Introduction
The bond between pets and their owners is unlike any other. For those with mental illness, pets can provide comfort, support, and unconditional love during difficult times. However, the reverse is also true – our mental state can impact the wellbeing of our furry companions.
This is an important question because if left unaddressed, the symptoms of mental illness may inadvertently cause anxiety, stress, or other issues for pets. It’s key for pet owners to be aware of any changes in their pet’s behavior that could signal their illness is affecting them. With this knowledge, steps can be taken to safeguard a pet’s welfare.
The Human-Animal Bond
The human-animal bond refers to the emotional connection and relationship between people and their pets. This bond has been shown to provide many benefits for mental health and wellbeing.
Pet ownership can help reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Studies have found that interacting with pets increases levels of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain – chemicals associated with happiness and emotional wellbeing. Simply petting an animal can cause a release of these feel-good hormones.
Having a pet can also help provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Caring for an animal gives people a sense of being needed and may help them feel less isolated. The unconditional love of a pet can be very powerful for people struggling with mental health issues.
Some research has indicated that pet ownership may reduce stress levels and blood pressure. The calming presence of an animal can have therapeutic effects and lower the body’s physiological response to anxiety. Taking a pet for walks also encourages regular exercise, which has known benefits for mental health.
Pets can act as social facilitators as well, making it easier for people to connect with others. Dog parks and other pet-friendly areas provide opportunities for social interaction and community building.
Overall, the human-animal bond has been demonstrated to enhance quality of life and psychological wellbeing. The companionship and comfort pets provide can be invaluable for those dealing with mental health challenges.
Signs Your Illness is Affecting Your Dog
Dogs are highly attuned to their owner’s moods and emotions. As social animals, they rely on interactions with their humans to feel safe and secure. So when an owner is struggling with mental illness, the dog can be affected in various ways (Source).
Some common signs that a dog is being impacted by their owner’s mental health issues include:
- Anxiety behaviors like trembling, hiding, attempting to escape, and compulsive licking
- Fear responses to things that never used to scare them
- Aggression when interacting with other dogs or people
- Excessive barking, whining, or howling
- Destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or shoes
- Loss of appetite or interest in treats and toys
- Lethargy and lack of interest in exercise or play
Often these behavior changes stem from a lack of proper care, training, exercise, and attention from the owner (Source). Dogs left isolated for long periods can develop separation anxiety or depression. And without enough activity and stimulation, a dog may act out with unwanted behaviors. Getting a dog appropriate medical and behavioral care can help mitigate these issues.
Depression
Depression in humans can affect the level of care and attention given to dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, symptoms of depression in dogs include apathy, lack of energy, and lack of interest in play or other activities. Dogs are very in tune with human emotions, so if their owner is going through a depressive episode, the dog may pick up on the sadness and lack of motivation, which could lead them to seem depressed as well.
It’s important for people with depression to be aware of this and make an effort to still walk, feed, and play with their dog as much as possible. Consider enlisting the help of family members or friends if your depression is making it difficult to properly care for your dog. Speaking to your own doctor about treatments for depression can also help you manage your symptoms and energy levels to be more available for hands-on dog care. With some extra effort and support, it’s possible to take good care of your dog even while experiencing depression.
Anxiety
Anxiety in humans can be detected by dogs, who are very in-tune to their owner’s emotions. Dogs may pick up on nervous behaviors, energy, and instability caused by anxiety and react in concerning ways.
According to experts at the AKC, common signs of anxiety in dogs include aggression, urinating/defecating inside, drooling, panting, destructive behavior, depression, excessive barking, and pacing. Dogs experiencing anxiety due to their owner’s condition may engage in obsessive behaviors or develop phobias that mirror their owner’s symptoms.
For example, a dog with an owner suffering from contamination OCD may start refusing to eat or drink from their bowl out of a sudden irrational fear. Or a dog paired with an owner with social anxiety may become fearful, withdrawn, or aggressive in public situations that never previously caused issues.
It’s important for those with anxiety to be mindful of their condition’s effect on their pet. Working with a therapist, making lifestyle changes, trying anxiety medication, and employing calming techniques can help stabilize your own anxiety and thereby provide your dog with consistency and stability.
