What You Should Know About Your Dog’s Mental Health

The last few decades have seen a growing awareness about mental health issues in people, but what about our furry friends? Can dogs have mental health problems, too? 

The answer is a resounding "yes!" Our furry friends can develop many of the same type of mental health concerns that we do. As pet owners increasingly strive to promote overall wellness in their pooches, more people are becoming interested in how to support better mental health for dogs. 

Knowing what the most common dog mental health issues are and understanding their symptoms and treatments is an important first step, and this post introduces these topics to help you begin thinking about your pup's mental health. 

Dogs and Mental Health: Key Terms to Know 

To understand dog mental health concerns, here are three key terms to familiarize yourself with: 

• Stress: When external factors cause tension, worry and unease, experts refer to the phenomenon as stress. Like people, dogs can become stressed for a variety of reasons. Stress is a normal body response that occurs in response to a perceived threat. It's not a mental health disorder on its own, but it can contribute to mental health problems. 

• Anxiety: In dogs, anxiety is worry or fear that arises in response to stress. One well-known form is separation anxiety, which occurs when dogs are apart from their owners. Anxiety can also develop due to other stressors, as we'll explore shortly. 

• Depression: Depression is a mental health problem marked by sadness, listlessness and fatigue in dogs. 

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues in Dogs 

Since dogs can't tell us how they feel, pet owners need to be on the lookout for the warning signs of dogs' mental health problems. Often, mental health issues manifest as behavioral changes, such as: 

• Excessive barking or whining 

• Aggression 

• Withdrawal from people 

• Lack of interest in playing 

• Avoiding eye contact 

Mental health problems may also cause physical symptoms, including: 

• Loss of appetite 

• Lethargy 

• Excessive licking 

• Trembling 

• Pacing 

• Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more or less 

Causes of Mental Health Issues in Dogs 

Many things can contribute to mental health problems in dogs, including: 

• Environmental changes: Moving to a new home, changes in daily schedule, remodeling a home, not being able to go outside as much due to cold weather and other environmental changes can cause stress and lead to dog mental health challenges. 

• Lack of stimulation: Dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to support their well-being. Without it, they may become depressed or anxious. 

• Trauma: Past abuse prior to adoption and other types of trauma, such as a fight at the dog park or an injury, may contribute to mental health issues in dogs. 

• Health issues: In some cases, health problems may cause changes in a dog's brain that lead to mental health concerns. Limitations due to health issues, such as necessary changes in diet or not being able to play without joint pain, may also cause anxiousness or depression in dogs. 

In some cases, mental health issues may arise from more than one cause. 

How to Prevent Dog Mental Health Issues 

While it may not be possible to completely prevent mental health concerns in dogs, there are actions that you can take to reduce the risk of them developing, such as: 

• Helping your dog get enough exercise: Regular physical activities through walks and play can support mental well-being in your pet. 

• Stimulating their mind: Puzzle toys and training can keep your dog's mind active to lower the likelihood of anxiety and depression occurring. 

• Creating opportunities for socialization: Allowing your dog to spend time with other dogs and different people may help diminish some fears that contribute to depression and lower the likelihood of isolation-related depression. 

• Promoting the right environment: Establishing a quiet, calm area for your dog to retreat to when they feel stressed may help. Also, strive to follow a set daily schedule, so your dog knows what to expect. 

Treatment of Dogs' Mental Health Issues 

Treatment of mental health issues in dogs usually requires a multi-faceted approach that includes: 

• Addressing causes: By identifying the cause of mental health problems, you can take steps to lessen their effects. For example, if your dog is suffering due to lack of stimulation, increased exercise and a daily training regimen may help. 

• Behavioral therapy: For dogs with anxiety, gradual exposure to stressors may be beneficial. For example, a dog that is frightened of storms may benefit from listening to the sounds of a storm with you for a 1 minute, then 2 minutes, etc. Providing positive reinforcement in the form of praise, affection and healthy treats can help diminish problematic behaviors associated with mental health problems. 

• Veterinary interventions: In some cases, vets may prescribe medications to treat mental health problems. Your vet can also provide you with personalized advice on how to help your pooch. 

How CBD Chews Can Help 

For dogs struggling with mental health challenges, CBD chews may help support an emotional balance. CBD stands for cannabidiol, an extract from the hemp plant that has been shown to have calming benefits. In one academic study, 83% of dogs experienced a decrease in behaviors associated with stress and anxiety after taking CBD. 

Kradle CBD chews combine CBD with a BotaniTek™ blend of calming ingredients to help reduce the effects of normal environmental stress, while promoting relaxation and helping dogs maintain a normal disposition. The chew form makes them easy to administer, and dosing guidelines make it simple to determine how much to give your dog based on their weight. Your veterinarian can help you decide if CBD chews are right for your dog, and you can learn more about Kradle's calming chews by checking out our selection online. 

Supporting Your Dog's Mental Health 

As in people, mental health issues in dogs are treatable. If you've observed symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression in your vet, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your concerns. Together, you can discuss treatment options and develop a plan to help get your pooch on the path to better mental health. By helping maintain a normal emotional balance in dogs, easy-to-use Kradle CBD chews can play a role in the process as well. 

Shop the collection of Kradle products today to discover solutions for your pet.