Common Psychological Conditions in Dogs

Just as with humans, dogs are also prone to emotional disorders. So, just as we worry about their physical problems, psychological conditions matter too for our dogs' wellbeing.

Conditions linked to behavior and emotions can be quite varied and have very different origins. Below, we offer information on the most common psychological conditions in dogs.

How do psychological conditions develop in dogs?

Most common mental disorders in dogs appear during the first four months of the animal's life. These disorders are mainly linked to mistakes we humans make in training and socializing dogs, and the environment they grow up in.

That said, adult dogs can also show abnormal behavioral signs. So, the origin of these conditions varies, and their causes are hugely diverse.

Some of the most common causes are:

• Trauma, such as abandonment, abuse, etc.
• Breed-related weaknesses or limitations.

Types of common emotional disorders in dogs

Although any dog can develop numerous emotional conditions, these are the most common.

Depression

It's not known whether the depressive process in dogs is the same as in people, but vets agree this condition exists based on the presence of the following symptoms:

• Searching for objects.
• Inactivity.
• Excessive sleep.
• Apathy.
• Withdrawal.
• Changes in behavior and personality.
• Irritability.
• Drooping tail.
• Eating disturbances.
• Lack of excitement toward stimuli.
• Compulsive licking.

This is one of the most common mental disorders in dogs. What's more, if depression levels get too severe, this condition can lead to the animal's death through self-destructive behaviors and/or malnutrition.

The causes behind a dog becoming depressed vary widely: having suffered abuse or mistreatment, tense or lonely environments or situations, changes in routine, the death of a beloved person or animal, hormonal disorders, jealousy, and so on.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

This type of disorder is identified when the dog is seen repeating actions in an uncontrolled way (stereotypies), such as licking, biting at themselves, digging, or spinning. As in the previous case, the causes vary, from abandonment or abuse, lack of socialization, to anxiety from unmet needs or living in very cramped spaces.

• Learn more about OCD here: How to tell if a dog has OCD

Separation anxiety

This problem tends to occur in dogs with excessive emotional dependence on their owners. When separated from them, dogs develop anxious behaviors. The causes again vary, but this is always seen when the dog is separated from their loved one.

Although it's probably the most common emotional disorder in dogs, it's not something owners should overlook, since the dog suffers and develops excessive dependence. Stress, fear, and distress take over and cause the following symptoms.

• Barking, crying, howling, and/or whimpering.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Attempts to escape.
• Trembling.
• Vomiting.
• Excessive drooling.
• Digging.
• Going to the bathroom indoors.
• Self-injury in severe cases.

• You can learn more about this condition here: Separation anxiety in dogs

Phobias

Another common mental issue in dogs appears when the dog feels an exaggerated, intense fear of something, such as loud noises from fireworks, firecrackers, and storms, or people who once caused a traumatic event for the dog.

Some of the symptoms dogs with phobias experience are:

• Trembling and/or restlessness.
• Avoidance.
• Occasional attempts to flee.
• Seeking out a place to feel safe.
• Crying and/or whimpering.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Excessive drooling.
• Rapid breathing.

It's very difficult to treat and break our dog's connection to the phobia. There are pills to calm our dog down for occasions that trigger phobias, such as firecrackers at Christmas. These contain mild sedatives such as acepromazine or dexmedetomidine at low doses to help ease the fear. These are usually given half an hour to an hour before the event and last several hours.

If your dog has a specific phobia, you can avoid places where there's a good chance they'll encounter what they're afraid of, or distract the animal somehow when the phobia trigger appears, such as turning up the TV volume during a storm or fireworks. That said, it's recommended to see a canine behaviorist if you have any doubts.

"Schizophrenia"

This condition affects complex thought patterns and, as strange as it may seem, it's also seen in dogs. A dog with this condition will show unusual behavior changes not previously present, such as those described below:

• Aggression in response to affection.
• Self-injury by hitting themselves.
• Fights with other dogs.
• Barking for no apparent reason.

Other mental disorders in dogs

• Aggression
• Personality disorder.
• Dysthymia or bipolar-type disorder.
• Intelligence deficit disorder.

Tips for caring for your dog's mental health

Psychological conditions tend to share one thing in common: they're hard to treat. If you suspect your dog has some kind of disorder, the first thing to do is see the vet, so they can tell whether it's a physical health problem or purely psychological — in the latter case, you should turn to a canine behaviorist.

Besides following any treatment from the vet or behaviorist, you can help support your dog's mental balance by exercising regularly with them, socializing them with other dogs, giving them the attention they need, and keeping their surroundings pleasant and peaceful.

Remember that wellbeing, both in humans and dogs, comes from body and mind together. Pay attention to your dog's needs in both areas, and you'll have a happy, healthy dog.

Bibliography Álvarez, R (2018): Etología canina: guía básica del comportamiento del perro. Zaragoza: Editorial Amazing Books. Carlson and Giffin (2002): Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid: Editorial el Drac. Hernández, P (2012): Manual de etología canina. Zaragoza: Editorial Servet.