Bipolar Disorder
Dogs cannot actually be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but they can exhibit behaviors that mimic the symptoms of the disorder in humans (PetMD). During manic episodes, a dog may seem overly excited, playful, or hyperactive. They may jump up more, bark frequently, or run around erratically. These manic behaviors can lead to hyperactivity that may be difficult for the owner to handle.
During periods of depression, a dog with bipolar-like symptoms may seem extremely low energy. They may sleep more, isolate themselves, stop playing, and seem overall despondent. This can make it challenging for the owner to provide proper care and meet the dog’s needs during periods of depression.
Overall, mood swings between manic highs and depressive lows in dogs can significantly impact the human-animal bond. Getting veterinary help to identify any underlying medical issues is important. Additionally, adjusting care routines to adapt to the dog’s changing behaviors can help manage the effects on the relationship. With proper treatment, dogs exhibiting bipolar-like symptoms can still have a fulfilling life and strong bond with their human companions.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans can also affect dogs. Dogs are very sensitive to their owners’ emotions and behaviors. If an owner has PTSD, the dog may pick up on signs of anxiety, panic, anger, or emotional detachment.
Outbursts of anger or aggression related to PTSD trauma responses can be very frightening for dogs. They do not understand where this behavior is coming from and it damages their bond and sense of safety with their owner. According to the AKC, signs of PTSD in dogs can include fearfulness, timidity, clinging to their owner, or reactive aggression [1].
Emotional detachment or withdrawal from a PTSD-suffering owner also negatively impacts dogs. The human-animal bond is built on affection, play, exercise, and quality time together. When an owner is emotionally unavailable, dogs feel isolated. They may act out with anxiety-driven behaviors to try to regain their owner’s attention.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that can significantly impact a person’s perception of reality. Delusions are a common symptom of schizophrenia that can alter how someone perceives their dog.
For example, a person with schizophrenia may become paranoid and believe their dog is plotting against them or is some kind of threat. They may misinterpret normal dog behaviors as sinister or malicious. These delusions can damage the human-animal bond.
Medications used to treat schizophrenia can also have side effects that impact a person’s ability to care for their dog. Sedation, fatigue, and emotional blunting are potential side effects that may make it difficult to walk, play with, or bond with a dog. Working closely with a mental health professional can help manage symptoms and medication side effects.
While schizophrenia presents challenges, dogs can be a source of joy and comfort for those living with the illness. With proper treatment and support, it is possible for people with schizophrenia to have fulfilling relationships with their pets. Seeking help from a mental health provider is key to managing the symptoms of schizophrenia so they interfere less with the human-animal bond.
Sources:
https://wagwalking.com/sense/can-dogs-be-schizophrenic
Getting Help
The good news is that with appropriate treatment and support programs, most people with mental illnesses can see improvement in their symptoms and better manage the care for their pets1. There are a variety of treatment options available including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to work closely with a doctor to find the right plan.
There are also support programs and resources available to help pet owners who are struggling with their mental health. Some options include:
- In-home pet care assistance through nonprofits like PAWS Chicago2.
- Temporary foster care for pets through organizations like the ASPCA3.
- Financial assistance for pet care through programs like the Pet Food Stamps program4.
- Emotional support animal registration through legitimate organizations to allow pets in no-pet housing.
- Involving friends, family, neighbors in pet care responsibilities.
With the right treatment plan and support system, pet owners can get to a place where their illness is managed and they can provide proper care for their furry companions.
Conclusion
In summary, mental illness can have a significant effect on our pets. Dogs, in particular, are very in-tune with their owner’s emotions and behaviors. Signs that your illness may be affecting your dog include changes in appetite, activity level, sociability, anxiety, and more.
It’s important to be aware of this connection and monitor your dog closely during periods when your mental health symptoms are elevated. Seek help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist if you have ongoing concerns.
While managing a mental illness is challenging, there are many treatment options available, such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. With proper care for both you and your pet, you can greatly improve your quality of life and bond with your furry friend.