Have you heard of the phrase ‘Don’t borrow trouble?’
Borrowing trouble is when you worry about something before you even know what to worry about. An example might be reading an article on iodine deficiencies in dogs and rushing out to buy an iodine supplement for your dog. I love how easily we can share information, but an unfortunate downside is that pet parents often assume that every bit of new information applies to them. They never look at their pet to see if there are even any signs of an actual problem before making changes or applying a solution.
It is well known that you can think yourself sick. We can do the same to our pets. We hear story after story after story of itchy dogs, and we start to watch our dogs like a hawk and the first time they scratch their ear, we panic and assume allergies or worse. Your dog likely just had an itch, but your mind, wanting to borrow trouble, grew the situation into something more than it was, and before you know it, your dog is on allergy shots, medication, and diet changes. You are headed down a rabbit hole you will never see the end of.
Beef Split Knuckle Dog Bones (5 lb)
Positive thinking is a powerful tool in pet health. It’s natural for pet parents to worry about their pets’ health, but it’s important to remember that most worries never materialize. Take the opportunity to remind yourself that your pet is doing well and you’re doing more right than wrong.
When you see someone talk about a specific nutrient, vitamin, supplement, or health issue, look at your pet before assuming the information applies to you. If your pet is fine, you just discovered some excellent information you can file away if your pup is not okay one day. In other words, worry about it when you need to, not before. By being discerning, you can avoid unnecessary worry and feel more in control of your pet’s health.
Remember, ‘Don’t borrow trouble’ because, in all likelihood, tomorrow’s troubles may never come. This mantra can serve as a calming reminder to keep things in perspective and not let worry overshadow the joy of pet ownership.
