Nutty Paw-fessors: Doggy Mental Disorders

Yes, people suffer from mental disorders, but what about animals? It seems that your dog can get depressed and/or suffer from a host of mental disorders too.

Animals often display characteristics of mental illness when they’re mistreated or when they’re unable to get what they seek or need. Perhaps this is why animals living in captivity seem to exhibit more obsessive-compulsive behaviours than those in the wild.

DEPRESSION

Typically, depression in dogs results from a dramatic change in lifestyle or a traumatic event. The most common cause is the death of a canine or human companion. That said, it is not unheard of for dogs to get depressed over other changes, like having a new member – furry or otherwise – in the household.

• Symptoms
Depressed dogs are withdrawn and listless, and may display changes in eating and sleeping patterns. “The symptoms may vary depending on the severity of depression, and in extreme cases, can even manifest through conditions like vomiting,” says Dr Michelle Chin, a veterinarian with The Animal Ark Veterinary Group.

• Treatment
Thankfully, depression in dogs is usually a short-term problem as it is rare for dogs to remain depressed for long periods. With more attention and care from their paw-rents, most affected pooches revert to their cheerful, bubbly selves in a matter of months.

Dr Chin advises: “Until your dog is ready to overcome the problem, support him with the attention he needs, and engage him in activities he enjoys.” For serious cases, antidepressants may be prescribed but may present possible side effects like confusion, sleeplessness, and lethargy.

DEMENTIA

More accurately named Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), this disease is related to the ageing and deteriorating condition of the dog’s brain. It is common in dogs above seven years of age, and according to Dr Loon, develops progressively, but often goes unnoticed in its earlier stages.

• Symptoms
Memory loss, forgetting learnt behaviour, and slow understanding of commands.

• Treatment
Like dementia in humans, there is no known cause of CCD, and it is usually irreversible. Your best bet is prevention, rather than cure.

Dr Loon says: “Owners can reduce the incidence of CCD by providing enrichment. Teach new tricks and commands, go for regular exercises and walks, and play with your dog daily.”

Ideally, this should be done as your dog ages, and not only when symptoms arise. Medication can help to mask symptoms, and will usually improve the patient’s quality of life. Acupuncture is sometimes prescribed by vets that practice traditional Chinese medicine.

*This article was updated on 22 Jun 2021. It first appeared in PetsMagazine.com.sg on 20 Nov 2015.