In human medicine it has been acknowledged that the general living situation, i.e. satisfaction, stress and social integration, can affect physical health. Many physical illnesses have their cause in the psycho-social area. These psychosomatic illnesses also occur in animals, only that this possibility is rarely considered.
Also for our beloved pets, health means more than just the opposite of illness: Apart from the lack of physical symptoms of illness, for your pet too, health includes mental well-being, zest for life, satisfaction in the social environment as well as a happy relationship with people or other conspecifics and animals.
Species-appropriate pet keeping: Basis for healthy animals
The basic condition for the well-being of your pet is a species-appropriate animal keeping and the fulfilment of species-specific and individual needs. Our pets have, just like
us humans, different adaptation mechanisms to cope with stress and other deficits. However, if these are overstrained too often or permanently, the animal as well as the human becomes ill.
Diseases of the soul are usually not easily recognizable, but often manifest themselves in behavioral disorders or even physical complaints.
In order to ensure a species-appropriate welfare of your pet, you should above all acquire a sound knowledge of its natural behavior. An experienced veterinarian, psychologist or trainer will help you with this task.
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Avoid stress and stay healthy
The topic of stress is also often underestimated. Too much but also too little training, attention or activities can mean chronic stress for your sweetheart. With dogs and cats, especially their need for rest and sleep is frequently underestimated. Both need about 16 to 20 hours of sleep a day. Both cats and dogs need undisturbed resting places and understanding of their need for sleep. During their resting periods, you should neither stroke nor lift your fur noses so that they can recover properly. In households with many people and a high noise level, a separate room (e.g. the bedroom) is useful as a place of retreat for your four-legged friends. Subsequent illnesses of chronic stress are for example:
- An increased susceptibility to infections of all kinds (immunosuppression)
- Diseases of the intestine…
- …of the bladder,
- …the skin (itching)
- Tumors
Simple tips for happiness and health
- Offer your animal friend a lot of love, playtime and fun, but don’t overwhelm him.
- To maintain social contacts is as important for your pet as it is for you.
- If possible, take long walks in the nature, in order to stay physically fit and let your soul dangle.
- Not everyone likes to be stroked to excess. Pay attention to the signals of your darling and don’t force him to cuddle.
- Undisturbed sleep is very important: Therefore you should respect your pet’s resting times.
- Retreats, hiding places and secluded sleeping places are especially desirable in noisy households.
- A well-ordered daily routine and clear basic rules not only create well-being for your pet, but also make your everyday life easier.
- Be careful, your own stress level can also have a negative effect on your pet.
- To keep your pet in a species-appropriate way, you should take his specific as well as character-related needs and preferences seriously.
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Summary
The old wisdom also applies to our animal friends: A healthy soul lives in a healthy body! Conversely, psychological stress can lead to physical complaints. Therefore, you should deal extensively with the species-specific needs of your beloved pet in order to be able to offer your treasure a species-appropriate attitude. In addition, you should consult with trained experts about your pet’s natural behavior, so you can learn to interpret its state of health correctly. Observe your pet carefully. If you notice a change in his behavior, you should seek advice and help. If you always pay attention to your pet’s mental and spiritual well-being, your sweetheart will not only lead a happier but also a healthier life.