Tag Archives: pain

Nov25

Health Issues That Could Be Hindering Your Friendships

Posted on by
Standard
Health Issues That Could Be Hindering Your Friendships

Friends are people who should always be there for you. They’re who you tell about your worries, and, if you ever get ill, you assume they’ll be by your side. But, did you know that there may also be elements of your health that could prove problematic to your friendships in a few key ways, or at least put you on the back foot of your friendship group if you aren’t careful? After all, certain health struggles can stop you from joining in and engaging with your friends as much as you might like. Worse, you might not even notice it happening! This can have an ongoing negative impact on your friendships over time. But what exactly are these health conditions, and what can you do about them? Keep on reading to find out:

Hard Hearing:

Hearing setbacks are easily missed at first, but they can have a major impact on how you interact with the world, including your friends. If you’re having trouble hearing for reasons including infection, earwax buildup, or hearing loss, then you may struggle to follow conversations or find yourself constantly asking people to repeat themselves.

This can be as frustrating to the people around you as it is to you, and you may even find yourself declining friend invites. That can significantly impact your relationships, and it’s something you can avoid by simply getting your ears checked. Professionals may recommend treatments including hearing aids, earwax removal, or even just antibiotics, all of which will see you socializing normally again!

Rocky Mental Health:

Mental health challenges impact around 1 in 5 adults in the US. Yet, when you’re experiencing problems like anxiety or depression, you may feel increasingly isolated and may, in turn, isolate yourself from your friends. These problems can also be embarrassing or difficult to talk about, meaning that you might hide the reality, and instead make excuses. In truth, though, friendship is key to improving your mental health, which is why you should always be honest. Friends are far more likely to understand that way, and may even play an important role in getting you the help you need.

Physical Challenges:

Physical problems like a bad back or painful knees can also prove problematic to your friendships, as you may start to avoid long outings or hold back when you are with friends. Equally, you may push yourself too much when trying to keep up with everyone else and experience an even longer-term issue. Again, just telling your friends will help here. That way, you can work together to make plans that leave room for plenty of breaks, or even have a more accessible option for you to use a wheelchair or other supports. That way, you can keep up without requiring your friends to change their existing plans!

Friends are with you through thick and thin, but if hidden health issues like these are creeping between you, it’s time to take action. Simply be honest, get help, and protect your friendships at all costs!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov12

Knee Pain Relief: Breaking Myths And Uncovering Facts

Posted on by
Standard
Knee Pain Relief: Breaking Myths And Uncovering Facts

Knee pain – it’s something millions deal with every day, from early morning stiffness to that frustrating ache after a long walk. And while you might be familiar with some causes, there’s a surprising amount of misinformation out there that can lead to confusion and even prevent you from finding relief. Let’s look at what’s really going on with knee pain, bust a few myths, and cover some options that could help you feel better without diving straight into surgical treatments. Ready to get to the heart of it?

Understanding Knee Pain: More Than Just Aging or “Wear and Tear”:

The knee is a complex joint, with bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage all working together. Because of its central role in daily movement whether that’s climbing stairs, exercising, or just getting up from a chair it’s naturally prone to injury and strain. However, knee pain isn’t always a result of aging or overuse; it can be due to a variety of conditions, each requiring specific approaches to manage.

One of the biggest misconceptions? That knee pain is simply inevitable with age, and nothing can be done about it. While it’s true that age can bring about certain types of pain, such as arthritis knee pain, that doesn’t mean you have to live with discomfort. There are knee pain relief options available to you. With the right knowledge and treatment plan, it’s possible to stay active and enjoy daily life without constant pain:

Myth-Busting Common Knee Pain Misconceptions:

Misunderstanding knee pain can lead to unnecessary discomfort or even make the issue worse. Let’s break down some common myths that might be holding you back from proper relief.

