When to Seek Professional Assistance for Pet Mental Health

Our pets are our best friends, our loyal companions, and our precious responsibilities. Americans know this, which is why they are spending more than ever on ensuring that their pets are happy, healthy, and safe.

However, you cannot know how to keep your pet healthy without first knowing how to keep your pet happy. Pet mental health is a growing field of interest for animal owners.

As we become more acutely aware of our own mental health, we are starting to realize just how important the mental health of our furry friends is. With that in mind, here are our top tips on when to seek professional assistance for pet mental health.

When You Can’t Leave Your Pet Alone

In a perfect world, we would never have to leave our pets. However, separation is something that any pet must deal with from time to time. If your pet cannot be left alone at all, then they are probably suffering from separation anxiety.

This can usually be treated at home. Teaching your pet to feel safe at home and giving them plenty of opportunities to exercise can usually do the trick.

Anyone looking for tips on how to promote pet mental health for animals with separation anxiety can click for more tips on how to deal with this common pet issue.

When Mental Health is Impacting Physical Health

When animals have mental health problems, their behavior changes. For example, with cat mental health, mood swings, fatigue, and withdrawal from the world are signs that something is wrong.

If it gets to the point where mental health problems are also making your pet physically sick, then professional help might be necessary.

When There is a Risk of Aggression

This one is especially important for dog mental health, as aggressive dogs can be a threat to human life and safety. It is not uncommon for mentally unwell dogs to become aggressive and more prone to biting.

If you have noticed signs of this, get help immediately. If your dog’s aggression is left untreated, you could be in serious danger, as could those you love.

When Your Pet Switches Off

Much like humans, mentally unwell animals can often switch off from the world. This is common in all animals, as they go through mood swings just like the rest of us.

However, if your animal has become totally antisocial and has withdrawn from the world for an extended period, then you may need to seek professional help. If left untreated, your pet’s mental state could worsen, to the point where they stop taking care of themselves or even eating.

When You Notice a Sudden Change in Pet Mental Health

One of the most common indicators that your pet has mental health problems is if their personality suddenly changes with no obvious explanation.

If your pet is no longer their usual jolly self, then they might be in need of some pet therapy. If you have spotted a sudden, unexplained change in your pet’s personality, get professional help quickly.

More Tips for Healthy, Happy Pets

Pet mental health is still a poorly understood field. Many owners do not realize that their pets can suffer from the same mental health struggles that they do. By recognizing these signs of trouble, you can act fast before it is too late.

For more tips on keeping a healthy, happy pet throughout their life, we have got you covered. Our dedicated Pets section has real expert tips to ensure that your pet is a mentally and physically healthy member of the family, just as they should be.