Doggies Mental Health
Doggies can show symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can go hand in hand. They can also develop compulsive behaviours when they’re struggling with these mental health issues.
Anxiety
Like many of us, doggies are creatures of habit, and they can become anxious when their routines are disrupted. They can also suffer from separation anxiety or feel anxious after a traumatic experience, such as getting pain, illness or getting injured in a fight with another doggie.
Symptoms of anxiety in dogs can include:
🐾 Avoiding eye contact
🐾 Excessively licking their lips or sniffing the air
🐾 Moving away from people who approach them
🐾 Yawning when they’re not tired
🐾 Pacing back and forth or in circles
🐾 Trembling
🐾 Whimpering or whining
🐾 Yawning when they’re not sleepy
Anxious doggies can also appear restless and have a hard time settling down. Additionally, you may notice changes in their eating or drinking habits.
Depression
Can doggies get depressed? There is not a simple answer as we can’t really know what goes on in their minds to equate it with hooman depression. However, it is known they can experience deep sadness and show signs of depression similar to people such as:
🐾 Appetite loss
🐾 Lethargy
🐾 Inability to sleep or sleeping more than usual
🐾 Withdrawal from social interaction
Depression in doggies is usually temporary and often comes in response to a major life change, such as moving to a new home. It will often resolve itself as the doggie acclimates to their situation.
Compulsive Behaviours
Dogs aren’t diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) like their hoomans. It’s not known if they have obsessive thoughts, which is a hallmark of this condition for hoomans. However, anxiety, fear, boredom, frustration, and other negative emotions can lead to compulsive behaviours.
These behaviors are exaggerations of normal doggie activities, which are done for longer periods of time and repeated in situations where they wouldn’t be expected. For instance, you wouldn’t bat an eye if your doggie was licking their paw after it was hurt, but constantly licking an uninjured paw may indicate a compulsive behaviour.
🐾 Barking
🐾 Chewing
🐾 Excessive licking
🐾 Pacing
🐾 Snapping at the air
🐾 Spinning
🐾 Sucking on toys
🐾 Tail chasing
Compulsive behaviours can start out as a way for dogs to soothe themselves. They become problematic when our doggies ritualise the behaviour. For example, they might suck on a favorite toy when they’re afraid during a storm or fireworks. Because this made them feel better, they may begin to search out the toy and repeat the behaviour anytime they are scared or anxious.
Some obsessive behaviours can be harmful to them. Doggies who lick their sides constantly can cause painful wounds or skin infections. Sucking on objects can result in choking or swallowing small pieces, which can obstruct the intestines. Doggies have also been known to chase and attack their tails, damaging them so badly that amputation is needed.
Dogs with mental health difficulties can also exhibit behaviour issues such as aggression, excessive barking, or destructive chewing. These unwanted behaviours can be disruptive and even dangerous.
Causes
Doggie mental health difficulties are often in reaction to a life change. Some doggies can be quite sensitive, and they may experience depression or anxiety over what seem to us like little things, such as a new leash or dog carrier.
More significant events that can affect our doggie’s mental health include:
🐾 An addition to the household, such as a new baby, adopted child, spouse, roommate, or pet
🐾 Someone leaving the home, for instance, a child going away to college, a spouse moving out after a divorce, or the death of another pet
🐾 Moving to home
🐾 Changes in routine due to children going back to school or a job change
In addition, doggies may show signs of mental health issues after something traumatic happens, like getting a road accident or surgery. It’s also important to keep in mind that symptoms of depression and anxiety can be signs of illnesses.
Dogs at Risk for Mental Health Issues
Any dog can suffer from mental health issues, but it is a common and heartbreaking problem for dogs who have been neglected, mistreated, or abused. Anxiety can also be more prevalent in smaller breeds, such as Chihuahua, Shih Tzu and Jack Russell Terriers.
Tips to Avoid Dog Mental Health Issues
Taking care of your dog’s mental health is part of being a responsible hooman. Here are some ways to help your dog avoid issues like anxiety or depression:
1. Maintain a routine. Of course, there will be days when you can’t feed or walk your doggie at the usual time, but having a good routine can help them feel comfortable and confident.
2. Avoid stressors if possible. For instance, if your dog is anxious around new people, take walks on less populated routes and make slow introductions when you meet a stranger.
3. Leave the TV or radio on. If your dog gets lonely when you’re out of the house, consider putting on a soothing TV or radio station. Animal and nature channels work great for some doggies!
4. Use positive reinforcement. Scolding or yelling at our doggies can create stress and anxiety. It’s healthier to reward them for being good rather than punishing them for bad behaviour.
5. Take great care of them. Help them stay in shape mentally by making sure they’re in shape physically. Feed them a nutritious diet making sure they are getting plenty of sleep, giving them enough opportunities to exercise, and engaging toys. Enrichment toys and natural chews and treats keep your doggie mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
6. Play with them. Playtime can be a great stress reliever. It also strengthens the bond between you and your doggie, which can make you both feel loved and happy.
7. Know your doggie’s personality. Some dogs need a little space, while others prefer extra attention when they feel stressed or anxious. If you know how your doggie likes to process their feelings, you’ll be better equipped to give them what they need.
8. Consider your own emotional state. According to research, doggies can understand our emotions. So, your doggie may be feeling blue because they sense you’re sad or depressed. They may be giving you a clue that you need some self-care.
How you can support your pets mental health
As well as looking after our own mental wellbeing, it’s also important to keep an eye on your doggie’s and other pet’s behaviour and look out for signs of anxiety. It’s well documented that owning a doggie is good for the mental health of their hoomans but it’s vital to support their mental health too. Here are some ideas about how to keep them calm and happy.
So, how can you provide additional stimulation
1. If your doggie is on restricted walks outside you can exercise with them indoors. There are several different techniques which can be used to exercise your them at home – setting up agility activities, teaching your dog something new or buying a new, stimulating toy. Playing with them will be essential in reducing their anxiety and stress if there’s a need to keep them indoors.
3. Play games with your doggie
Interacting with your doggie will help stimulate their mind. Using a toy, which you can both engage with, will also help you form a stronger relationship. Consider something you could throw, drag or swing to get their attention and maintain their interest. It will also help keep them active.
5. Buy new toys and rotate with their existing ones. There are lots of interactive toys available for dogs and other pets, there is a wide selection of choice online. By rotating the new and old toys you will keep your pet interested in what they’re playing with whether a hide and seek game, an IQ treat dispensing puzzle or natural chews.
6. Play hide and seek. Stimulating their senses is important for our doggies wellbeing. Hiding treats and toys around your home or garden provides mental stimulation.
8. Play Pup Fiction
Spotify have a ‘My Dog’s Favourite Podcast’ – which has up to 5 hours of ‘soothing sounds and friendly chat’ which is an ‘aural treat’ for your dog.
9. Find a new walk to explore. Our doggies love new environments and smells. Let them take the lead, well not literally, but follow them, see where they take you!
10. Scatter feeding and scent work with treats is great fun for our doggies and putting to use their number one sense!
There is lots of evidence that a mentally and physically stimulated pet is happier and healthier. By knowing your doggie and observing changes in their behaviour, you will be able to spot whether their mental wellbeing is being impacted. If you’ve tried several of the techniques but still concerned that your doggie is exhibiting signs of worry or stress then you should contact your vet who will be able to provide you with more advice.
And never forgot to give your doggie lots of love each and every day! 💕💕🐾
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