How To Help Your Dog Cope With Change

During the many recent lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic, more people are now dog owners. Which is no wonder. The benefits of keeping a dog are immense. The American Kennel Club website quotes scientific research. Which shows keeping a dog has many health benefits. From reducing loneliness, alleviating stress and reducing anxiety.

But as much as dogs can help us. Our dogs rely on us. If we've been at home more. Whether working at home or having no work, then it's our dogs will have enjoyed our company. Us being with them. Taking them out for walks, letting them out when they want to. It may not sound much.

And there's a great saying to remember:

"To the world you are one person, but to your dog you are the world"

And this is true!

As lockdowns ease and we can all start going out more. Where does this leave our dogs? For many of us, we will continue working from home. We will holiday in our country - taking our dogs with us. But for others, spending time away from our dogs may have to happen. So what can you do?

Your Dog Will Love These Tips To Cope With Change

Here are some tips on how you can deal with this, and including why complementary therapies can help.

1. Changing your lifestyle. This may sound harsh. But having a dog does mean a change in lifestyle. If your dog is new to you because of lockdown. What can you do to ensure your dog remains the central part of your life?
2. Use a dog walker or a dog day care centre. If you have no option but to leave your dog for a few hours. Then what alternative arrangements can you do? It's not fair to your dog to leave him or her for several hours. No dog likes that anyway. They may put up with it, but it's not fair to their emotional wellbeing. Or their physical wellbeing.

So a dog walker or dog day care centre are good options. But choose wisely. Check out where your dog will go. Price should not be the only option! How many dogs will be there? Will your dog get the individual care needed?

How Natural Therapies Can Help Your Dog Cope With Change

If you're going to be out and about more. Even if you take your dog with you, it's likely to be a change. After the lockdown routine, any new routine is going to take getting used to.

Here's information on some top therapies to help!

My top tip is Bach Flower Remedies. These are natural. There are 38, all designed to help with different emotions. Get more information on how these at my advice page here.

Next an energy therapy such as Reiki or Radionics or Crystal Therapy can be useful to promote relaxation. An experienced practitioner can help make an enormous difference. Even any subtle change to your dog's stress levels can make a big difference to wellbeing.

If your dog has a change in exercise levels, then physiotherapy or massage can help. Helping through maintaining muscular health. and promoting calm too.

Hydrotherapy isn't only for helping recovery from injury. It can also be great exercise. There are many canine hydrotherapy centres your dog can go to. Choose a centre with trained and knowledgeable practitioners.

Dog behaviour classes. If your dog's behaviour changes and you don't know what to do. Then see a professional dog behaviourist. Choose one who's knowledgeable in complementary therapies. For instance, many do use a technique called Tellington Ttouch. This is a holistic approach that is non-confrontational and powerful. Find more information here.

Herbal calming supplements. There are dozens of herbs that can be used to help canine health. Many can be used to help with reducing anxiety, including Valerian. Find out more about herbs for animal health here, and valerian here.

Zoopharmacognosy or Aromatherapy is helpful for many health and wellbeing reasons. Lavender is one essential oil that is proven to help reduce stress. Leave some drops near your dog's bed to help. But you can also have a consultation with a professional zoopharmacognosy practitioner for maximum benefits. See more information on this therapy here.

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author

This article has been created by Suzanne Harris, who is founder of this Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk, and also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals.