If your pooch has been looking a bit glum, they’re probably not alone.
Nearly three quarters of UK dogs show signs of poor mental health, research shows.
Seventy-four per cent – around 8.8 million – exhibit behaviour indicating anxiety or depression, with 18 per cent showing symptoms as often as weekly.
The most common signs include a loss of appetite, destructiveness and low activity levels. Meanwhile, dogs which have lost interest in things they used to enjoy, or are hyperactive and bark incessantly, could be bored or frustrated – other key factors in overall mental health, experts say.
Nearly three quarters of UK dogs show signs of poor mental health, research shows (File image)
The findings, the result of a poll of 1,000 dog owners across the country by the charity Guide Dogs, come as a quarter of owners admit they didn’t realise a dog could suffer poor mental health.
Common ways of trying to cheer up a dog include going for a long walk, petting them and giving them a favourite treat.
But mental stimulation, such as puzzle games or interactive toys, could be just as important.
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The findings, the result of a poll of 1,000 dog owners across the country by the charity Guide Dogs, come as a quarter of owners admit they didn’t realise a dog could suffer poor mental health (File image)
Dr Helen Whiteside, chief scientific officer at Guide Dogs, said: ‘It’s an outdated viewpoint to think that dogs just need a walk or two a day to be content (File image)
Dr Helen Whiteside, chief scientific officer at Guide Dogs, said: ‘It’s an outdated viewpoint to think that dogs just need a walk or two a day to be content.
‘Without different forms of mental stimulation, dogs can begin to show signs of behavioural issues, such as anxiety and frustration, which can have a huge impact on their mental wellbeing.’
She said giving your dog enrichment activities little and often, as well as providing a bit of variation, helps to keep things interesting.
Her tips include creating food-based problem-solving puzzles, giving your dog a lick mat, and taking them on a ‘sniffari’ walk, allowing the dog to stop and sniff wherever they like.
The charity noted that with increased mental stimulation, dogs will need good quality sleep and downtime too.
Source: Daily Mail
