Emotional support dogs are so stressed out they need massage, drugs - New York Post

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It’s a dog’s strife.

Many New Yorkers turn to Fido to help them with their mental health issues, but veterinarians and trainers say city pups are increasingly dealing with their own issues — often as a result of soothing their needy owners.

“A lot of dogs are used for emotional support, but it’s worth remembering that these are not stuffed animals,’’ said Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, medical director at Behavior Vets of New York. “Dogs feed off the energy we exude.”

Two years ago, John Demsey, then the Executive Group President at Estee Lauder, had to leave his job over a controversial Instagram post. Shortly after, his father passed away. Demsey’s dogs were his main source of solace.

“My animals sensed my sadness and literally built a fortress around me; they had a profound influence in calming me down,’’ said the Upper East Sider. “I take emotional support animals to a whole new level.”

Roxy gets a monthly lavender bath and massage at The Dog Store on East 61st Street. Brian Zak/NY Post

These days, Demsey is back on his feet. He’s just released a new book, “Behind the Blue Door,” and recently joined a private equity firm, L Catterton. But his dogs are now having mental health struggles.

“I’ve started to travel a lot, so the separation anxiety for them is staggering,’’ he said.

Demsey previously had his French bulldog Sugar on Prozac to manage her stress, but now he opts for a more natural cure. Once a month, Sugar gets a monthly lavender bath and massage at The Dog Store on East 61st Street, as does Demsey’s Goldendoodle Roxy.

“It is incredibly calming and soothing, and they love it,” said Demsey of the treatments, which total $400 for both dogs. “Not only does it relax them, they smell amazing when they come home.’’

Theater director Valentina Fratti and her wife, Anne Berlin, who works in mergers and acquisitions, have also turned to body work for their pet’s mental health.

Sugar the French bulldog enjoys a calming lavendre bath. Brian Zak/NY Post

Once a week, their jittery 11-year-old Bichon/poodle mix, Millie, gets a $50 reiki treatment to relax.

“Millie is a big support animal for us … Just keeping the news on now is affecting us, and a lot of animals are experiencing the intensity and darkness,’’ said Fratti. “We are so in tune with Millie that we can just sense when something is off. We could see a difference immediately after a session — a lightness, more energy, and more tail wagging. I am typically a skeptic about unconventional healing, but I’m convinced that this works.’’

Tammy Healy, 49, a personal trainer who lives in northern New Jersey, opted for chiropractic treatment when her 8-year-old rescue Lucky developed a nervous twitch.

The sessions with Dr. Jeff Davis, which cost $50 apiece after a $125 initial visit, have been a game-changer.

“His happy personality came back, so we brought our other dog Kingsley as well,” said Healy. “It helped with their overall energy and made them more playful and bouncy.’’

Two years ago, John Demsey, then the Executive Group President at Estee Lauder, had to leave his job over a controversial Instagram post. Shortly after, his father passed away. Demsey’s dogs were his main source of solace. Brian Zak/NY Post

Trainer Lisa Hartman notes that the NYC lifestyle can be especially overwhelming for some animals.

“Owners in New York expect their dogs to be great with people of all ages all day, at restaurants, parties, and night events and most dogs aren’t equipped for this and become very stressed,’’ she said, adding that yawning, panting and recoiling can all signal that a pet is stressed.

Dr. Jaclyn Turturro with Veterinary Emergency Group in Chelsea, added that the holidays can be as trying for animals as it is for humans.

If Fido is stressed, vets recommend long walks with lots of time for sniffing around to chill out. Shutterstock

“There is lot of movement and exposure to new people, it increases stress,” said Turturro, who recommends taking Fido for long walks with lots of time for sniffing around to chill out.

But Demsey prefers more luxe treatments.

“I am high maintenance,” he said. “And so are my dogs.’

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