Myth #1 – Resting Always Helps: While rest is essential for healing after an acute injury, too much rest can actually weaken muscles around the knee, which can lead to further instability and pain. For many, gentle exercises like stretching, swimming, or cycling can actually be beneficial.

Myth #2 – Surgery is the Only Option for Serious Knee Pain: A lot of people think that when knee pain gets intense, surgery is inevitable. But this isn’t always the case! There are non-surgical options that can effectively reduce pain and inflammation, allowing you to avoid or delay surgery. Treatments like physical therapy, targeted exercise, and even newer techniques like genicular artery embolization for arthritis knee pain offers non-invasive options for those looking to relieve pain without going under the knife.

Myth #3 – Pain Always Means Damage: Believe it or not, pain doesn’t always mean there’s a structural problem with the knee. Sometimes, knee pain can result from muscle imbalances, poor posture, or even issues in other parts of the body, like the hips or feet. This is why targeted assessments and treatments are crucial; they can help identify the real source of the pain, even if it’s not directly in the knee itself.

Exploring Non-Surgical Relief Options:

If you’re dealing with knee pain, you might be relieved to know that there are plenty of non-surgical treatment options to consider. While these won’t be a perfect solution for everyone, they can offer relief, improve mobility, and delay the need for surgery in many cases. Here are a few popular options to think about:

Physical Therapy: Guided by a professional, physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the knee, improves flexibility, and can restore range of motion. This process builds up the knee’s stability and can reduce pain significantly over time.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): For those experiencing arthritis knee pain, GAE is an innovative non-surgical option. It works by reducing inflammation in the knee’s blood vessels, offering relief from pain without the invasiveness of surgery. GAE might be an effective route for people with arthritis knee pain who want to avoid or delay surgical intervention.

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories can provide short-term relief. Always consult a healthcare professional for recommendations that fit your needs, especially if you’re dealing with ongoing pain or other health conditions.

Injections: In certain cases, doctors might recommend injections, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation in the knee joint. Another option could be hyaluronic acid injections, which aim to lubricate the joint, providing smoother movement and less pain.

Adopting Long-Term Strategies for Knee Health:

Maintaining knee health is about creating good habits that keep your joints in the best shape possible. Here are some practical steps to help protect and support your knees for the long term:

Stay Active: Regular movement keeps the muscles around your knees strong and flexible. Aim for exercises that don’t put too much strain on the joints, like swimming, cycling, or walking on flat surfaces.

Wear Supportive Shoes: Footwear plays a big role in knee health. Choose shoes that provide the right support, and consider orthotics if you have issues with foot alignment.

Warm Up Properly: Before any physical activity, take a few minutes to warm up. Simple stretches and gentle movements can prevent injury by preparing your muscles and joints for activity.

Practice Good Posture: Avoid slumping or sitting for too long. Good posture can relieve pressure on the knees and help prevent future pain.

Knee pain doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of life. With the right knowledge, tools, and techniques, you can manage and even prevent many common knee issues!

Oct17

4 Strategies For Dealing With Chronic Pain

Posted on by
Standard
4 Strategies For Dealing With Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be debilitating to live with on a daily basis. According to the National Health Interview Survey, a comprehensive study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 21% of adults in 2021 experienced daily pain, while a more recent study for 2023 found higher numbers of chronic pain cases at 52.4 per 1,000 persons per year. Chronic pain can stem from a multitude of conditions, each with its unique challenges. From arthritis and fibromyalgia to cancer, injuries, and many more, these conditions inflict the body, causing persistent discomfort and disruption to daily life.

Chronic pain often persists despite medications, necessitating a shift in lifestyle to accommodate fluctuating pain levels, energy, and capabilities. This adaptation empowers sufferers to take control of their condition and live their lives to the fullest, even on challenging days. This post is going to look at some ways that you can help ease chronic pain levels to reduce the impact it can have on your life:

Move:

The last thing you probably want to do when you’re in pain is move. However, being sedentary can make pain levels worse and cause a whole heap of issues for your body. It’s important to look at the type of movement you can do within your capabilities and incorporate as much or as little as you can each day. Movement for chronic pain can be simple stretches from bed as much as you can manage. It can be taking a short walk or even walking in place at home. For some people, it can be more intense movement like Pilates and yoga that helps build strength and keep the body moving. Find what works for you without making the pain worse, and move your body as much as possible.

