I talk a lot about the importance of enrichment. It keeps pets happier, balanced, and prevents behavioral issues from boredom.
But the other very important benefit that enough enrichment provides is prevention of premature cognitive decline.
Enrichment also reduces stress. Stress in animals creates premature aging just like it does in humans. Stress in animals causes health issues, anxiety and increases all cause mortality.
We all want our pets to live as long as possible with a good quality of life.
In addition to the obvious (proper vet care, good nutrition, and exercise), providing proper enrichment and reducing your animals stress are controllable factors that can lead to longer, healthier lives for all our pets.
What are some of the things that cause stress in animals:
* Change
* Lack of Exercise or Enrichment
* Yelling/Fighting (at the animal or in the same house/area as the animal even if not directed at the animal)
* Overcrowing
* Needs not being met despite their efforts to communicate
* Isolation/ Separation / Confinement
* Fatigue, Injury, Illness
* Inconsistent expectations
* Unfairness
* Harsh/rough handing
* Jokes
We can’t prevent all stress for them, but we can reduce it. And we can provide enrichment & exercise as an outlet for stress.
Keeping our pets happy and healthy (mentally and physically and spiritually) is our responsibility. There are many variables we can control, there are some we can’t. But we owe it to them to control the ones we can because that gives them a higher odds of living a long, healthy, happy life.
The way to do it:
* Provide consistent enrichment
* The best nutrition you can afford (its ok if you can’t do top shelf! Do the best you can!)
* Reduced stress
* Consistent expectations
* Inclusion
* Socialization
* Exercise (which is different than enrichment)
* Vet care
* Love
* Understanding, patience, and forgiveness
* No jokes
I know I want my pets to live as long as possible and I know you all do too.
