Mental Health Awareness Month – Pets improve our mental health, here’s how we can support theirs!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Did you know that pet ownership is scientifically proven to improve mental health in humans? And we’re not just talking about registered service animals. You may be surprised to know that even the naughtiest of cats and dogs improve our health.
According to a study conducted by experts at UC Davis, the love and companionship that comes with pet ownership is proven to:
· Help reduce stress and anxiety
· Combat feelings of loneliness
· Give a sense of purpose
· Assist with feelings of anxiety and be calming presence
· Provide unconditional love and support
Our four-legged companions do so much for us, so how can we return the favor? Most pet owners know that dogs and cats can experience symptoms of anxiety, but did you know that they can also experience depression. There are various reasons that your buddy may feel depressed and/or anxious, some include:
· Changes in the household makeup (new baby, the loss of a family member, the addition of a new pet, etc.)
· Changes in environment (moving to a new home, schedule changes for household members, etc.
· Insufficient enrichment in their daily lives (physical and cognitive)
Symptoms of chronic stress in pets can manifest in many ways. They may show signs of withdrawal, irritability, aggression, or other changes in behavior or mood. (It’s important that you contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about changes in your pet’s mood or behavior as it could be symptoms of something else).
If your vet agrees that your dog is experiencing anxiety or depression don’t give up, there are plenty of strategies and changes you can make to help your buddy start to feel better. Enrichment is KEY! Dogs and cats not only love but need to play and explore. It can be traced back to their wild ancestry (I mean, have you ever seen a lion playing, because if not, you’re seriously missing out on some major cuteness). Engaging your cat or dogs’ primal instincts through play and exercise can have a tremendous positive impact on their mental well-being. Below are some ideas for providing enrichment:
| Dogs | Cats |
| · Take them on walks more frequently | · Give them supervised outside time! If you have an indoor cat, try a Catio or an adventure backpack or impress your friends by teaching your cat to walk on the leash! |
| · Walk them in new places (letting fido sniff releases endorphins and creates a dopamine rush which has been shown to lower stress and boost mood) | · Engage their inner lion with scratching posts and interactive toys they can pounce on, bite, and catch |
| · Have a play sesh with their favorite toy | · If you can, build them a wall play system with ramps, perches, and walkways. |
| · Try food puzzles (start with the easier ones and switch them up to keep things fresh) | · Provide them with a window space where they can easily sit and look outside |
| · Play a round of treat hide-and-seek | · Try food puzzles |
| · Schedule a puppy playdate with their canine bestie | |
| · Work on training and use positive reinforcement |
Maybe it’s not enrichment your furry companion is lacking, maybe you brought a new baby home, perhaps someone left for college or moved out, or maybe they’ve lost someone they love (pet or human). In these instances, it’s helpful if you make a point to spend quality time with your pet and maintain their typical routine or, if that’s not possible, create a new routine but be consistent.
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend medication as a treatment, but remember you’ll still need to put in the work and make some changes.
Our pets love and support us unconditionally so it’s important that we do the same in return!
Links to articles and studies:
UC Davis Study
Riverbank Pet
Enrichment Ideas