Alternative Treatments:

Alternative treatments for chronic pain can be beneficial in helping when traditional medicines cannot. Acupuncture, using an acupressure mat, or visiting a chiropractor can provide some relief. Using products like CBD or THCA pre-rolls can assist in relaxing the body and help to soothe pain. Other treatments that can be beneficial for chronic pain include massages, cupping, meditation, and even biofeedback. It’s essential to use these strategies as part of your overall plan for dealing with your pain levels.

Go Easy On Yourself:

One factor that can make chronic pain worse is forcing yourself to be “normal” when you’re in constant pain, and if you’re trying to live your life as if you’re not in pain, the likelihood is, you will only make things worse and more painful for yourself. Instead of forcing yourself to do more, do less. Make adjustments for your capabilities, find workarounds, and cut yourself some slack. By accepting your condition and health status and working with it, not against, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Therapy:

Getting therapy for your chronic pain can be an excellent tool for helping you to move forward and cope with the stress of being in pain on a near-constant basis. That’s not to say the pain is in your head, but more that the mental toll of being in pain can be a lot to deal with, and many people experience depressive thoughts as they can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. If beginning therapy is the step you want to take to improve your chronic pain, start by browsing websites like https://onebodyldn.com/physiotherapy-london (or similar clinics in your local area). Opt for a location with lots of good reviews and patients who expressed success in their testimonials. Therapy can help you to find coping strategies and methods for living your life while navigating complex pain.

We hope these ideas provide relief and lift your spirits!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep28

COVID Chronicles

Posted on by
Standard
COVID Chronicles

Hello!! This past week has been a real doozy for Lil Red and Johnny because, unfortunately, we got COVID. We both tested positive and we can only assume that it came from Johnny’s place of work where everyone has been lax on pandemic safety from the jump. It has been AWFUL, especially because we were both very symptomatic and the last time we had the virus over two years ago, we experienced no symptoms at all. All I have to say is, thank god we are vaccinated and boosted because I truly couldn’t imagine our experience being any worse than it already was.

Johnny started out our COVID journey with aches all over – headache, body aches, and was very stuffy and fatigued. Naturally, all of this transferred to me and a day later, I was prepped to have all of the same. My Day One wasn’t so bad, but it was weird. I was really tired and I could just feel like I was about to be sick as a dog. I still rallied enough to make a big pot of spaghetti which was a saving grace during our sickness staycation so #blessup for that lol. By Day Two, the struggle bus hit and it hit like a Mack Truck.

My Day Two was the sickest I have felt in I don’t know how long. I had a fever and chills, I was stuffed up beyond belief, my head pounded, and the body aches were unmatched. I kid you not, I felt better after a car accident that left me hospitalized than I did that day. No exaggeration. It hurt to do anything but lay in my misery and reminisce on all of the good times I had before catching the Vid. On the bright side, I did have a Saw movie marathon to get hyped for the latest installment, but that did little to boost my mood. All it did was provide a slight distraction to being sick AF.

While sleep would have been a welcome reprieve after long days of being a bio hazard, it wasn’t. I was waking up constantly either too hot or too cold and would finally emerge from my slumber with my clothes completely soaked to my skin. It was gross lol and my Day Three was only slightly better than Day Two. After another seemingly endless day of ouch, ugh, and blegh, things took a somewhat turn the following day.

