Can an owner’s love help dogs heal from a medical crisis?
August 08, 2011 • Health & Wellness • Most Popular
Sometimes love heals where science simply cannot. This I believe. As humans, we know our dogs give of themselves to us in so many ways. They provide us with unconditional love, exercise, joy, laughter, compassion and healing. They are just downright fun to have as members of our families. But do you ever wonder how you help your pets? Besides the obvious -- food, shelter, water, treats and toys, how do we help improve our pets’ lives?
Pet mom Ann Krcik found out recently the impact she has on her dog, Shayla, during a recent emergency incident. Ann and her 5-year-old Airedale Terrier were playing ball at the beach, a typical activity the duo regularly enjoyed. After hours of playing, Ann and Shayla headed home, which is where the trouble began.
Shayla appeared very stiff and sore, and the onset of symptoms was sudden. Krcik rushed Shayla to the vet, where the specialists at the Pet Emergency and Specialty Center of Marin diagnosed Shayla with leptospirposis, a contagious disease caused by bacteria-like organisms called Leptospira that can affect humans and animals. Lepto thrives in stagnant water and dogs are affected if they drink the contaminated water or if they step or roll in it with an open cut or wound. Marin County is a hot spot for this disease. Strains of lepto vary, but the more common ones affect the kidneys, liver and can even cause hemorrhaging into the lungs. Ann was petrified.
A spokeperson for Krcik shared with FIDO Friendly, “Four and a half years prior, when Shayla was just a puppy, Ann lost her long-time partner in an accident. Shayla was her rock during that 
grueling period and Ann simply couldn’t imagine life without her best friend.” The worried mom wondered if her visits to see Shayla would hinder or help any chance of recovery.
“I’m a firm believer that pet parents play an integral role in helping their pets heal,” says Dr. Harb-Hauser. So Krcik decided never to let Shayla alone. Staff allowed her to sit with her 65-pound baby girl on the floor and simply “be there for her.” She was kept on IV fluids and antibiotics, with 24-hour nursing care. Her lungs were showing signs of distress, but other than oxygen therapy, Shayla would have to rally and fight this herself. Ann held on to Shayla and never left her side.
“All I know for sure is that while I was holding her I could feel the moment when her breathing shifted from being labored to being easy,” Krcik imparted.
Does she feel her presence helped the sudden recovery? “When I was with Shayla she slept deeply and I could get her to eat when the vet assistants could not. I think everyone would agree that sleep and nutrition helps the healing process even if they're skeptical about the love part,” the devoted dog mom said.
What can pet parents do to prevent lepto from affecting their dog? Dr. Harb-Hauser recommended vaccinating your pet against leptospirosis yearly if they are often active and outdoors. Speak to the family veterinarian and/or visit www.vin.com, click on the Vet Partners site, type in leptospiroris and read more from the CDC there.
“We’ll never really know why Shayla’s health appeared to change in that instant,” says Dr. Harb-Hauser. “I firmly believe that Ann’s presence, holding her the way she was, somehow helped Shayla enough to fight the physiological ailments she was facing. She may have recovered regardless, but it sure didn’t seem that way.”
If you ask Ann, she says it was love. Pure love.
Have you ever helped your dog through a medical situation and feel your presence helped the recovery? We’d love to hear from you.
Join the FIDO Friendly magazine pack and never a single issue of the one magazine your dog will thank you for.
