Many dog owners may not realize that our dogs can struggle mentally just like some of us do. Being affected by mental health issues can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life and can lead to disastrous consequences. To prevent any adverse outcome from occurring, it is essential that, as dog owners, you are able to detect the signs that your dog is struggling mentally. In this article, we will explore some signs that can indicate your dog is having mental health struggles and what you can do to help them.
Common Signs You Should Address
Here are some common signs you should not ignore in your dog.
Sudden Aggression
This is a significant indication that your dog is experiencing mental struggles, especially if your dog is usually calm. This aggression can sometimes be linked to a particular person, place, or activity, so you must be vigilant to notice any changes in your dog.
Destructive Behavior
Destroying things around the home, like shoes, furniture, and clothes, can be an indicator of poor mental health in your dog. This is especially true when your dog does not typically exhibit such behavior.
Sluggishness and Low Mobility
Your dog may appear sluggish and reluctant to move. They may no longer enjoy activities they once did and also become less social.
What You Can Do For Them
The first and best thing you can do for your dog is take them to a vet if they exhibit any of the listed symptoms. These symptoms are not exclusive to mental health conditions and can be indicators for other health problems, so taking them to a vet is the best step you can take. If you have been assured that your dog is, in fact, dealing with mental health issues, then you can try some of the following suggestions in addition to what your vet advised.
Find and Remove the Cause
Sometimes, most mental health conditions in dogs, like anxiety, are caused by something, so try to find out what it is and see how you can help them adjust or overcome their challenge. If possible, eliminate it; if not, then gradually desensitize them.
Look for Other Solutions
Many alternative solutions can help your dog. You can try CBD for dogs, aromatherapy, herbal supplements, and other things to help your dog as long as they don’t contradict your vet’s instructions.
Encouragement and Enrichment
You can never go wrong with giving your dog encouragement and verbal assurance. Be there for them and let them know how much you care. It goes a long way; make sure to reward good behavior and bravery with treats and pats, and you can gradually help your dog overcome their challenge. Take them on walks, get them toys, and try to make them as happy as we can. We all want our dogs to be the best they can be physically and mentally, so as owners, we must be quick to identify signs that they are struggling and take the necessary steps to help them cope.
