Worrying about your pet is completely normal as they age, especially if they start to develop health issues. However, your worry might get to a point where it is unhealthy for you and where you are reluctant to leave your pet on their own. If this is the case, and your pet is causing you extreme anxiety, here are some of the steps that you can take to alleviate this weight on your mental health.
Do Research on Illnesses
Although you might believe that reading up about the illnesses that your pet might encounter may make your anxiety about your pet’s health worse, this is sometimes not the case. Instead, reading up about the potential illnesses that your pet could suffer from could help you to relax. This is because doing your research will give you the chance to teach yourself about the signs of illness and what to do when your pet starts to seem ill. This includes checking your pet insurance policy, contacting a vet, keeping watch over them, and making your pet as comfortable as possible. By knowing the signs and what to do, you will only have to worry when your pet starts to display them and will be prepared for every eventuality.
Leave Your Pet By Themselves Gradually
If you find that you are constantly thinking of your pet when you are not around them, this is a cause for concern. After a while, you might find that you are canceling plans to stay at home with your furry friend. You should try to return to normal by leaving your pet by themselves gradually and building up the amount of time that you leave them for over a long period. You might also decide to hire a pet sitter or dog walker to care for your pet when you are not at home or take them to daycare. This can be especially useful if they need to provide care, medication, or a calming presence for your pet throughout the day that is becoming overwhelming.
Meet Other Pet Owners
To alleviate some of the stress that you are experiencing, you should also go out of your way to meet other pet owners. You can do this by joining a training class or walking group or by heading online or onto an app. Talking to other pet owners can give you a chance to share your concerns, put your mind at rest, and get advice and support from others who understand what you are going through.
See a Therapist
If your pet owner’s anxiety is becoming too much to bear, it might be time to see a therapist, especially if it is affecting your overall mental health and preventing you from enjoying life. You should look around for a therapist that you get on well with and that specializes in pet owner anxiety or other forms of anxiety. This therapist will be able to help you to understand the root of your fear and will be able to give you coping mechanisms that can allow you to build a healthier relationship with your pet.