuals, and each manifests anxiety differ- ently. The anxiety can range from mild (crouching, hid- ing, tail-tucking) or moderate (panting, shaking, trembling, extreme licking, and chew- ing) to severe (excessive barking or howling, aggres- sion, biting, destructiveness) An anxious dog may also urinate or defecate in inap- propriate places. Dog anxiety can have sev- eral causes. Fear-related anxiety can be caused by loud noises, strange people or animals, visual stimuli like hats or umbrellas, new or strange environments, specific situ- ations like the veterinarian’s office or car rides. These fears may seem insignificant to us, but they can create a lot of anxiety for dogs. One of the most common complaints of pet parents is that their dog is disruptive or destructive when left alone. Separation anxiety is trig- gered when a dog becomes upset because of separation from his pet parent, the per- son they’re attached to. Separation anxiety ranges anywhere from mild to extreme. An example of extreme separation anxi- ety could be a dog that will attempt to dig and chew through doors or windows, which could result in self- injury, such as broken teeth, cut and scraped front paws and damaged nails. Separation anxiety can occur in animals from mul- tiple or single-pet homes. It may be more likely to happen in animals with a history of abuse. Or dogs that have had a traumatic separation from a previous companion, for example a dog brought into a shelter may have an increased risk. Dogs that have missed out on normal social interac- tion with people or other ani- mals, especially as puppies, may also be at risk. Anxious dogs also often work them- selves up to the point that they pee or poop in the house, even if they are housebroken. Age-related anxiety affects older dogs and can be associated with cogni- tive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). In canines with CDS, memory, learning, percep- tion, and awareness start to decline, similar to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This understand- ably leads to anxiety in senior dogs. Dog anxiety can be men- tally and physically taxing for you and your furry friend. In a worst-case scenario, anxious FINEFURNITURE 541-549-9388 SISTERS Free Registration & $400 in Prizes! Must join Level 5 & register by Jan. 15! Call 541-699-7800 By Commission 541-410-1309 LEVEL 5 NEW YEAR’S 30-DAY CHALLENGE! STARTS TODAY! (JAN. 10) BLANKETCHESTS Adam Bronstein, Cra sman SpringCreekWoodworking.com dogs can injure themselves, energy throughout the body. people in their environment The goal of acupuncture or other dogs is to promote the body to If you think your pooch heal itself. From a traditional might have anxiety, talk to Chinese veterinary medicine your veterinarian today about (TCVM) perspective, veteri- a treatment plan that best fits nary acupuncture encourages your furry friend and your healing by correcting energy lifestyle. imbalances in the body. Veterinarians may choose Acupuncture produces a to administer sedative physiological response. It can medication to dogs that are provide pain relief, stimulate affected by chronic anxiety. the immune and nervous sys- And these drugs often come tems, increase microcircula- with side effects and behavior tion, and decrease inflamma- changes. tion. Acupuncture can also Alternative anxiety treat- help restore balance between ments may mean no side organ systems for optimal effects and no behavioral health and overall well- changes in your pet. being. According to Rachel Alternative anxiety treat- Barrack, DVM, many dogs ments include aromatherapy, find acupuncture sessions so pheromone therapy, herbal relaxing that they fall asleep ingredients, or acupuncture. once the needles are inserted. Acupuncture and Chinese Chinese herbs are often used herbal therapy (in addition in conjunction with acupunc- to positive reinforcement ture to optimize and extend training) have shown to greatly r e d u c e canine anxi- e t y. T h e backbone of Chinese medicine for thousands of years, acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile, stainless- steel needles into specific points of the body. Most acupunc- ture points are located along 14 major chan- nels, which form a net- PHOTO BY JODI SCHNEIDER MCNAMEE work that c a r r i e s Anxiety affects all breeds of dogs and can lead to blood and serious behavioral problems if left untreated. Brown Diamond & Fancy Sapphire Wedding Ring or email coach@crossfi tsisters.com Join Sisters’ Strongest Fitness Community! In the Ray’s Shopping Center • crossfi tsisters.com 13 its effects. Don’t let your dog’s anxi- ety take control of your life. Consult with your veterinar- ian on the best options to alleviate your furry family member’s anxiety, and con- sider acupuncture for a safe and gentle way to calm your canine. With the right treatment strategy, you can help your pooch overcome his anxiety and prevent dangerous and destructive situations from happening in the first place.
