Q: Does my pet dog feel all of the stress I’ve been feeling?
A: The answer to that is yes. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can pick up on the most subtle changes in their owners. Dogs also recognize facial and vocal recognition. They can also pick up subtle cues of our body language. If a dog feels afraid or threatened, chances are he will avert his gaze and not make eye contact.
The following suggestions can help you and your dog feel better and less stressed:
- Spend a lot of one-on-one time with your dog. Use positive energy and give gratitude for having this special canine companion.
- Take him on walks and get out in nature. If you live in the city, I know there are social distancing practices in play, but perhaps there is a park or a nice place for the two of you to go. Dogs love their walks and being with their special companion.
- Simply petting your dog and cuddling give you a release of serotonin and dopamine which is our pleasure center in the brain.
Having your special companion can actually reduce your stress even though we are in very challenging times. They serve a purpose in our lives and we owe it to them to be the best we can be even in these times. Animals heal us and by giving your dog unconditional love, your stress levels will decrease and healthier coping strategies will prevail.