On Day Four, I was still feeling sick, but it was a different kind of sick. What felt like the worst flu ever shifted into a cold from hell. I felt pressure beyond belief in my head and mouth breathed my day away like Napoleon Dynamite. My body still ached and I was feverish throughout the day and night. I was so weak because I was running on a diet of Gatorade, crackers, and the occasional plate of spaghetti. I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t cry multiple times during my COVID tenure. I just couldn’t help it – it was that bad.

As I write this, I am feeling crappy but it’s the least crappy I have felt in days. Johnny also seems to be doing much better so I like to think we are on the upswing. I urge all of you if you are feeling sick to test yourself. After dealing with the pandemic for so long, it’s easy to want to dismiss COVID now, but you can’t. It is still a very real thing and Johnny and I know firsthand because we have been a complete and utter mess. My running joke has been that I wish this happened during the summer because my bikini body would have been off the charts. Ba dum chhhhhhh.

With gatherings moving indoors as the weather shifts, please be sure you monitor your symptoms and stay home if you are feeling unwell. You never know who you are infecting and it’s a dangerous game to play. Stay safe, everyone!

Have you had COVID before? What was it like for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun24

Completely Natural Ways To Relieve Pain

Posted on by
Standard
Completely Natural Ways To Relieve Pain

If you are someone who suffers from chronic pain or acute pain occasionally, such as headaches or migraines, then using medication or even booking a specialty Massage can definitely help with pain relief. However, long-term use of medication can cause some harmful side effects, and if they are made to be something to rely on, then that could have long-term addiction consequences. That is why looking for some more natural ways to relieve pain can be a good idea.

For generations, herbs, essential oils, and other natural therapies have been used as pain relievers. There is evidence that these can work and it could be beneficial to try some to see what works best for you if you’re looking for a natural alternative. Here are some ideas to consider:

Lavender essential oil:

If you are looking for natural pain relief, then lavender essential oil is something that can help. It can be used in a number of ways, from helping people to sleep better to easing anxiety or relieving pain. There is some research that suggests that lavender oil can help animals with pain relief too, as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory, so it really can be used in a number of ways.

Rosemary essential oil:

Rosemary is an amazing herb to add to your food, but did you know about its pain-relieving properties? Rosemary is a plant that you can grow yourself very easily and it can be used to help muscles and pain in bones, as well as treat headaches and help with seizures. One of the best ways to apply rosemary essential oil is to combine droplets with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Then it can be easily rubbed on the site that needs relief.

CBD oil:

CBD is something that you have probably heard a lot about lately, as it is taking the world by storm for the amazing health benefits that it has. Derived from the hemp plant, it is completely natural and one of the most popular forms is CBD pain relief cream. They can be used for a variety of different things from pain to anxiety, as well as helping with stress. If you are not keen on a pain cream, CBD can come in several other different forms too. For instance, CBD edibles, oils, and capsules are widely available and provide an easy and discreet way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. Additionally, more concentrated options are also gaining popularity for their effectiveness. Products like CBD Moon Rocks offer a more potent alternative for those looking to explore the versatility of CBD.

Ginger:

Ginger is a root that has been proven through research to be a completely natural way to relieve pain. A review of it found that having even just a small amount, such as 2g per day, can help to relieve pain, especially muscular pain, when taken for at least five days or more. The same evidence also showed that consuming ginger can help to aid recovery and reduce any muscular inflammation that is associated with exercise.

One way to include it in your diet can be through drinking ginger tea, but you could put it raw into smoothies or chop pieces up to have with other drinks like tea. You can find ginger supplements too, which could be a simpler way to get more ginger into your diet.

