Mental health challenges are a genuine and serious issue for humans. But what about our furry friends? Do dogs develop mental health challenges? It’s a valid question, especially since so many of us view dogs as family members. We want to keep them healthy and happy, both physically and mentally.
Yes, dogs can suffer from various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re concerned about your dog’s mental well-being, look out for signs, including changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, energy levels, and behavior.
This article covers some of the most common mental health conditions seen in dogs. We’ll also review varieties of mental health challenges dogs experience and their symptoms. Most importantly, we’ll review how you can best help your furry friends. But first, we’ll discuss the common causes of mental health challenges in doggies.
Can Dogs Develop Mental Health Challenges?
Yes, your pup can certainly develop mental health challenges. The symptoms of mental illness can manifest in dogs due to environmental factors, genetics, or circumstances such as neglect or abuse.
Observe your dog’s behavioral changes and visit your veteran if you suspect that your canine pal may be suffering from a mental health challenge.
Some dog breeds are more prone to certain mental health challenges than others:
- Border Collies are susceptible to an obsessive-compulsive disorder that may cause them to chase their tails endlessly.
- Dalmatians are prone to depression and anxiety.
- Labradors are susceptible to separation anxiety.
- Poodles are prone to obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
While dogs can develop mental illnesses, some breeds are more vulnerable than most.
Several factors can contribute to mental illness in dogs:
- One of the most common factors is abuse or neglect. Dogs constantly left alone or physically or verbally abused are more likely to develop mental health challenges.
- Grief can also lead to mental health issues in dogs. The loss of a human companion, another animal, or even a favorite toy can cause a dog to become depressed or anxious.
- Genetics may also play a role in a dog’s mental health. If a dog’s parents experience mental health challenges, the dog’s chances of developing mental health challenges increase.
Can Dogs Develop Severe Mental Health Challenges?
Dogs can develop severe mental health challenges from various factors, including their environment, trauma, and chemical imbalances in their brains. Dogs are complex creatures with unique personalities. Your pup can experience a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and even psychosis.
Can Dogs Become Suicidal?
Doctors have examined several behavioral changes in dogs and believe that some behaviors may indicate mental distress in dogs, and one is suicide. There are many different ways that dogs may exhibit suicidal behavior.
For example, a dog may try to jump off a high place, run into oncoming traffic, or eat dangerous substances. However, not all of these behaviors may be indicative of suicidal ideation. For example, a dog who jumps off a high place may be trying to escape from something and is not necessarily suicidal.
Some suicidal symptoms include:
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits
- Withdrawal from social interaction
- Unusual aggression or irritability
- Self-destructive behaviors, such as chewing on objects or pacing excessively
- A sudden change in personality or behavior
If your dog shows signs of suicidal behavior, it is vital to seek professional help quickly. With proper treatment, your dog can live a happy and healthy life.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Mental Issues?
If you’ve noticed that your dog has been acting out of the ordinary, it is possible that your dog may be experiencing mental health issues. Mental health challenges in dogs can manifest in several ways. Behavioral changes that may indicate mental health challenges in dogs include:
Aggression
Dogs with mental health challenges may act aggressively toward people or other animals. If your dog is usually friendly and suddenly becomes aggressive, it may be a sign of mental health challenges. Other symptoms of mental health challenges in dogs include:
- Withdrawing from social interaction
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Changes in appetite
- Excessive grooming or self-mutilation
Destructive Chewing
Destructive chewing is one of the most common behaviors people ask about when they think their dog may be experiencing mental health challenges. Destructive chewing is also one of the most challenging behaviors to change. There are many reasons dogs chew destructively.
Some dogs chew because they’re bored or anxious. Others chew out of frustration or an attempt to receive attention. And some dogs chew simply because they like the taste or texture of whatever they’re chewing.
If your dog is chewing destructively, you should take it to the vet to rule out any medical causes. Once you’ve ruled out a medical reason, you can start working on changing this behavior.
Excessive Barking
It’s essential to understand that some dogs simply bark more than others. If your dog is barking more than average, there could be several reasons why. They could be bored, anxious, or even in pain.
It’s vital to obtain medical tests for your dogs, as excessive barking can sometimes signify an underlying health condition. If a vet has checked out your dog and there are no medical causes for their excessive barking, it’s essential to try and figure out what else might be causing the problem.
