How to understand if your dog has mental problems or stress?

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Is it just stress or already a mental disorder?

Just like in humans, dogs can also experience mental disorders: schizophrenia, neuroses, obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, before suspecting a serious mental illness in an animal, it is important to ensure that it hasn’t been subjected to improper treatment by humans (abuse, violence, etc.) before the onset of symptoms.

Perhaps the animal is simply stressed, and it’s a temporary phenomenon that you can try to help them overcome with your efforts. When the dog calms down, its mental state can return to normal.

Unfortunately, there are cases where the behavior of the dog does indeed cause concern. And if anxious symptoms persist for a considerable period of time, there are grounds to suspect a mental disorder.

Distinguishing the fine line between a pet’s stressful state and a genuinely dangerous condition can be aided by an experienced veterinarian.

What mental disorders can dogs have?

Our furry companions, just like us, are also susceptible to stress, and their nervous system reacts to irritants in their own way.

Increased anxiety and neuroses in dogs can lead them to be more bored than before, whining and barking without reason, and feeling restless at home.

Hyperactivity is often common in young dogs. These animals tirelessly run around both on the streets and at home until they collapse in exhaustion.

Attention deficit syndrome prevents dogs from effectively and quickly learning even simple commands, let alone being trainable.

Various phobias force pets to feel fear before seemingly ordinary phenomena and objects. For example, one dog may tremble at the sound of thunder and become uncontrollable, while another may fear swimming in water bodies.

After losing a beloved owner, a dog can experience depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, leading to a loss of interest in its surroundings and deep sadness.

A veterinarian may diagnose more serious conditions. One of the most common is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where a dog feels an overwhelming urge to perform the same often senseless actions, including self-harm (such as constantly licking limbs, biting its tail, etc.).

In cases of schizophrenia diagnosis, the pet suffers from hallucinations and spatial disorientation. In the most challenging cases, dogs are administered narcotic substances to ease their condition and control their behavior since they can become aggressive and unpredictable.

Tricky Device: “Mental State” or Why Diagnosing Issues Gets Complicated

The greatest challenge for a veterinarian lies in accurately diagnosing our furry companions.

The first problem stems from the fact that the animal can’t speak. The doctor will need your assistance: a highly detailed account of the symptoms. What is troubling the dog? How long has the unusual or inadequate behavior been going on? How is it manifesting? What triggers provoke aggression or worsen their condition? Answering these and other questions will be easier if you’ve been attentive to your pet and have noted all the crucial details in your memory. Since a dog can’t explain or show where it hurts, it’s your duty to thoroughly examine your animal.

The second issue: symptom resemblance. The symptoms characteristic of mental disorders in dogs often closely resemble signs of other illnesses. For example, heightened anxiety, odd and compulsive behavior can signal not only psychological disorders but also parasitic infections, allergic reactions, or disruptions in metabolic processes within the body.

When to Be Concerned?

The American Veterinary Medical Association highlights the following signs of stress in dogs:

Apathy, avoidance of interaction, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities;
Loss of appetite or digestion problems (diarrhea, bloating, vomiting);
Avoidance of interaction or constant demand for contact and attention;
Increased sleep duration and excessive sleepiness;
Whining or barking without reason;
Involuntary urination and defecation or refusal to do so in appropriate places;
Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, shoes, etc.);
Self-destructive behavior (excessive licking leading to sores, chewing fur and skin, tail-biting, scratching, etc.);
Obsessive behavior: running in circles or back and forth, chasing shadows or sunlight spots, digging holes, and performing these actions to exhaustion;
Repetitive unusual actions: chasing their tail, licking their lips, etc.;
Asocial behavior, including aggression towards other animals/people;
In some cases, trembling, excessive drooling, and almost constant muscle tension can occur.

The aforementioned points indicate that the dog is under stress and psychological strain.

Additionally, a dog might exhibit these behaviors if their brain is affected or their peripheral nervous system has been seriously compromised. If the following symptoms arise, it is essential to urgently seek veterinary attention:

Inability to stand or falling;
Performing repetitive movements – intermittently executing purposeless circular motions;
Loss of consciousness;
Assuming forced unnatural body positions in space (for instance, tilting the head sideways);
Stumbling, swaying, and imprecise, exaggerated movements (for example, missing the mark while attempting to drink from a bowl);
The dog is unresponsive to sound, does not react to the owner’s speech, has poor vision, or has lost their sense of smell.

Possible Causes of Psychological Disorders

The most common causes include:

Prolonged periods of the pet being in a stressful state;
Extended confinement of the dog on a leash or in a confined space;
Lengthy absence of the owner;
Inconsistent prohibitions and punishments from the owner, leading the dog to experience mixed emotions and over an extended period, not understanding what behavior is considered correct and what is not. Such “training” can also destabilize the dog’s psyche, especially if it is attached to its owner and seeks their approval and attention;
Aggression or physical violence from humans or other animals;
Unfamiliar circumstances, change of living environment, traumatic encounters with strangers or other animals.

Dogs Most Prone to Psychological Disorders:

Dogs that are left alone at home without attention and interaction from the owner and other family members;
Certain dog breeds are more prone to psychological issues than others: German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Border Collies, and generally all working breeds. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (particularly in the form of excessive licking of certain body parts) is more common in Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors. Bull Terriers tend to exhibit constant spinning in place, which is also a sign of poor stress resilience in the specific individual.

Can You Help Your Pet?

If you’ve noticed a change in your pet’s behavior, it’s essential to seek help from a veterinarian immediately! In some cases, this quick action could prevent a life-threatening situation.

What dangers might arise from leaving your furry companion unattended and not offering assistance? In the case of Canine Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), for instance, due to the repetition of the same compulsive behaviors, the pet can become utterly exhausted. It might refuse to drink water, lick its paws excessively causing wounds, and experience weight loss. Tail-chasing could lead to self-inflicted injuries or fur loss, while excessive licking could result in granulomas or acral dermatitis.

If it turns out your pet has a psychological disorder, it’s important to know that curing it entirely is nearly impossible. However, you can reduce the frequency of these symptoms. For example, the dog might lick its skin and fur less often. Some forms of psychological disorders might manifest throughout the pet’s life. As the owner, you’ll need to support and assist your pet. Sometimes, visiting a veterinarian for treatment adjustments might be necessary. Most importantly, patience and understanding are crucial as your pet’s behavior might not align with your expectations due to its mental condition.

If it’s established that your pet doesn’t have a psychological disorder but rather a heightened response to stress, you can provide assistance through your efforts.

Incorporate appropriate dietary supplements into its daily ration to alleviate tension.
Purchase specialized foods that already contain ingredients minimizing the impact of stress on the body.
Administer medications and antidepressants prescribed by a veterinarian.
Regularly take your four-legged friend for walks and engage in active play. Distract the dog with interactive toys.
If your pet is scared of crowds or loud noises, avoid dragging it to such places. Instead, provide your dog with a brief break from the fear-inducing factors.
Be present. Prolonged solitude, without the presence of the owner, can cause significant stress for any animal. Create a cozy, secure corner for your dog, a place it naturally prefers, and put something with your scent there.
The animal should clearly understand the expected behavior from its owner. Undesirable behavior should not be encouraged; rather, it should be gently stopped. Positive behavior should be rewarded with treats. Clearly established and maintained rules are essential: what is allowed and what is not.