When it seems like your dog might be sad or anxious or excited—your instincts are probably correct. Just like their human companions, dogs are capable of a range of emotions and can be deeply affected by their environment and past experiences. Your dog’s mental health might be even more important than you think: Along with feeding them a healthy diet and getting them the right amount of exercise, keeping them mentally stimulated is one of the most important elements of their overall health.
As an owner, being able to identify what habits or tendencies result from certain emotions will make you more in tune with your dog’s needs. Read below to learn more about common dog mental health issues and how you can help them cope.
Anxiety
Dogs are creatures of habit and routine. If they have anxious tendencies, big changes in their environment—moving houses or bringing home another pet or a baby—can trigger anxiety. As dogs age, they can become particularly more set in their ways. “If they’re feeling anxious, it can manifest sometimes as reduced appetite, whining or vocalizing, pacing, or acting out by chewing or destroying things that they never would have before just to unleash the stress,” says Dr. Betsy Miller, DVM, MPH. Keep an eye out for anything you’d consider “bad dog” behaviors—peeing inappropriately or getting into the garbage are also signs of stress.
What you can do to help: Proper training can help your dog stay calm, and easing them into change is…