Fearful Behavior
Your pup’s fearful behavior is a clear sign of mental health challenges. Genetic and environmental factors often cause mental health challenges in dogs. For example, if a dog’s parents were both anxious or fearful, the dog is more likely to inherit those traits.
Additionally, if a dog experiences a traumatic event, such as an attack by another animal or neglect, this can also cause mental illness. Any of the following behaviors indicate fearful behavior in dogs:
- Hiding
- Shaking or cowering
- Barking excessively
- Growling
- Avoiding eye contact
- Lunging or snapping
These behaviors can be exhibited in response to any number of things, including but not limited to unfamiliar people or animals, loud noises, car rides, being left alone, or changes in routine. If your dog displays any of these behaviors regularly, it is essential to consult a veterinarian.
What Mental Disorders Can Dogs Have?
Dogs can suffer from several mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In some cases, these disorders result from physical health problems but often result from psychological issues.
Common factors that can contribute to mental health disorders in dogs are listed below.
Dementia
The most common mental disorder in dogs is dementia, characterized by a decline in cognitive function. There is no definitive test for dementia. However, common signs include decreased energy levels and activity, changes in sleeping patterns, increased anxiety and irritability, and difficulty with basic commands or learning new tasks.
There are several possible causes of dementia in dogs. Causes include age-related changes, genetic factors, and underlying health conditions. While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to help manage the situation and make your dog more comfortable. Treatment options include medications to help with anxiety and memory loss and changes in diet and exercise.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in dogs. Anxiety may be triggered by environmental changes, such as separation from owners. There are many ways to tell if your dog suffers from anxiety. Common signs include panting, pacing, trembling, and excessive barking or whining. If your dog becomes highly clingy or withdrawn, these may also be signs of anxiety.
Obsessive Compulsion
Obsessive compulsion is a less common mental health challenge in dogs but can be as debilitating as anxiety or depression. Obsessive compulsion results in repetitive behaviors, such as excessive licking, chewing, or grooming. Symptoms of obsessive compulsion vary depending on the individual dog but often include hair loss, raw skin, and open wounds.
Bipolar Disorder
Dogs may be exhibiting signs of bipolar disorder if they display drastic changes in energy and mood. For example, your dog may be unusually energetic and playful one day and then lethargic and depressed the next. These changes may be extreme and occur over a short period.
If you notice your dog’s mood swings last more than a few days or if they seem to be having difficulty functioning in a healthy way, it’s essential to talk to your vet.
Schizophrenia-Like Symptoms
Schizophrenia-like symptoms are not very common in dogs, though different dogs have different mental health profiles. However, some experts believe that certain dog breeds are more prone to developing schizophrenia-like symptoms. For example, toys and miniature poodles have an increased risk of developing such symptoms.
Other factors, such as early exposure to traumatic events, may also play a role in a dog developing schizophrenia-like symptoms. If you’re concerned that your dog may be exhibiting signs of the condition, it is essential to speak with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome in dogs is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Down syndrome results in mental and physical challenges and a shortened life span. Early-onset seizures or behavioral problems are often seen in dogs with Down syndrome.
Dogs with Down syndrome typically have a mild to moderate form of the disorder, and most enjoy average life spans. However, dogs with Down syndrome may be more prone to certain health problems, such as infections, heart defects, and digestive issues.
While the cause of Down syndrome is not fully understood, it is believed to be associated with exposure to certain environmental toxins or viral infections during pregnancy.
Phobias
Dogs with phobias may be afraid of particular objects, animals, sounds, situations, or places. Common triggers for dog phobias include thunderstorms, fireworks, and being alone. Phobias can be mild, moderate, or severe.
In some cases, phobic dogs may become agitated, anxious, and even panicked when confronted with the object of their fear. Some dogs may become so nervous that they injure themselves in their attempts to escape their anxiety trigger.
For example, a dog afraid of being alone may become so frantic that the dog chews through walls or doorways.
How Can I Help My Dog With Mental Health Challenges?
Dogs are social creatures, and isolation can lead to mental health issues. Take your dog for a walk in a dog park or to doggie daycare. Make sure that you provide your dog with a healthy diet. A healthy diet will help keep your dog’s mind and body in tip-top shape.
