National Stress Awareness Day took place on 16 April 2019.
Much research has shown the negative effect stress has on the immune system. It can raise blood pressure, increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, increase vulnerability to anxiety and depression, contribute to infertility, and accelerate the ageing process.
There’s no difference to our beloved dogs and it’s our responsibility as owners to recognise and identify the underlying cause of the stress.
Dogs can become stressed by environmental changes like moving to a new home, getting another pet, or even having a baby. All this can affect a normally happy dog and it may take some time for the dog to adjust.
Something else that happens is if we’re stressed, dogs are able to pick it up from our energy and may begin to feel the same way we do, without understanding why.
A stressed dog is very often highly reactive. He’ll become jumpy and vocal, his pupils will dilate and he may even shake and salivate. Other signs of stress are self-calming practices like yawning, lip licking, excessive self-grooming, and excessive sniffing.
Chronic stress can cause diarrhoea or constipation, decrease appetite, increase sleeping and the dog may also start isolating himself from others. Aggression towards other dogs, animals, or people can also be a sign of a stressed dog.
There are many complementary therapies that can be used together with behavioural adjustments and aromatherapy is one of them.
Vita Canis Calming Floral Spray has been proven by many dogs and their owners to help with tackling stress. The carefully selected synergetic blend of essential oils and hydrosols in the Calming Floral Spray has a natural calming and balancing quality and provides ultimate relaxation.
Synergy is where the action of two or more substances (essential oils in this case) achieve an effect of which each is individually incapable.
A few of the essential oils I use are:
Petitgrain essential oil – this oil has a relaxing effect. It helps overcome depression, anxiety, and stress and is uplifting.
Sweet Orange – recommended for treatments of anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. Put a few drops in your oil burner and you will feel like summer is already here.
Spikenard – this is a more unusual oil I use in the Calming Floral Spray. It’s also known as ‘false’ Indian valerian root. In ancient times it was considered as one of the most costly and valuable of all aromatics. It smells similar to valerian oil, heavy, sweet woody, and earthy. Spikenard has a sedative effect, reduces fearfulness, and instills calm and balance.
Lavender – we all know this oil has a harmonising effect on the nervous system. Interestingly lavender can cause a sedative or a stimulative action depending on the body’s actual needs. Lavender is calming when there’s emotional agitation or unrest and it’s very good in alleviating fears. But when we, or our dogs, feel emotionally exhausted and depressed, lavender has an uplifting effect.
What is your experience with Calming Floral Spray?
Jitka xx