Can Dogs Suffer From Mental Health Illnesses? Here's What You Need To Know

Just like humans, dogs can experience mental health problems. Here’s what you need to know about them.

Know Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of canine depression include appetite loss, apathy, searching and sniffing compulsively, constipation, lack of interest in usually enjoyable things, and isolation. Common symptoms of canine anxiety include using the bathroom indoors, vomiting, destructive behavior, and diarrhea.

Small Breeds Are More At Risk

More small dogs develop psychological issues than large ones.

It Can Lead To Aggression

Severe, untreated mental illnesses in dogs can lead to uncontrollable aggression, including self-destructive behavior.

Know How It Manifests

Dogs who have suffered brain injuries, physical illnesses, or severe negative emotions like fear, grief, humiliation, or anger can develop mental illness as an extension of these issues.

Some Anxiety Is Normal

Dogs have natural instincts that make them frightened of unusual stimuli of any kind. New dogs in your home are likely to be anxious at first.

They Can Come From Abuse

Neglect and abuse can lead to mental illness in dogs, sometimes accompanied by fear or aggression.

Compulsive Disorders Are Common

Many animals can develop OCD of some kind. They will perform compulsive, repeated behaviors and appear very anxious and on-edge.

Some Funny Behaviors Indicate Problems

There are many things we think dogs do that are weird and funny, but they may be signs of mental or physical illness.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay