Improving the Mental Health of your Pets

There can be any number of reasons why your furry family member isn’t as energetic or bouncy as it used to be. Perhaps you’ve recently moved and your four-legged companion is still adapting to the change. Or maybe your work-routine has shifted, and they’re not sure what’s going on. Any change to your life is likely going to have an effect on your pets, and cats and dogs especially are prone to worry, stress, and even depression. If you’ve noticed a change in your pets lately and you’re not quite sure what to do next, here are the best ways to deal with a change in the mental health of your pet.

Is your pet depressed?

Depression in animals has the same symptoms as depression in humans, so the signs will be there if you know what you’re looking for. If your dog or cat is becoming more withdrawn and inactive, and you’ve noticed that their usual sleeping patterns have shifted, then there’s a good chance that they may be suffering from depression. However, before you start tackling this issue, it’s essential that you take your pet to the vets and get a full check-up. Those symptoms of depression can also be symptoms of illness, so it’s important that you know what the problem is before you start dealing with it. There’s little benefit to treating your pet for depression if it’s not as active due to increased arthritis or a sprained ankle.

Treatments for your pet’s mental health

If your pet is suffering from depression, it’s good to know that there are a number of potential methods for treating it that have proven to be very effective. Some remedies are basic pet care, such as keeping engaged with them and spending time with them. The busier your life, the harder that can become, but making the effort to interact and play with your cat or dog will go a long way to making them feel more positive. You can also try medicinal treatments, and again, there are a number of very effective options to choose from. One of the most effective supplements is CBD, which can be sprinkled in food or even given whole. You can even opt for CBD dog treats which will have a very positive effect on their mental health.

Having a pet that is suffering from stress or depression is much more common than you might have thought. Learning to recognize the signs is one of the best ways to keep an eye on their mental health, and the sooner that you start to tackle any issues, the faster they can be resolved. Both cats and dogs are very resilient, and their anxieties can be resolved very quickly and effectively with the right treatments and levels of attention. Take the time to make sure that your pets mental health is as looked after as their physical health, and they’ll be a much more positive member of your family unit.