Did you know that anxiety can cause physical pain?
I know that it does for me. I keep all my anxiety/stress/tension in my neck and shoulders and now have regular physio to keep on top of it. This effect on my body started a few years ago when I suffered severely from depression, brought on by my then-current job in the food manufacturing industry. My body was in a state of constant freeze, fight or flight and muscles tightened without release. In a short period, this never-ending overstimulation created a pattern of holding in my tissues resulting in decreased flexibility, reduced range of motion, and pain. I became more prone to strains and sprains because my tight restricted muscles strangled my blood and lymphatic system, causing a build-up of waste in my muscle fibres and irritating my nerve supply. I entered into a never-ending cycle of pain in my neck & shoulders.
About anxiety, I needed to combat both the source and the effects. The intervention was required on a physical and mental level. So here I am 10+ years later fulfilled with my work as a Clinical Canine Massage Therapist and enjoying my life (albeit the humungous egg that sits beneath my scapula – it has been there so long it scarring and rears its ugly head occasionally – thanks to my physio for looking after me!).
The same happens to our canine companions and therefore it is our responsibility to intervene on their behalf.
Anxiety in a dog is when they are fearful or worried that something bad will happen. Anxiety is a natural emotion and crucial to survival, however, if excessive then it can be the precursor to potentially unhealthy and dangerous behaviours in dogs and of course pain. Scary prospect– for them and us!!
It can be caused by different things. Anxiety can be caused by certain noises (loud, vehicles, electric equipment – vacuum cleaners etc); separation (permanent or temporary); weather changes (air pressure/thunder); social situations (lots of people, lots of dogs); travel (care sick) and medical issues.
It can also be more prominent in certain breeds. Border Collies (no shock there hey!); Alsatians; Cocker Spaniels (still not shocked); Basset hounds and Labrador retrievers, for example, are only a few of those more predisposed to anxiety.
Common indicators of anxiety in dogs are weeing/pooing inside the house; destroying things (furniture/toys etc); excessive vocalisation (barking, howling, whining), excessive panting/drooling and/or pacing; aggression; depression; trying to escape/bolting; trembling; refusing food and body language (tail tucked between legs, ears back, mouth in grimace, cowering etc). Sadly, it could also be displayed as aggression and we don’t want that.
Anxiety can occur inside their home or outside but don’t panic, there are various ways to help your dog. The most important thing is to understand your dogs’ norm and their body language. Recognise the signs of anxiety, specifically their anxiety but take care to remember as your dog becomes increasingly worried their behaviour may become more subtle – so you need to pay attention (Stop checking out social media – put that phone in your pocket and spend quality time with your dog! Grrrrr).
So, what to do if your dog starts to become anxious:
- Get your dog away from the source of their anxiety – stop/change direction/ move away. CALMLY!!
- If they are engaged in an activity – stop.
- Unless your dog comes to you for support – try not to over-fuss them / get in their face as this may increase their anxiety – leave them alone to relax.
- Keep your voice kind, low and gentle, be calm and breathe. Dogs pick up on your emotions remember.
I appreciate that you may not be with your dog when the source of the anxiety occurred and you only see the outcome/indicators (for example if you come home). So it may be good to make a diary of incidents, log what has happened and you can keep track of behaviour and see if there are any patterns. Was it bin day? Thunderstorms, howling wind for example. Then you can start working to remove/reduce/control/manage those sources of anxiety in their lives.
Here’s a brief list of things that may help dogs manage those anxious situations:
- Remove/reduce exposure to their triggers;
- Desensitisation to experiences that cause stress;
- Medication/supplements to provide metabolic support;
- Provide enrichment toys (snuffle mats/kongs) to encourage sniffing with gentle mental stimulation which is relaxing/calming to dogs;
- Chat with your vet to ensure no underlying medical conditions;
- Enlist the help of a fully qualified and recommended dog behaviourist/trainer.
- Clinical Canine Massage;
Massage can help by working on the physical areas causing discomfort, breaking that cycle of pain. This is achieved by releasing restricted tissues/fibres, improving blood & lymphatic circulation, removing metabolic waste, and improving mobility & flexibility.
It can also lower the sympathetic nervous system’s response from freeze, fight/flight so the parasympathetic nervous system can work properly and allow rest and digestion.
Finally, it allows the mind to calm, and the body to relax and gives your dog time to process and manage anxiety. In a nutshell (or kong!!), massage can be an extremely effective and safe non-invasive treatment to help your dog cope with the world.
Remember to respect and understand how they feel – oh yes and to each other too!
Thanks for reading
Namaste.
Love Lou xxx
07969 461549;
louise@momentumcaninemassage.co.uk