5 signs that your pet is suffering from depression and anxiety

Cleber Santos, animal behavior specialist, comments on alternatives for taking care of your pet’s mental health

For every 10 pets, four suffer from some form of anxiety, depression or self-harm. This is the average reported by Cleber Santos, animal behavior specialist and CEO of Pet behaviora conglomerate of companies specializing in housing, behavior and training.

Especially after the end of the pandemic and the gradual return to in-person work, a drastic increase in chronic cases of depression and self-harm in animals has been observed. The expert points out that many dogs suffer mental disorders due to the abrupt interruption of the emotional bond formed during the confinement period.

“Just like children, special care is needed when dealing with this history, preferably with strategies geared towards this transition,” explains Cleber.

Dody Martins, owner of Mickey, a mixed breed dog, noticed changes in her pet’s behavior after returning to work.

“Mickey didn’t eat, drank little, scratched and bit himself all night. The vet prescribed a dermatitis cream, but the symptoms persisted. I understood that it could be an emotional problem, something I hadn’t known until then,” says Dody, who asked the behavior specialist for help in adopting new “rituals” that would calm his dog.

Sadness x Depression x Self-harm

Worsening of anxiety to depression is common, as signs of distress are not always noticed. Changes in behavior, such as disobedience, aggression or agitation, can be interpreted by owners as ways of “getting attention”.

Cleber emphasizes the importance of differentiating sadness from depression in pets. “Depressive symptoms include lack of appetite, apathy, inactivity, little affectivity, excessive sleeping and lack of desire to play. Self-harm, a consequence of anxiety, manifests itself through self-destructive behaviors such as excessive biting or licking, which can lead to injuries,” he explains.

In cases of depression and self-harm, it is advisable to consult a specialist in ethology, zoopsychiatry or behavioral veterinary medicine. Complementary therapies such as music therapy, color therapy, acupuncture, flower remedies, cannabis, among others, can promote physical and psychological well-being in animals, reducing the side effects of conventional medications.

Discover some therapies

• Music therapy and chromotherapy: Bringing her specialization after a period of study in Canada, Cleber introduced chromotherapy music therapy sessions into the routine of her pet daycare. In his daily sessions he plays piano, sax and violin sounds, offering relaxation and concentration to the animals. Chromotherapy, using colored lights, completes the process, promoting an environment conducive to mental balance. Visible results include stress reduction and harmonious integration between animals.

• Cannabis for pets: The use of cannabis for pets has advanced, providing relief from pain, inflammation and mental balance. It is recommended against anxiety, aggression, fear, depression, panic and more serious pathologies such as cancer, arthrosis and epilepsy.

Veterinarian Jaqueline Marcello, Cleber Santos’ partner in dog monitoring, has been prescribing cannabis treatments since 2020 and reports that the substance has a wide range of indications, promoting the patient’s quality of life and well-being. She highlights cannabis oil, administered orally, as an effective option.

«During the consultation we carry out a physical assessment and request tests to understand whether phytotherapy would be indicated. The prescription is personalized, considering the clinical conditions of the animal, if it has more than one comorbidity or if it is undergoing some other joint treatment,” explains the veterinarian.

• Floritherapy and Acupuncture: Flower therapy and acupuncture, prescribed by qualified veterinarians, are also a convenient option for pets. As for flower remedies, they are often prescribed to both the owner and the dog.

In the case of acupuncture, many wonder how to hold a dog or cat during a needling session. The expert explains that the key is conditioning.

“Many animals don’t go away at first. But, with patience, they will relax. And it’s really worth it. The contribution to regenerative processes is significant, as well as in recovery from surgery or treatments for paralysis, stroke, convulsions, tendonitis, gastritis, cystitis and to relieve the symptoms of chemotherapy,” explains Cleber.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.