When Your Dog Takes on Your Stress

It’s a nice crisp morning and we are getting ready to get going for the day when I look at Timba’s back left paw and realized there is no fur left but just raw skin.

Timba use to to that when she was a puppy. Uncomfortable or anxious in certain situation she would chew on her paws. I had thought of allergies at first. But it was always related to a situation: moving to a new house, too many people or dogs.  A little bit like some people chew their nails when they get anxious.

Through Reiki, massage and TTouch, I have been able to help her relaxed and become more confident…. and I had totally forgotten about this problem. So it was rather shocking. Now I could not figure out what made her anxious. We are not moving and her family dynamic has not changed.

I had to stop and think for a second. I realized that my life has been a little bit crazy and stressful lately. Between launching the new training program ” A Dog Training Guide For Humans” and wrapping a few other projects I have been working long hours, stayed up late and have not been taking a lot of time off.

Even though I work mostly from home, life has been chaotic, walks got a little shorter  ( I live on acreage so the dogs do spend a lot of time outside but that does not replace a walk) and quality time spend together close to non existent.

Dogs and cats as well pick up on our on stress and often take it on. They are extremely sensitive to our emotions. Often  pets can develop behaviors in response to our state of mind or changes in our life.

Some dogs will start peeing in the house, others get withdrawn or over excited. When your dog shows an unusual behavior or starts doing something is never done before, “paws” for a second and look at your life.

Ask yourself some questions

• -Have I been working more lately?
• Is your dog spending more time alone?
• Are you going through a break up or difficulties with your relationship?
• Did someone in your family passed away?
• What can be out of the ordinary and trigger the behavior?

That night before bed time I gave Timba a Reiki treatment, washed her paw with Tea Tree oil and water and made a bandage with Calendula oil for the night. The next day, I took a day off and we spent some quality time together.

For me it was a good reminder to pay attention to how much stress and chaos I allow in my life. One more thing I learn from my dog.

What did you learn from your dog? Use the comment box below to share.

Tags: anxiety, stress