Mental Health In Dogs.
It is well known that dogs can contribute to our well-being and happiness and, therefore, be instrumental in our own mental health. However, dogs too, can suffer from a variety of mental health conditions themselves. In this article, Holidays4Dogs explores the subject of mental health in dogs.
1 in 4 people in the UK will suffer with mental health problems every year. In addition, the number of people reporting mental health conditions, has been increasing in recent years. Thankfully, the stigma around mental health has reduced and more people are able to access appropriate health care.
However, humans are not the only ones to experience poor mental health . Our canine companions can also suffer from a variety of mental health issues including ADHD-type behaviours, anxiety and even depression.
Indeed, in 2022, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association revealed that 74% of the UK’s pet dog population showed symptoms of mental health problems. It is becoming increasingly important to be aware that, dogs don’t just need physical exercise, but attention paid to their mental well-being too.
The emotional dog.
Science tells us that dogs are capable of experiencing a range of emotions similar to that of a two year old child. Dogs have the same brain structure and the same hormones that produce emotions. Therefore, they can experience happiness, fear, anger and love. However, experts do not think that dogs can feel more complex emotions like shame, embarrassment or pride.
That said, because dogs can experience a range of significant emotions, it is important to take care of their mental health.
What clues suggest my dog is suffering with a mental health disorder?
A mentally healthy dog will typically display behaviours such as playfulness, confidence, curiosity and calmness. A mentally distressed dog may display characteristics such as nervousness, aggression, malaise, moods swings and poor appetite. Recognising these traits in your dog, is the first step to helping them overcome their struggles.
Fearfulness – excessive fear responses towards everyday things like other people, dogs, noises, smells, objects, could indicate mental health concerns.
Aggression – frequent bouts of aggression, especially of sudden onset, is another factor that could point to mental distress.
Changes in sleep, or eating patterns – a lack of interest in food could signal mental health issues as well as underlying physical conditions. Therefore, it is important to seek veterinary advice. Similarly, dogs that sleep for longer periods and seem disinterested in their surroundings could be suffering from depression.
Obsessive behaviours – tail chasing, excessive barking, chewing (themselves) could all be indications of a mental health disorder.
Reduced activity levels – some dogs with mental health conditions may become quiet and inactive with no desire to play, or interact.
Mental health conditions seen in dogs.
Many dog owners are unaware that their pets can suffer a range of mental health conditions, similar to humans. Some may just think that their dog is behaving normally – or being naughty. Most people concentrate on their dog’s physical well being – but don’t always pick up on signs that the dog’s mental health might be suffering.
Separation anxiety.
This is a common condition affecting dogs which causes the dog to become panic stricken when left alone. It is caused by being separated from people the dog has a strong attachment too. It can also be caused by trauma, moving home, death of a companion, neglect and spending time in a rescue shelter. The good news is SA is preventable and treatable.
Obsessive compulsive disorder.
Dogs can suffer from a condition which is similar to obsessive compulsive disorder in humans. However, it is probably better described as ‘abnormal repetitive behaviour’ and is seen by some academics as being very separate from human OCD.
Nevertheless, abnormal repetitive behaviours can be seen in dogs, as well as farm and zoo animals. These behaviours typically occur out of context and in the absence of a medical condition. Common repetitive behaviours include pacing, spinning, digging, tail chasing, licking and chewing.
Depression.
While dogs don’t experience depression in such a complex way as humans do, they can become withdrawn and show a lack of interest in doing normal things such as playing, eating and interacting. Some reasons why dogs may become depressed may be due to fear, moving home, physical injury, illness or grief from losing a companion.
Fear and anxiety.
Many dogs experience anxiety and fear and it is becoming a more common issue in companion dogs. Dogs are often expected to fit into a human social world that is often unnatural to them. This can create fearful behaviours which can include – poor social skills, (with people and other animals), aggression, noise phobia environmental phobias (fear of new and novel situations/objects) and separation anxiety.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This is a genetic neurodevelopmental condition which affects many humans worldwide. It is characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and an inability to concentrate. It has been found that dogs share several demographic risk factors and behaviour comorbidities with humans in relation to ADHD. They also respond similarly to treatment. Risk factors for dogs with ADHD-like behaviours include;- young male dogs, particular breed, (working breeds and terriers, for example) and dogs that spend more time alone.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
This is a neurodegenerative disorder which is usually seen in elderly dogs and has similarities to human Alzheimer’s. Dogs may become disorientated, aggressive, forget previously known skills – such as house-training and have changes in sleep patterns. Although, many dog owners may attribute this to natural aging, CDS is treatable – so if suspected, seek veterinary advice.
Conclusion.
Taking care of our own mental health is vitally important in a fast moving modern world. Anyone who lives with dogs will know their companion pets can go a long way to providing unconditional support and love – often through difficult periods of our lives and some or our darkest days.
However, its important to remember that dogs too can experience mental health distress. Recognising the signs of this is crucial to maintaining a strong, healthy bond with our beloved dogs.
