Helping Your Pet Cope With Stress
by Debbie Bailey

The life of a pet...it's something we all envy from time to time. They don't have a care in the world as long as their food bowl is full and they have a warm body to cuddle up to.

But pets need comfort too. In these troubled times, we get so caught up in the worries of the world that we forget our pets can pick up on our moods. Anthrax...terrorists...bombs...pets don't understand what we hear on the news or read in the papers but they understand when we are happy or sad.

We love to have our pets around because they give comfort to us. We can pet them and stroke them and it lowers our blood pressure and it makes us feel secure. But what can we do for them when they worry?

Always speak to your pet in a calm, soft voice. An animal can often get excited over a loud, nervous voice. They will often get jittery if they pick up on a nervous, excitable mood.

Stroke your pet when they appear to be agitated. They get as much out of physical contact as we do. It makes them feel safe and secure as well.

Some people think it's crazy to talk to your pet but believe it or not, they can often understand what you are saying to them. That also depends on the tone of voice that you use. Saying "I love you" or "You're so cute" is something many people say to their pets. And they do understand when you repeat these phrases to them over and over. It gives them joy to know that they are loved and it makes you feel good too.

Spend time with your pet. Playing with them is an activity that you can both gain pleasure from.

Always remember too that animals suffer from depression. When I first adopted my dog, he developed a severe case of separation anxiety and a specialist wanted to put him on "Doggie Prozac". Instead, I made the situation worse by bringing him to work with me everyday. I spoiled him but eventually he got out of it. They have moods too.

Remember that if your pet is acting strange or different, there can be an underlying medical problem. Take them to a veterinarian if you suspect that there is something wrong. Signs to look for are lethargy, loose bowels, vomiting, depression, and if they are not eating or drinking.

Always remember that pets are part of the family too and they count on you!