If you experience pain frequently, try incorporating any of these suggestions into your life for a natural relief.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb12

Turning Back The Clock On Those Creaky Joints

Posted on by
Standard
Turning Back The Clock On Those Creaky Joints

It happens to all of us, but when you feel it for the first time, it’s only natural that you might be a little worried. Your joints might be starting to complain at you a little more regularly and you might be worried that this is an irreversible sign of aging. However, while joint paint does tend to naturally come with age, it doesn’t mean that it’s inevitable or unstoppable. In fact, here are a few ways you might be able to stop it:

Consider your weight:

It’s not a topic you might like to think about that often but the simple truth of the matter is that the more overweight you are, the more pressure is going to be put on areas like your back and your knees. Not only are they going to be uncomfortable more often, but you’re more likely to develop musculoskeletal injuries from simply moving around. Weight is not the end-all and be-all of your health, but if you are overweight, it can be damaging to your health in the long term. There are plenty of healthy weight management strategies, try choosing those that are easy to incorporate in the long term rather than fad diets or short-term tactics like cleanses.

Get yourself a little relief:

A lot of the pain that you are likely to feel around your lower back and your joints is likely to be caused by pressure as a result of inflammation. There are ways to help combat this inflammation, such as by managing your weight, but a little physical assistance can also do a lot of good. For instance, after exercising, it’s important to stretch and to use foam rollers to make sure you ease the tension out of your body after tensing it for so long. If you’re having joint aches, then direct approaches such as visiting a chiropractor for knee pain can help, as well. There are plenty of proven techniques for applying a little pressure to get the pain out of your body.

Check with your doctor:

Joint pain can be a natural part of aging or it can be a result of working too hard, being stressed, or not getting enough time to rest. However, it can also be a symptom of a chronic condition that you’re not dealing with. The most common of these is arthritis. Arthritis pain almost always presents primarily as joint pain, as it is a condition that is related to long-term inflammation. Getting a diagnosis can help you get access to additional treatments you need, such as medication and even surgery if the pain is that bad. The symptoms of such conditions tend to worsen over time, so it’s important to find it and start combating it early.

You can’t prevent all of the signs of aging from coming at one point or another. You can, however, make sure you’re doing your best to keep your body young, healthy, and free from pain as possible. Hopefully, the tips above can help with that!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov5

Literally Falling For Fall Update

Posted on by
Standard
Literally Falling For Fall Update

Hello! If you have been following lifewithlilred for a while, then you have been with me through all kinds of ouches like when Johnny and I got in a car accident and I was hospitalized and an oral surgery gone dreadfully wrong. My most recent “whoopsy daisy” of taking a tumble on the wet, leaf strewn wooden walkway to my apartment was nowhere near as severe but, gotDAMN did it hurt and I’ve got a hell of a bruise to prove it. Check it out:

Now, this is not a post to get sympathy for this deep purple monstrosity. Rather, it is a reminder to be careful!! Coincidentally, my Johnny took a spill mere hours before me when he was taking out the trash that day and we have since been taking our time making the walk to our apartment on the wet, rainy fall days that Ohio has been plagued with.

Johnny has actually been so sweet because, most days, he gets home from work before me and he’ll text me to remind me that it’s really slick so I don’t take another spill. Falls, tumbles, accidents, oopsies, boo boos, or whatever you call it can be so painful and even fatal for some so this is just your Lil Red reminder to take your time while walking (And driving!) during this slippery weather so you don’t end up with a major bruise on your side too!

What is the fall weather like in your neck of the woods? What are some of your safety tips for bad weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct13

Steps To Take Towards A Healthier Pregnancy

Posted on by
Standard
Steps To Take Towards A Healthier Pregnancy

For a lot of women, simply getting the good news that you’re pregnant can be work enough. However, it’s about to get a lot tougher after that due to the range of health issues that, even if they’re not serious, can plague a pregnancy and make it much tougher to get through. Aside from following all of the advice from your doctor, let’s discuss some tips that can help you achieve a healthier pregnancy.

