Being a mom to 4 dogs, everyday is always full of excitement. Each dog has their own personality and their own needs – emotionally and physically. Like most of us pet parents, I work and have a household to take care of. My dogs are my kids, and we go though life and emotions together – good and bad. On my blog and social media, I talk about pet wellness and nutrition. In real life, I work in the human healthcare world. There are many caretakers out there for humans and pets alike – being a caretaker is no easy feat! The public health nerd in me is always advocating for self health and awareness, especially though stressful times.

This week has been a whirlwind. Work is always busy, holidays are here, and 2 of my pups have been to the vet for injuries/ailments. Riley was diagnosed with an ACL injury, and Axel’s IVDD has been acting up. Seeing them in pain makes me hurt emotionally too! Injuries with your pets can already be so challenging when trying to find the right treatment plan, and what works for your pet’s lifestyle and needs. Seeing Riley moving around with 3 legs (she does it pretty well), makes my heart ache a little. Seeing Axel hold tension and pain in his back is also challenging, it reminds me of the awful night he was originally diagnosed with disc disease. He was unable to use his hind legs and was screaming in pain, with a long road of recovery following. My mind has been going 100 miles an hour. In those moments of stress and facing the unknown, it is so easy to feel overwhelmed and that you are alone.

The rational part of me knows that I will make the best decisions I can for them. There are options to treat integratively, while keeping Riley’s kidney disease in line, and providing supporting therapy for Axel’s disc disease. But, it is so easy to think worst case scenario. Even knowing you are making the right decisions doesn’t diminish those emotions. Many people try to tell you “Oh, it is just a dog, cat, etc.”, but if you are reading this blog, I would guess that it isn’t just a dog for you either.

So what is the point in me sharing all of this? Did you know that caring for sick pet can have the same emotional burden of caring for a sick loved one? Tending to the sick and injured loved ones in our lives, whether pet or human also raises our risk for depression and anxiety. This is a phenomenon known as the Caregiver Burden. The Caregiver Burden isn’t new in the human medicine world, but not until recently was it studied and talked about in the animal world. The study findings were right in line with data found in the human care giver studies.

It is okay to feel scared, sad, anxious, and all of the other emotions that come up with being a caregiver. I came home Thursday (our vet visits were Monday and Tuesday) and felt mentally and physically exhausted. The events of earlier in the week, including sleeping on the couch with Axel, finally caught up to me. I walked though my front door greeted by wiggly happy dogs who were just happy to see me.

I am the first to admit I am AWFUL at practicing self care. Instead if taking a minute to time out and workout, or practice some quick meditation, I am texting my husband the times Axel needs his muscle relaxer. Instead of just taking a moment to just sit on the couch, I am googling braces and alternative therapy for ACL injuries. If I don’t take care of myself, how can I take care of those around me, including my pets?

I am making it my goal to be more mindful of myself for the benefit of me, and all of those around me. To any of you reading this that can relate, you are not alone! For those of you that have chronic illness and diseases you are managing in your pets, I am here for you. Take a minute for yourself in whatever way you need.

Resources

https://www.petcaregiverburden.com