Canine Stress and it's effects. --------------------------- Learning how to cope with stress is one of the very best things you can do for your epileptic dog. When we are stressed out of course our dog will sense this and become stressed out in turn. Stress can be a seizure trigger, as we have learned very well over the years. And, if you are stressed, you simply can not be there as effectively for your dog as you can be if you are not stressed. Taking care of yourself, therefore, is a very important part of what you need to do to take the best care possible of your dog. By doing this, you can create a relaxing environment for yourself, your dog, and your family.
Human Stress effects on Epileptic Pets. ----------------------------------- Constant, low-grade adrenaline baths may subtly damage the heart, raising the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease." --Who of us has not had an adrenaline rush with hands shaking when a seizure happens? "Continuous exposure to cortisone (cortisol?) (adrenaline) can dampen the immune system, leaving stressed people more vulnerable to infections and possibly even cancer. Stress hormones can harm the brain, too, severing connections among neurons." Even when it doesn't wreck the heart or the brain, prolonged stress can have countless subtler effects. "People are reporting headaches, insomnia, back pain, neck pain and disorientation.
How then if we are stressed a little or beyond what we normally endure can we be there in a compassionate, effective manner for our pet?