If your dog shows signs of mental health challenges, you can do a few things to help. A tired dog is not a happy dog, and regular exercise will help keep your dog’s mind healthy and active.
The following list includes tips for helping your dog with mental health challenges.
Know Your Pup’s Personality
Dog’s personalities vary as much as humans. You need to know your puppy’s personality to best train, socialize, and care for them. Here are some things to look for:
- How much energy does your dog have? Do they need a lot of exercise, or are they content to lounge around the house? Do a little calculation of your dog’s lounging time and increase their activity level if needed.
- Some dogs can be aggressive toward people or other animals. If your dog is aggressive, you’ll need to work on training and socialization.
- Digging is normal behavior, but some dogs dig more than others. If your dog is a digger, you may need to provide an alternate activity or create a digging area.
- Jumping up on people is another normal dog behavior, but it can be annoying or dangerous. If your dog is a jumper, you’ll need to provide proper training.
- Chasing cars, bikes, animals, and people is normal dog behavior. If your dog is a chaser, you’ll need to provide an alternate activity or create a fenced area.
Maintain A Routine
Dogs with mental health challenges often feel stressed and anxious. Helping dogs by keeping a routine can make a big difference in a doggie’s quality of life. Feed doggies at the same time each day, take them out for walks simultaneously, and give them plenty of opportunities to rest and relax.
Play With Your Pup
Dogs’ mental health challenges may be due to a lack of socialization and interaction. One of the best things you can do to help your dog cope with mental health challenges is to ensure that they get enough playtime and attention.
Interact with your dog regularly by playing fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek games. These activities will provide your furry friend with much-needed exercise and help strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Set aside time each day for playtime – both you and your dog will benefit!
Avoid Stressors
Mental illness in dogs can be caused by various factors, including abuse, neglect, and traumatic experiences. While you can’t change your dog’s past, you can help them avoid stressors that may trigger their condition.
Everyday stressors include loud noises, changes in routine, being left alone, and unfamiliar people or animals. If you know what causes your dog stress, try to avoid those situations as much as possible.
Break Up Boredom
A dog left alone for long periods can develop psychological problems such as depression, fearfulness, and aggression. To prevent boredom, give your dog plenty of attention and exercise.
Dogs are happiest when they have a job to do. If your dog doesn’t have a regular job, such as guarding your home or herding sheep, doggies can become dull and destructive. To keep your dog’s mind challenged and engaged, give your furry friend a daily dose of “doggy enrichment.” This can include food-stuffed Kongs, puzzle toys, and interactive games.
Maximize Socialization
Dogs experiencing mental health challenges often have a hard time socializing. It’s essential to help your dog maximize socialization opportunities to interact with other dogs and people.
There are a few ways you can do this:
- Taking your dog to a park is an excellent way to interact with other dogs and people.
- Many dog clubs provide socialization opportunities for dogs.
- Fostering a dog in need can also help increase socialization opportunities for dogs.
- Training your dog can also help increase socialization opportunities. Many dog trainers offer classes that focus on socialization.
- Dogs that are not well-exercised are often more prone to mental illness. Exercise is a great way to prevent mental health challenges in your dog.
Reward Positive Behavior
One way to help your dog with mental health challenges is to reinforce positive behaviors. You can do this with treats, petting, or verbal praise. It is essential to practice positive reinforcement consistently so your dog knows what behavior is being rewarded.
Try Natural Remedies
Several natural remedies can help your dog with mental health challenges. One popular remedy is CBD oil. CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant and effectively treats various conditions, including anxiety and depression. You can give your dog suitable cannabidiol (CBD) oil by adding it to their food or feeding directly.
Other natural remedies for mental health challenges in dogs include:
Valerian Roots
Valerian root is a natural sedative that can help calm an anxious dog. You can give valerian roots to your dog as a supplement or by adding it to their food.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is a herb that has been traditionally used to treat depression. You can give St. John’s wort to your dog as a supplement or by adding it to their food.
Passionflower
Passionflower is a herb that lowers brain activity and helps an anxious dog relax. You can give passionflower to your dog as a supplement or by adding it to their food.
