“Why does my dog bark or chew on the furniture when they are left home alone?”

“Why does my pet tremble when they see me getting ready to leave the house?”

“Why does my cat stay glued to me all day?”

(Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM) These are some of the questions that veterinarians receive from pet owners. Although their behavior may seem problematic, it reflects the distress caused by the absence of a person who provides them with security. One of the most common mental conditions in pets is separation anxiety, which manifests itself as stress and anxiety when they are left alone.

The mental health of pets is as important as their physical health.

What Is Mental Health in Pets?

Like people, pets have complex emotional systems. Therefore, they can have mental health problems. However, the extent and nature of their emotions will vary depending on the individual and species. 

Pets lead healthy lives if they have routine, stimulation, and companionship (either with a person or another pet). Studies show that the emotional well-being of pets is closely linked to their mental health. Once changes occur in their environment or routine, mental health problems can arise because their mental well-being is affected. This can lead to behavioral changes and even affect their physical health. Therefore, mental health in pets matters because it affects their overall well-being, behavior, and quality of life.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Pets

As previously mentioned, when the mental health of dogs and cats is compromised, their overall well-being and behavior can be affected, as well as their relationship with their owner.

The most common mental health conditions in pets are:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Obsessive-compulsive behaviors

• Cognitive dysfunction

1. Anxiety

Anxiety in pets can have many causes, the most common being separation from their owner, loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms), and changes in their environment (changing homes, vet visits, etc.).

The most common signs of anxiety in dogs and cats include:

• Trembling (usually seen in dogs) or hiding (especially in cats)

• Panting or drooling excessively (in dogs)

• Restlessness or pacing

• Excessive grooming (in cats)

• Urinating and defecating outside the litter box (in cats)

• Destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture or personal items (e.g., shoes, clothes, etc.)

• Excessive barking or meowing

2. Depression

When there are significant changes in a dog or cat's life (death of a family member, birth of a child, arrival of another pet, etc.), depression can occur.

Clinical signs of depression in pets can include:

• Irritability

• Aggression 

• Low energy 

• Lethargy/apathy

• Withdrawal behavior 

• Accidents in the house

• Sleeping more than usual

• Digestive problems (vomiting, diarrhea)

• Decreased or lost interest in play or activities

• Excessive grooming or hair loss (especially in cats)

• Appetite changes (your pet is eating too much or too little)

3. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors

These behaviors can be observed in pets, not just humans. However, they can sometimes be subtle and may not be immediately apparent.

Obsessive-compulsive behaviors involve repetitive actions that seem to serve no clear purpose.

Clinical signs of these behaviors in dogs and cats may include:

• Tail chasing in dogs

• Licking in the same place (dogs)

• Shadow or light chasing

• Jumping in place (dogs)

• Spinning (dogs)

• Freezing (dogs)

• Excessive grooming (cats)

• Wool-sucking (cats)

• Repetitive pacing (cats) 

4. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS)

This condition in pets is said to be similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, being more common in older pets. 

CDS affects memory, awareness, and learning. Clinical signs in dogs may include:

• Disorientation

• Vocalizing

• Staring at the wall

• Anxiety

• Clingy or avoidant behavior (it happens suddenly)

• Not recognizing family members

• House-soiling

• Decreased interest in playing

• Learning difficulties 

Clinical signs in cats are similar. In addition, you may notice the following:

• Loud meowing, especially at night

• Wandering away from home

• Staring blankly into space

• Disinterest in food or water

• Sleeping more sleepy than usual 

Causes and Risk Factors

A combination of genetic, environmental, and medical factors can lead to mental health problems in pets.

Breed – some breeds, such as herding dogs (Border Collies or German Shepherds) or Siamese cats, are more prone to anxiety and compulsive behaviors.

Age – it is the biggest risk factor in pets for developing CDS.

Environmental stress – lack of socialization, long periods of isolation, changes in routine, and traumatic events can lead to depression and anxiety in dogs and cats.

Medical conditions – chronic pain, CDS, and hormonal imbalances can lead to behavioral changes and decreased mental well-being. 

Being aware of these factors will help you identify early signs and seek appropriate support. Just like us, our pets need both physical and emotional care to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

How Vets and Behaviorists Diagnose Pet Mental Health Issues 

Diagnosing mental health conditions in pets is often a process of elimination. As a result, your veterinarian will rule out physical conditions that may cause similar clinical signs or behavioral changes (e.g., pain, neurological conditions, or infections). Imaging and blood tests, in addition to a thorough physical examination, will help identify or rule out medical causes.

If your veterinarian does not find any physical problems, he or she may make a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, or CSD. In some cases, your veterinarian may refer your pet to a veterinary behaviorist or trainer for further evaluation.

Treatment and Management Options 

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. It may include:

• Behavioral therapy - including techniques such as desensitization, counterconditioning, and positive reinforcement to help pets cope with triggers.

• Lifestyle adjustments – for example, providing consistent routines, mental enrichment (like puzzle toys), physical exercise, and a calm environment can greatly reduce stress and improve your pet’s emotional well-being.

• Training – for example, positive reinforcement training, which builds trust and encourages desired behaviors.

• Medication (in some cases) – for example, anti-anxiety medication.

Early intervention improves outcomes and quality of life for both pets and owners.

What You Can Do as a Pet Owner

As a pet owner, you play a key role in supporting your pet's mental health. Therefore, understanding these conditions in pets can help you recognize that unexplained behaviors may be more than just bad behavior. Here’s what you can do:

• The first step is to observe behavioral changes, such as withdrawal, aggression, or compulsive actions, and seek the advice of your veterinarian to rule out medical causes. 

• Provide your dog or cat with a stable, low-stress environment with consistent routines, quiet spaces, and lots of love. 

• Offer mental stimulation through play, training, and enrichment (such as puzzle toys or scent games) can reduce boredom and anxiety. 

• Use positive reinforcement training to build trust and strengthen your bond. Avoid punishments, as these can increase fear and stress.

• Be patient as it takes time to see some results. You having a calm and supportive presence will make a great difference for their emotional well-being. 

Bottom Line

Just like humans, dogs and cats can experience a wide range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it is important that you understand these conditions and support your pet's mental health as it is essential to their overall well-being.

Recognizing your pet's emotional issues and acting with care and support will not only strengthen the bond between you and your pet but will also help lead long, happy lives.

With patience, training, routine, enrichment, and professional guidance, most pets can show significant improvement.

Iuliana graduated from the University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in 2012, Romania. She has a Master’s degree in Small Animal and Equines Pathology and a strong affinity for Veterinary Parasitology and Laboratory. In 2013 she started her Ph.D. in epithelial cancer in dogs and cats. She volunteered at the faculty’s clinic in her 3rd year of study, and continued her career in small animal pathology and laboratory. She has one cat and eleven rats. Her interests outside of work include traveling, writing, and crafting.