Before we begin, it’s so important to confirm your pregnancy as soon as possible if you have any suspicions or tell tale signs. This can be done with an at home test or doing Blood Tests Glasgow (or your local area). The sooner you have an answer, the sooner you can begin taking the steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Folic acid and Vitamin D are key:

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important when you’re pregnant, but there are a few vitamins and nutrients that are worth giving a little more focus. In particular, vitamin D is crucial for developing healthy bones and muscles, while folic acid can help decrease the risk of a wide range of birth defects. As such, talk to your doctor about taking folic acid supplements. These are often prescribed to expecting mothers and are usually taken up until the end of the first trimester when you should be out of the woods.

Keep moving:

Pain is a greater risk when you’re pregnant. You’re gaining weight, a lot of it on your belly, which can change the way that your body handles the pressure caused by gravity pushing down on that weight. This can lead to very achy joints and back pain. For that reason, it’s a great idea to make sure that you remain as active as you safely can through all stages of the pregnancy. There are pregnancy exercise classes that you can do in person or online, whichever is safest at the moment. Otherwise, even daily stretches and walks can make a big difference.

Tackle your pain head on:

By being more active and addressing posture issues, you can make sure that your added belly weight isn’t stressing your body out as much as it otherwise would. However, chronic pain is a regular part of many women’s pregnancies and one that should be addressed with care. As such, look for professionals like a chiropractor that offers specific treatments for pregnant women that take into account your additional health concerns. There are also maternity massages that ensure your baby bump is kept safe while offering you some much-needed relief.

Don’t ignore your mental health:

We naturally complain more when we’re pregnant. We’re in more physical discomfort, we might be anxious about the upcoming birth, we’re planning for a huge life change. However, if you’re having real trouble with your mental health, then it is worth taking the time to reach out to a counselor. Nowadays, it’s much easier to find trained professionals online who can help you deal with a wide range of anxieties and insecurities. Don’t feel like you would be too much of a burden talking to friends and family, either. Everyone wants to make sure you get through this in tip-top shape.

Your doctor’s advice is always paramount when it comes to deciding how you deal with a pregnancy. However, the tips above can be a good supplement to that and are worth keeping in mind!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jul29

Got Body Pain? Check Out These Weird Causes

Posted on by
Standard
Got Body Pain? Check Out These Weird Causes

Fortunately, many of us go through most of our lives in a pain-free state. But sometimes, we get what can only be described as body pain – and it hurts like mad! Body pain, though, doesn’t seem to have any apparent identifiable cause. It tends to erupt out of the blue, making your day a misery.

So what’s behind it? Why does it happen? Here are some weird causes you’d never expect:

Lack Of Water:

Body pain can emerge for all kinds of reasons, including lack of proper hydration. Water is essential for practically all of the body’s vital processes. If you don’t have enough of it in your system, you’ll start experiencing symptoms, none of which are pleasant.

Researchers think that a lack of water causes pain by impairing functions. This state of deprivation then leads to exhaustion, which has knock-on effects on the muscles. Pain can be especially intense if you lack electrolytes in your system. Muscles can go into spasm – and if that happens, you soon know about it.

Insufficient Sleep:

Body pain can also result from a lack of sleep. When you don’t get enough shut-eye, your body automatically starts to release more alertness compounds to keep you active during the day. However, when it releases too much, it can leave you feeling panicked and fatigued.

Tissues need adequate rest to keep them supple and functioning adequately. So when you go without sleep for an extended period of time, it can prevent them from carrying out necessary repair work. Eventually, soreness accumulates, and you really start to feel it. If you can’t get enough sleep, try drinking chamomile before bed or listening to soft music. Relaxing the nervous system makes it much easier to get effective shut-eye.

Muscular Imbalance:

Every muscle group in the body has an agonist and an antagonist. The agonist moves a part of the body in one direction, and then the agonist brings it back to the center. However, many people wind up seeing their chiropractor when they have a severe imbalance between the two. When muscles are strong in one direction but not another, it can lead to excess strain on particular muscle groups, causing pain.

