Animals mental health is AS IMPORTANT as their physical health.
When pets display undesirable behaviors a lot of guardians look for physical issues or ailments to explain the behaviors. Especially when those behaviors came with sudden onset.
Looking for physical “reasons” is very important and should always be done. But guardians should also look for mental health reasons.
Is your pet trying to tell you something with its behavior? Most certainly.
Your pet can be alterting you to a physical or mental health issue.
A vet can of course with physical health. But you, or a communicator are what is needed for mental health.
Is your pet getting less outside time?
Is your pet more bored than usual?
Has your pet been around yelling, conflict, or other negative energy?
Is your pet sad?
Is your pet being called names (even as a joke ) that would cause low self-esteem? Remember animals are literal. They do not understand jokes. They take those words to heart and take them seriously.
Is your pet lonely?
Does your pet lack enrichment?
Has your pet been unfairly reprimanded or corrected? Remember our perception of an animals behavior does not always line up with their intention. They are ALWAYS trying to communicate with us, make us happy and make us proud.
Does your pet fee like it is always making mistakes? This will cause mental health issues. Even if there is a lot of correction going on, find MORE reasons to reward and praise.
The list of things that can affect a pets mental help is very long. This is not a complete list. My goal here is to get your to think. If your pet is doing something you dont want all of a sudden (uncharacteristically), and there is no physical reason, think about the mental reason.
