How To Keep Your Pets Stress Free

Title: How To Keep Your Pets Stress Free
Author: Ruth Klein

How To Keep Your Pets Stress Free
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.

About the Author:

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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