Monday, July 22, 2013

When Stress Attacks

Murray is a pretty happy go lucky, relaxed dog, but when something stresses him, you sure know it!  Things like sudden separation anxiety when he has not been without me for a long period of time, some strange people, when he feels sick, the exam room at his vet's office, and water that is deep enough to require him to swim (he can't) are some of the things Murray stresses about when faced.  I have luckily learned that distracting him from his stressor as much as possible helps a ton!  Talking to him, or asking him to give a paw shake can sometimes be enough to break his nervous focus on whatever is plaguing him. Sometimes it's just not enough though.  Something I have started doing that has become more useful than anything else is a little "dog massage".  Now I realize it's not always convenient to stop and start massaging you dog on the spot, so I often use it at the end of a particularly stressful day.  If we had a vet visit, grooming (Murray hates being clipped and bathed) or maybe after we've had company, a massage is a great way to end Murray's day on a positive note.  I find if we do a few minutes of massaging before bed, his body relaxes, he sleeps soundly and it helps keep his nerves at bay a bit more with future stress.  An added bonus is there are several more benefits to massaging your dog aside from just stress relief.  I printed out a copy of an infographic Life and Dog put together a long while ago and thought I'd share it here too.  Take a look and print one for yourself.  Some great information here.


20 comments:

  1. We are getting this for our Mom. We could use some relief

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  2. Who wouldn't love a massage at the end of the day? Murray is a lucky pup. This is something I would consider doing for Beamer, too! But for him, his weakness is a good belly rubbing!

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  3. I agree completely. I give my dogs Reiki treatments and they always seem more relaxed afterwards.
    Lynne x

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  4. We think a massage is a great idea. Thanks for the infographic we will give it a go just for the fun of it. Have a terrific Tuesday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  5. I get a massage every day, but with your picture they can treat me much better - Thanks!

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  6. That sounds like a lovely relaxing idea!

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  7. Sounds good. We'd like a massage.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  8. We hope Murray doesn't get stressed too often! We give Finn and Charley a massage from time to time. Helps me to feel around for lumps too.

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  9. Mommy massages me every night! And it helps me fall asleep. :)

    Love, Whisky

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  10. this is great info Im going to try it

    urban hounds

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  11. That is great advice, Mollie is highly strung being a Collie, she gets all nervous. Will try this out xx00xx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  12. Yep, our Dad is good at giving us some stress relief, he really knows how to get me calmed down during a thunder storm, he has magic fingers!

    Susie

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  13. Mom massages us all the time. When she massages around our neck we love it and melt like butter!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  14. Howdy Mates, that massage idea sounds wonderful. Mmmm, soooo relaxing. Thanks for the tips.
    No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  15. It is great that you have found something that can help. Hailey has a lot of anxiety but hates to be touched when she is stressed . . . . . .

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  16. Oh, this is pawsome Murray!! This is an excuse for me to get lots of lovin' from Ma!! BOL
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  17. I do foreleg, back and ear massages for my crew. I feel it definitely helps them to relax, as they frequently get a glazed over look in their eyes during the massages.

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  18. Murray, this is fantastic information! I am printing it out and giving it to Ma...she will need to set up "spa time" for me each day now. BOL

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  19. Hi Murry! Nice to meet you! My sister DeDe sometimes gets stressed too. I distract her though, and her cat Bubba comes and rubs against her. woo woo woo!

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  20. This is all excellent info! We love massages too! Xo Chloe and LadyBug

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