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Health & Fitness

Rain, Rain Go Away...What Is Your Pet Thinking?

Is your dog defecating in the house? Hiding in the bath tub?  Having  seizures? All these behaviors can occur due to rainy weather, storms, or even changes in air pressure. Have you noticed how some pets can sense that a storm is brewing even before it arrives?
Many pet parents of epileptic dogs can correlate seizure onset with changes in barometric pressure, even with the full moon!
Lots of little dogs are presented to their veterinarian for unexplained abdominal discomfort. Often times this behavior is simply due to constipation. Little FIfi doesn't want to get her feet wet, so she "holds back" and doesn't defecate regularly as she should. During times of inclement weather it is important to watch your pets demeanor. Look for clues of anxiety or fear. A pet feeling panic may seek quiet, dark, closed spaces such as in the bath tub, under a sofa or in a closet. Allowing a pet to ride out the storm in this way is okay. Try to provide calm reassurance. Avoid making a big deal about the storm. Perhaps play some relaxing music and go about your business so that the pet senses that YOU are relaxed and that there is nothing to fear. If you become distraught over the pet's behavior, you will only exacerbate his anxious mood. Purchase a Thundershirt, or place a snug Onsie or tight T_shirt on your pet. This will mimic the swaddling method which calms an agitated infant. Putting your arms around someone often calms them. Wearing a snug garment can provide a similar sense of security for your pet.
Music can be a distraction, so can a chew toy or playing a game. Get your pet's mind on something else.
If possible, avoid tranquilizers which can have side effects. Acepromazine causes hypotension, diarrhea, and sometimes profound sedation, decreased respiration and collapse. Some pets are unusually sensitive to normal doses of this medication. Valium or diazepam can have side effects on the liver and is a narcotic. Diphenhydramine, found in Benadryl, can make a patient sleepy or jittery. It's central nervous system effects can cause muscle twitching or asymmetric pupils.
Try to manage your pet's adverse opinion about the weather with love, reassurance, patience and persistence.
Go outside and walk with your pet during inclement weather until she "does her business" as she should!
Play peaceful music, not Rap!
Use the snug clothing trick.
Consider the utilization of calming liquid herbs which can be placed into the mouth or fed. These might include valerian, skull cap, passion flower and oat straw. These enhance relaxation with out side effects.
Run an essential oils diffuser or apply SAFE calming oils to the pet. Lavender or a blend which contains blue tansy are some ideas.
For more specifics on this and other ways to manage pet health in a natural way, visit www.AnimalDoctorHolistic.com. A little veterinary practice in small town Muskego, Wisconsin with a national presence! Purchase our natural treats on-line too!

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