Weakened Immune System

A stressed body releases cortisol – which is also known as the stress hormone – and this hormone helps your dog’s body cope with a stressful episode. But when the stress persists and becomes a chronic disease, the stress hormone can lead to a weak immune system. A weakened immune system can’t fight off an infection, and in some cases, it can lead to death. So, that’s why it’s so important to find your dog’s stressors and treat them properly – your vet will help you in this sense. 

“With stress and, ultimately, immune suppression, dogs are unable to fight off infection or disease. So it’s important to minimize dogs’ stress levels; otherwise, over time, a mild problem can potentially become a major problem,” said Emmy Award-winning veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Werber.

For instance, another disease that is caused by a weakened immune system is demodectic mange, which is a skin disease caused by mites. “Demodectic mites live on the skin of almost every dog without causing harm,” Werber says. “However, when the body becomes stressed, the mites multiply in certain parts of the skin, causing an obvious infection.”