Massage and drugs are required for emotionally stressed support dogs
Life can be tough for our furry friends.
New Yorkers are increasingly relying on their furry companions, Fido, to assist them with their mental health concerns. However, veterinarians and trainers are noticing a rise in behavioral problems among city dogs, which can often be attributed to their constant efforts to comfort their dependent owners.
Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, the medical director at Behavior Vets of New York, reminds us that dogs used for emotional support are not mere stuffed animals. She emphasizes that dogs are highly sensitive to the energy we emit.
Two years ago, John Demsey, who was previously the Executive Group President at Estee Lauder, found himself in a difficult situation that forced him to resign from his job due to a controversial Instagram post. Unfortunately, around the same time, he also had to deal with the loss of his father. During this challenging period, Demsey found solace in the companionship of his beloved dogs.
According to the Upper East Sider, her animals were able to sense her sadness and provided her with a strong support system. They created a sense of security and comfort that helped to calm her down during difficult times. She believes that her animals go beyond traditional emotional support and have a profound impact on her well-being.
These days, Demsey is back on his feet, having released a new book titled “Behind the Blue Door” and joining a private equity firm called L Catterton. However, his dogs are currently experiencing mental health struggles.
“I’ve been traveling extensively, which has caused my pets to experience significant separation anxiety,” he explained.
Demsey used to give his French bulldog Sugar Prozac to help with her stress. However, he has now chosen a more natural remedy. Every month, Sugar and Demsey’s Goldendoodle Roxy receive a soothing lavender bath and massage at The Dog Store on East 61st Street.
Demsey explained that the treatments have a remarkable calming and soothing effect on the dogs. She emphasized that the dogs truly enjoy the experience. In addition to the relaxation they experience, Demsey pointed out that the dogs also come home smelling incredible. The treatments, which cost $400 for both dogs, provide multiple benefits for the furry friends.
Theater director Valentina Fratti and her wife, Anne Berlin, who specializes in mergers and acquisitions, have also embraced the practice of bodywork to enhance their pet’s emotional well-being.
Millie, their anxious 11-year-old Bichon/poodle mix, receives a $50 reiki treatment every week to help her relax.
“Millie plays a vital role as a support animal for us. The constant exposure to distressing news is taking its toll on our well-being, and many animals are feeling the weight of this intensity and darkness,” Fratti expressed. “Our connection with Millie is so strong that we can instinctively sense when something is amiss. After a session with her, we noticed an immediate change – a sense of relief, increased vitality, and more enthusiastic tail wagging. Although I’m usually skeptical about unconventional forms of healing, I am now convinced that this truly works.”
Tammy Healy, a 49-year-old personal trainer residing in northern New Jersey, chose chiropractic treatment for her 8-year-old rescue dog, Lucky, when he developed a nervous twitch.
The sessions with Dr. Jeff Davis have truly been a game-changer. After an initial visit fee of $125, each session costs $50.
According to Healy, bringing their other dog Kingsley along with them helped to restore their happy personality. Healy further explains, “It enhanced their overall energy and made them more playful and bouncy.”
According to trainer Lisa Hartman, some animals may find the fast-paced lifestyle of NYC overwhelming.
According to an expert, many dog owners in New York have high expectations for their pets. They want their dogs to be friendly and comfortable around people of all ages, in various settings such as restaurants, parties, and nighttime events. However, this can lead to a lot of stress for the dogs. The expert explains that signs of stress in dogs include yawning, panting, and recoiling.
Dr. Jaclyn Turturro, a veterinarian at Veterinary Emergency Group in Chelsea, emphasizes that animals can also experience challenging times during the holidays, just like humans.
According to Turturro, the increased movement and exposure to new people can be quite stressful. To help alleviate this stress, she suggests taking Fido for long walks that allow plenty of time for sniffing around.
But Demsey has a preference for more luxurious treatments.
“I’m quite particular,” he admitted, “and my dogs are too.”
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