Is My Dog Suffering From A Mental Health Illness?

In modern times so much emphasis is placed on mental health, but did you know that this is just as relevant in the dog world?

Animals and humans have a lot in common, and this of course extends to our emotions and well-being. A listless dog may go off his food but be declared healthy by a vet. There could be more to this story- he could be suffering emotionally but as he is unable to speak to you about it. Instead, he has to show you by his physical actions.

Perhaps your new puppy has been introduced to the household and your existing pet feels that he is being sidelined or ignored. His feelings of self-worth are being threatened.

Signs of mental distress to watch out for may include the following:

• Loss of appetite in general even when offered a favorite treat,
• A “haunted” look when he catches your eye,
• A “pained” look if you expect a task of him that he usually performs with alacrity,
• A tail that seems to sit constantly between the legs,
• Uncharacteristic behavior such as ripping things apart,
• Seemingly obsessive behavior such as chasing his tail incessantly.

These are all indications that something is amiss. Maybe your panting pal needs a bit of therapy to help him through a tough time. Luckily, there are special people called pet psychiatrists that specialize in the mental health of animals. If your dog is displaying any of these alarming signs and physical reasons have been ruled out by a vet, then please do not hesitate to take steps to restore his mental well-being. This will have a positive effect on yours as well!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay