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Understanding and Dealing with
Pet Stress
by
Dr. Jane Bicks
 Over
the course of the last decade, there’s been ample evidence to support the
idea that chronic stress plays a contributing role in a variety of medical
conditions in humans. It may come as no surprise that researchers have
similarly determined that long-term stress can be a factor in the medical
and compulsive disorders of companion animals. Conditions such as feline
lower urinary tract disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, obesity, gastric
dilatation volvulus (bloat), noise phobias and separation anxiety have all
been found to have a chronic stress component in both dogs and cats (Luescher,
2003). Even so, compared to humans, relatively little research has been
published regarding stress and its effects on companion animals.
Some presume that the effects of stress on dogs and cats are not much
different than those on other non-human animals. But, it appears that they’d
be wrong.
In the mammalian world, dogs and cats are unique due to the bonds they share
with humans, marked by their social interactions and the human homes in
which they commonly reside.
As dogs and cats have gradually changed from living in natural settings to
co-habitating with humans, one might expect that they would have fewer
stressors than their outdoor ancestors. However, the evidence seems to
contradict this assumption. Some veterinarians argue that, even though
environmental stress is lower for today’s companion animals (i.e., less risk
of predation, starvation, etc.), overall stress levels are actually higher.
Furthermore, current sources of stress - such as boarding, veterinarian
examinations, long-term confinement in a crate, boredom, habitual inactivity
and even the sounds of modern life - are ones against which dogs and cats
may not have well-developed defenses and are often unavoidable.
Stress has been eloquently described as “the sum of all nonspecific
biological phenomena caused by adverse conditions or influences ... include[ing]
physical, chemical, and/or emotional factors to which an individual fails to
make satisfactory adaption and that cause physiological tensions that may
contribute to disease” (Campbell et al, 2004). Bodies manage stress through
the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system (referred to as the
“hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis”). In general, the response of the
autonomic nervous system is very rapid and specific, whereas the endocrine
system adjusts more gradually and is broader in its effect.
In order to mount an adequate stress response, both the autonomic nervous
system and the endocrine system require nutrients that can only be obtained
through dietary intake. For example, the endocrine messengers (norepinephrine,
acetylcholine, and cortisol) are synthesized by the body. However, in order
for the body to create these messengers, it needs to obtain tyrosine,
choline and acetate, as well as cholesterol and acetate … all from dietary
sources. Synthesis of these endocrine messengers is also dependent upon
ingesting nutrients such as zinc, copper and manganese, as well as
significant amounts of vitamin C. In the autonomic nervous system, signal
transmission is made possible by electrical activity in the nerve cells.
Fueling this activity requires dietary intake of sodium, calcium and
potassium. All of these elements are vital for normal nervous and endocrine
system responses to stress.
As a holistic pet food formulator, I know that the way the body responds to
stress and chronic disease might have predisposing nutritional factors, such
as a nutrient deficiency, imbalance, or toxicity. A good formulator must
know whether or not supplementation of a given nutrient can help a companion
animal manage stress effectively.
In spite of how well you care for your dog or cat, it is still likely that
they will encounter daily stressors. While unavoidable, it is possible to
minimize the effects through a combination of exercise, nutrition and
holistic treatments.
Substances like valerian, chamomile and inositol can help to soothe the
jangled nerves of dogs. Pheromone diffusers and sprays are effective stress
reducers for both dogs (D.A.P) and cats (Feliway). If your budget is tight,
you can do pet massage at home to help relieve tension. To develop a program
of stress reduction that’s uniquely suited to your companion animal’s needs,
consider enlisting the help of an alternative-medicine or holistic
veterinarian.
Perhaps most importantly, keep in mind that providing proper nutrition is
vital for helping companion animals deal with stress and lead long, healthy
and happy lives. In addition to feeding a high quality diet, feeding them a
daily supplement is a simple way to ensure sufficient nutrients to maintain
a healthy endocrine and nervous system, in turn helping to cope with any
stress your pet encounters.
Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion
animals. Each and every one of you has my sincerest wishes for holiday full
of joy, and a wonderful new year of health!
Dr. Jane
Bicks
Article References
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