Dog and Cat Mental Health: Have You Worried About It? – animal life

Pets are a wonderful daily companion and fill the lives of many people who feel lonely or sad. But have you ever stopped to think about your friend’s mental health? This is not only a problem for humans, animals also feel the consequences of the environment in which they live.

According to the vet Marina ArrivalDogs who live in small apartments can show some behavioral changes, such as depression and destructive attitudes, if they don’t have a proper walking routine. When it comes to cats, it is also necessary to take care of cats, even if they are more independent. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to your pet’s routine behaviors so that you can enhance his well-being and longevity.

“Of course, we should not equate human depression with pet depression, but there is a defense mechanism in animals that causes them to start having behaviors such as anxiety, aggressiveness, excessive barking and lack of appetite, among many other things, that are easily recognizable and must be addressed.” Says Marina.

Secondly Miara SarinoThere are three ways to determine if your pet has a mental illness: behavior change, loss of appetite, self-mutilation, licking, excessive itching, and if he starts destroying furniture when alone.

If your pet has any of these behaviors, Mayara suggests creating a healthy and peaceful context in which to live. First, devote a few hours of your day to him to be with him, take him for a walk and give him different and attractive toys, as this will relieve the accumulated stress. Next, try to establish a routine of eating and physical activity. “It is also important to provide a spacious, clean and well-ventilated environment, so that he can move around and protect himself from rain and sun,” he adds.

Also, it is important to pay attention to the space available for your pet. Larger breeds require more space, while smaller breeds can live quietly in a small area. If you have a large dog in a smaller apartment, Mayara suggests that you start stimulating to expend his energy and walk more frequently.

finally, Dalton Ishikawa, a behavioral veterinarian, CEO and founder of Pet Games, notes that the behavior of pet owners can directly affect an animal’s mental health. He concludes, “This social interaction has a great influence on both sides, both on the part of the teacher and on the part of the animal.”