Mental illnesses in dogs, much like in humans, are an important aspect of their well-being that is gaining increased attention and understanding. Just as people have their thoughts, feelings, and personalities, dogs too exhibit a range of emotions and behaviors that reflect their mental state. Although dogs can’t speak in words, they communicate effectively through body language, barking, and other sounds. Some dogs are exceptionally skilled at expressing their needs, often surpassing human communication abilities.
It was thought that the stress from living with anxiety or fear might harm a dog’s health and lifespan. The findings suggest that fear, especially fear of strangers, is connected to a shorter life for dogs.
Dr. Nancy Dreschel
In recent times, there has been a positive shift in acknowledging and addressing mental illnesses in dogs. With approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiencing mental health conditions, it is becoming increasingly evident that our canine companions may also encounter mental health challenges. Conditions such as OCD, depression, and anxiety can affect dogs, and they exhibit signs of distress that, when understood, allow for better support and care. This evolving awareness is contributing to a more compassionate and informed approach to the mental well-being of our beloved four-legged friends. More: Are our perceptions influenced by our values?
Mental health in dogs: Understanding similarities with humans
Dogs and humans have brains that work in similar ways because we’re both social creatures that have evolved a lot. A study from 2014 found that dogs and humans process voices and emotions in pretty much the same way. Sometimes, people who have dogs might not take certain behaviors seriously, thinking they’re just small quirks or harmless actions.
But it turns out, mental health issues in dogs can be a bigger deal. According to Nancy Dreschel from Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Dairy and Animal Science, dogs that act scared or anxious around strangers might have a shorter life. Even though many pet dogs don’t have autopsies after they pass away, there are signs of mental health problems that we can notice before a dog’s death. For example, research shows that dogs dealing with fear, separation anxiety, or other forms of stress can develop skin problems. More: 7 gardening tips for beginners
Symptoms of mental illnesses in dogs
Signs of anxious dogs may include:
- Shaking or trembling
- Trying to hide
- Wanting to escape
- Non-stop licking or grooming
- Hurting themselves
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Being less active
- Doing things that break stuff
For depression:
- Not wanting to eat
- Losing a lot of weight
- Being less active
- Being very tired or sleeping more
- Not wanting to be around others
- Saying no to water or treats
- Losing more fur
- Suddenly acting very different
If a dog has OCD:
- Doing the same thing over and over
- Hurting themselves on purpose
- Chasing their tail a lot
- Not being as playful as before
Common mental illnesses in dogs
Separation Anxiety: Lots of dogs go through separation anxiety, which is when they feel upset and worried when left alone or away from their family. It happens to about 14% of dogs. Signs of this include barking a lot, going to the bathroom inside, and breaking or chewing things like shoes or toys.
Depression: Just like people, dogs can get depressed too. Even though they can’t tell us with words, you can see it in their actions. If your dog seems sadder, more tired, and less active than usual, they might be feeling down.
Social Anxiety: Some dogs get nervous around people they don’t know or other dogs. They might also feel scared in new places with lots of new things. It could even be about protecting their own space – a dog might be fine with visitors at home but get scared when they’re outside their comfort zone.
Noise Anxiety: Some dogs get scared of loud sounds, like thunder or fireworks. It’s like how some people might get scared during a thunderstorm or when there are fireworks, but for dogs, it can be even scarier. Sometimes, loud noises like a car backfiring or a loud knock can also make them anxious. It’s a good idea to be ready for these situations, especially during holidays like the 4th of July and New Year when there are lots of fireworks. Dogs with noise anxiety might bark a lot, shake, tremble, whine, stick close to you, cry, or try to hide.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in dogs is like when they do weird things over and over that don’t make much sense. If your dog keeps doing the same strange behaviors again and again, like chasing their tail, digging, or biting their food bowl, they might be dealing with OCD. More: The essential values of friendship: How to be a better friend
Treating your dog’s mental health
The approaches to address mental illnesses in dogs closely parallel the recommendations a doctor might provide for a person. If you think your dog might be feeling mentally not-so-great, the first step is to see your vet. The vet can check if any physical health problems are causing the issue. They can also help you figure out a plan to boost your dog’s mental health and might give some medications to help. More: Explaining divorce to children: Tips for a healthy conversation
There are other things you can do to help your dog feel better. Just like with people, exercise is super important for a dog’s mind and body. Going for a walk means fresh air, new sights, and sounds, and maybe meeting other dog friends. If your dog needs more exercise, you could bike with them or hire a dog walker if you’re busy.
Gentle massages and certain exercises can also make your dog feel less anxious and more confident. Natural remedies, like fish oil or herbs, might be useful too, but it’s important to ask your vet before trying them. Some dogs even get acupuncture, but you should find a specialist who knows about pets.
When your dog seems down, it’s tempting to shower them with love. But too much attention can make them more anxious. Sometimes, giving them space and letting them do the things they enjoy, like playing fetch or chewing on toys, can lift their spirits. It’s like finding out what makes your dog happy and doing more of that! More: How to determine which pet is right for you?