Resolving muscle balance is relatively easy. You just need to train in the right way. Focus on strengthening the opposite muscle to make it as strong and robust as the other. If muscular imbalance is something you are experiencing, a multifaceted approach to treatment is one of the best ways to help you improve. This can include entering a search for “Owasso Chiropractor” (or your local area) to schedule a consultation as well as working with a personal trainer to target your weaker muscles. The two paired together can create an easy to follow routine to decrease your pain and improve your quality of life.

Lyme’s Disease:

Lyme’s disease is a condition caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. People acquire the infection from tick bites. It starts off slow, but if it goes untreated, it can cause extreme symptoms, including exhaustion and hot flashes. You can find out whether you have the condition by taking an antibody test.

Multiple Sclerosis:

Finally, many people in the early stages of MS experience high levels of body pain. Multiple sclerosis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath around nerve cells, causing inflammation and pain. Eventually, the condition progresses to the point where the nervous system can’t transmit signals to the brain anymore. It can also lead to trouble walking.

If you are experiencing prolonged pain, schedule an appointment with your doctor ASAP.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar9

Why Is Your Dog Sad?

Posted on by
Standard
Why Is Your Dog Sad?

The thought that your dog could be feeling a little depressed is so upsetting that it almost makes you want to check yourself in for counseling. How could such an adorable being ever feel low? It is not right.

Dogs, however, just like people, can suffer tremendously from the blues. While their psychology might not be as complicated as ours, there’s no doubt that they can have a similar experience. Dogs that feel depressed find it hard to muster the energy to do the things that regular pooches love. They just sit there, looking at you with those big sad eyes.

Dogs can feel sad for many reasons. Here are some of the primary contributing factors:

They Don’t Have Enough Attention:

Just like their human owners, dogs need a minimum amount of daily attention to enjoy their lives. If they don’t get it, they can often wind up feeling low and sad – not what you want.

The reason for this comes down to their social nature. Dogs need to be in groups, whether with people or other hounds. If they’re by themselves, they feel worried, panicked, and anxious. They don’t know what to do with themselves and they can’t find an outlet for their natural energy. It is enough to make anyone feel depressed.

Not Enough Exercise:

Everyone knows that dogs need regular exercise to keep them in tip-top shape. If they don’t get it, then they slowly put on weight. Not only does this make them unhealthy, but it can affect their mental well being. They can’t get outside and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the open air. They feel chained to their dog bed.

The solution to this is easy: just buy a special weight loss formula food from the pet store and stop feeding them human food at dinner time. And, make sure you’re scheduling regular walks with your pup! It’s also very important to remember that certain breeds of dogs require a lot of exercise and play time to keep them happy. If you think your pup isn’t being stimulated enough, it’s a good idea to enter a search for “mini schnauzer temperament” (or whatever breed you have) and learn more about their needs for a healthy, fulfilling life.

They’re In Pain:

If your dog was lively last week, but looking miserable and depressed this week, then the most likely suspect is pain. Pain tends to take the wind out of doggy sails. They don’t know how to process it, and so many just lie down and stay still, hoping that it will pass.

The good news is that, as an owner, there’s a lot that you can do. As www.relievet.com, some dogs respond well to alternative pain medications. Plus, you can go to your vet and talk about possible anti-inflammatory drugs if the issue is arthritic.

dg1

Angel!

A Family Member Has Died:

Dogs aren’t like most animals. They form strong bonds with particular individuals that they like. When those people pass away, it can make them feel depressed. While they don’t have a concept of death, the absence of a particular relationship can affect them profoundly.

dg2

Pixabay Image

You’re Depressed:

Finally, dogs tend to mirror the feelings of their owners according to www.petmd.com. If you’re happy and excited, your dog will be too. If you’re feeling down in the dumps about life, then so will your dog. Remember, dogs can sense our feelings much better than anyone would think possible.

Use the tips above to help shake the blues from your sweet pup and get to enjoying the spring weather with a much needed walk for the both of you!

Featured Image By: Pixabay