Many dog owners focus on their pets’ physical health but don’t understand that mental Health for dogs is equally important. Mental health problems and lack of mental stimulation can adversely affect a dog’s well-being but with proper knowledge and use of products such as CBD dog treats these issues can be avoided.
Many studies have revealed that dogs’ brains can suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression just like humans do and this can lead to destructive and self-harming behavior in dogs and even aggression. If you want to know how you can support your dog’s mental health and why it is important and which mental health issues are common in canines, read on.
Causes Of Mental Health Issues in Dogs
Following is some of the major causes of mental health problems in dogs:
Genetic predisposition
The development of some of these illnesses is more likely to occur in certain dog breeds than in others. For example, Dobermans have a greater than usual risk of acquiring narcolepsy and flank sucking, which is an obsessive disease.
Physical disorder
Certain physical ailments might induce symptoms that are similar to those associated with dog mental health. It is possible that thyroid disorders cause hyperkinetic behavior, and that excessive chewing and licking could be the result of itchy skin caused by allergies.
Developmental factors and lack of socialization
Certain illnesses, such as social anxiety, can be brought on by improper socialization in the early stages of a dog’s life. Trauma that occurs during the prenatal or neonatal phase of the growth of the dog can also bring about these problems.
Signs Of Mental Health Problems in Dogs
If you ever wonder can dogs have mental disabilities? The answer is yes. If your dog exhibits any of the following signs they might be suffering from mental health issues:
Behavioral changes
Dogs may become passive, lethargic, or less engaged in activities that they used to enjoy. Additionally, they might begin to bark, grumble, or pant more frequently than they normally would.
Compulsive behavior
Obsessive behaviors, such as frequent touching, tail chasing, or chewing, are behaviors that can be shown by dogs.
Destructive behavior
Dogs will engage in destructive activities, such as digging, biting, and chewing toys, shoes, beds, and couches, causing a nuisance for the owners.
Anxiety
Dogs may exhibit signs of nervousness. They may also develop phobias to odors, sounds, and places.
Aggression
There is a possibility that dogs will become aggressive against people, children, or other pets. They may snarl or bark or they could engage in biting or scratching. Dog treats have shown good results in calming aggressive dogs.
What Mental Disorder Can Dogs Have?
What mental disorders can dogs have is a common question in most owners’ minds?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
This condition is one of the most common mental illnesses in dogs, which is often referred to as Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD), and is characterized by the involvement of dogs in behaviors that are difficult to regulate and occur repeatedly. Spindling, tail chasing, self-mutilation, excessive grooming, and consuming items that are not food are some of the symptoms.
Dementia
The memory, learning, and comprehension of a dog are all negatively impacted by this illness, which is often referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Disorientation, becoming lost in places that are familiar, and wandering into space are some of the symptoms seen in this condition.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
One of the possible causes of this anxiety illness is a traumatic experience, such as being abused or getting into a fight with another dog. In addition to having trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior and sensitivity to noises are also symptoms.
Depression
A dog may experience sadness as a result of a number of factors, including the passing of a close companion, the relocation to a new residence, or chemical abnormalities in the brain. In addition to tiredness, symptoms include a loss of appetite.
Tips For Supporting Your Dog’s Mental Health
Following are some of the guidelines on how you can support the mental health of your dog so it can stay happy and healthy.
Take Your Dog to The Vet Regularly
If you want to improve the mental and physical well-being of your dog, your finest partner in doing so is none other than a veterinarian.
In the majority of cases, the psychological and physical issues that your dog is experiencing are intimately connected to one another. If you wish to make sure that your pets are both physically and mentally well, it would be beneficial to take them to the veterinarian on an ongoing basis.
Limit Your Dog’s Alone Time
Dogs would undoubtedly say that leaving them isolated for a day or more is the most awful thing you might ever do to them. Dogs flourish in packs, thus they need additional packs. Abandoning dogs alone in a cage or dark, chilly area is cruel. A dog left alone for long periods is bound to experience boredom, depressive symptoms, and destructive conduct for no cause.
Exercise with your dog
Exercising dogs is one of the most frequently neglected needs that dogs have. In addition to keeping your dog physically in excellent condition, regular exercise will also do amazing things for the emotional health of your canine companion. Along with exercise, supplements such as CBD, can also be beneficial for mental health issues in canines.
