Pet Meditation to Calm Your Pet’s Anxiety
Did you decide to get a pet to help with your anxiety, but it turns out your pet has more anxiety than you? It happens. There are a lot of external stimuli which can be upsetting to your beloved friend. Whether it’s from loud noises or changes in the household, pets are just as susceptible to anxiety as we are. Fortunately, there are methods to help your furry friend cope!
Daily activity and exercise help to keep your pet’s anxiety at a minimum, and keeping similar routines can do wonders for your pet’s worried mind. Also, if you keep calm, your animal will sense that everything is cool, and they’ll do the same. If you strive to ease your pet’s excessive energy while maintaining your own peace, consider pet meditation.
Pet meditation is a wonderful technique to calm both your and your pet’s nerves. It also adds a level of connectivity and trust between you two.
Though, you can’t be home and relax all the time. If your pet suffers from anxiety, it is important to keep their environment safe and stress-free. When you need animal care, trust the animal experts at Doggy Detail. We are the trusted dog walking and pet-sitting service in the Chicago area. We understand animal stress and go beyond to ensure their comfort in our care. Schedule a walk or a play session, call 847-212-5616 today!
Signs of Pet Anxiety
Your animal may exhibit clear signs that they are uncomfortable or uneasy in certain circumstances. Some signs are more obvious than others and often differ between dogs and cats.
Excessive Barking or Meowing
It’s universal that if your normally quiet pet suddenly barks or meows more than usual, it could indicate underlying anxiety. Pets that are feeling anxious may bark or meow more frequently as a way to self-soothe or alert their owners to potential danger.
Hiding/Avoiding People
One common sign of pet anxiety isif you find your furry friend hiding from people or avoiding contact. If your pet isn’t showing any interest in interacting with family members or visitors, they could be suffering from anxiety.
Doggy Detail believes in patient introductions. We take the time to earn your pet’s trust!
Pacing/Restlessness
Some pets will pace back and forth when they are feeling anxious, while others may appear restless and unable to settle down. This type of behavior usually indicates that something is causing stress in their environment, so it’s important to pay close attention and try to pinpoint the source of their distress.
Destructive Behaviors
An anxious pet may also start exhibiting destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or scratching at walls/doors. While these behaviors can be extremely frustrating for owners, it’s important not to punish your pet but rather try to identify what is causing the problem and work on calming them down through positive reinforcement techniques — treats and praise when they display desired behaviors instead of unwanted ones.
Excessive Licking/Grooming
When pets become anxious, some will begin licking themselves excessively as a way to self-soothe and release bodily tension. If you notice your pet grooming themselves more than usual, it may mean they need extra love and reassurance from you that everything is okay!
How Pet Meditation Can Help
Pet meditation is not the cure-all for your friend’s anxiety, but it is another resource to help alleviate or diminish some of their overactive energy.
Pet meditation is rather simple. The practice does not require your dog or cat to sit like a yogi. It’s about you entering the restful state and your animal following along. It’s an active meditation beside your best friend.
You may have already been practicing pet meditation without knowing it. Now that you’re mindful of it, it can open up possibilities and more opportunities to target your pet’s anxiety.
Pet meditation is much the same as normal meditation. Find a peaceful place, sit comfortably, close your eyes, tune into your breathing, and focus on your pet friend beside you. If you seek a deeper connection, try matching your breathing cycle to theirs. Rest your palm on your pet’s chest and get in sync. Pet meditation works through the awareness of your animal while also developing a higher connection.
Some pets may have a harder time adapting to this quiet time than others. Rambunctious dogs or skittish cats may take longer to sit or to find. The active routine of pet meditation practice can tune down anxiety over time, or at least help at the moment!
Benefits of Pet Meditation
The mindful practice of pet meditation can benefit both you and your pet. It can help to reduce stress in the house. Animals are receptive and intuitive beings. Has your dog ever licked your face or snuggled close when you were upset? They can feel the energy around them. If they feel unsafe or uncertain of their environment, pet meditation is a great way for you to connect with them and strengthen their sense of safety and trust in you!
Meditation is the world’s oldest form of medicine. Therefore, there must be truth to it. When you or your pet have had a long day, sink into a state of meditation to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
Contact Doggy Detail
Pet meditation is something you can incorporate into your daily routine. It can help reduce your pet’s stress while also helping yours.
And when your pet is in more need of playtime or walks, contact Doggy Detail. We are available to help with any of your pet’s needs. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, dog playtime, and dog waste poop removal. We want the best for you and your beloved fur baby, so we tailor our methods to ease your pet’s stress. Call 847-212-5616 to schedule an initial meeting today!