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In this high-stress world, your pets can be stressed-out, too. Take care of your pets with these seven easy steps.
1. Don't let your stress become contagious: Stress is contagious, and your beloved pet will mimic your stress. Before you greet your pet, take a few minutes to do deep breathing exercises or take a calming walk if you are experiencing high stress or anger.
2. Pay Attention: Pay attention to your pet's behavior or symptoms to recognize when your pet is feeling stressed. During your pet's next checkup, ask your veterinarian what to look for, and follow your vet's recommendations. Ignoring stress symptoms can lead to expensive ailments down the road. Be proactive.
3. Be Loving: Even in today's fast-paced, over-worked society, even a few minutes spent loving and paying attention to your pet can be so rewarding. Just as stress is contagious, so is affection. You'll have a less-stressed pet and a less stressed you. So take a few extra minutes each day to show your affection.
4. Play: Unwind from your stressful day with a few minutes spent just playing with your pet. Combine your need to exercise with caring for your dog by taking your dog for short walks before and after work, or before and after taking your children to school or other activities.
5. Integrate: Don't think of your pet as just one more in a dozen of multi-tasking chores you face each day. Integrate pet care into your daily activities. While you are preparing a healthy meal for you and your family or friends, prepare nutritious pet food and replace your pet's water dish with fresh water. Your pet is your friend, not an obligation.
6. Delegate: Arrange for a trusted friend, family member or even pet sitter to care for your pet on days when you work late, have multiple activities or have to be away on a trip. Write down precise instructions that include emergency numbers for your veterinarian or a local pet care clinic with 24-hour availability. Anticipate stress events by preparing a to-do list if your pet becomes ill, becomes stressed or suffers from separation anxiety. Make this information easily accessible, easy to read and easy to follow.
7. Relax: There is no such thing as a "perfect" parent, and there is no such thing as the "perfect" pet owner. Don't aim to do everything; just strive to do your best. Forgive yourself for days you don't pay enough attention to your pet. Forgiving yourself out loud, in fact, is a wonderful stress reducer. Your pet will be less stressed with a relaxed owner, just as you will feel less stressed with a relaxed pet.
Ruth Klein, America's De-Stress Diva™, is owner of the award-winning firm The Marketing/Time Source. With a master's degree in clinical psychology, Klein, is the author of the best-selling Time Management Secrets for Working Women and five other books on business and lifestyle topics. Sign up to receive Ruth's 7 Part Mini-Course on Branding and Productivity. http://tinyurl.com/25tqo5
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