May Is National Mental Health Awareness Month! 3 Tips to Improve Your Dog's Mental Health
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, which means prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being! But mental health isn’t just important for people – it’s also important for pets. Here’s everything you need to know about National Mental Health Awareness Month, and how to center your dog’s mental health.
Why is National Mental Health Awareness Month Important?
National Mental Health Awareness Month offers resources, education, and community to those who need it or are interested in learning more. For pet owners, this awareness can extend to dogs and other pets. As members of the family, a dog’s mental and emotional well-being should be recognized and taken care of.
Like people, mental wellbeing also has an impact on dogs’ daily lives. That’s why it’s important for pet owners to center their dog’s mental health during this month as well.
3 Tips to Improve Mental Health for Dogs
As previously discussed, mental health is also important for dogs. If left in poor condition, dogs can develop a plethora of illnesses and experience daily suffering.
For owners, this month is a time to not only learn more about their companion’s mental state but to also implement measures that improve their dog’s mental health. Here are three tips on how to improve mental health for dogs.
1. Stay Active
Regular exercise isn’t just physically beneficial for dogs. It’s also helpful in supporting their mental health. Dogs love to exercise and be outside. So pet owners should maximize their time together doing activities like:
- Walking
- Running or jogging
- Hiking
- Playing in the park
It’s also important to make these activities part of their daily or weekly schedule, giving them a sense of routine.
2. Learn the Signs
Understanding a dog’s body language and behavior is vital to identifying signs of stress, anxiety, or illness. It’s also important to learn what your dog enjoys doing.
Dogs can’t speak human languages, but that doesn’t mean they don’t communicate. With their bodies, dogs let owners and other canines know their feelings and moods. This includes:
- Tail wagging and tail positions
- Changes in appetite
- Barking or growling
- Panting and pacing
- Freezing in place
These can all be signs that a dog’s mental health is being impacted. By paying attention to these signs, owners can be more proactive and responsive in supporting their dog’s mental health.
3. Visit the Vet Regularly
Regular vet visits are essential for maintaining a dog’s physical and mental health. With routine exams, vets can detect underlying health issues and be proactive in treatment.
For some owners, physically traveling to see a vet can be a challenge. But with virtual vet services like Get Joy’s, dogs can experience premium vet care within the comforts of their own home.
Remember, mental health is important for both people and dogs. With regular attention and care, dog owners can ensure their companion has the best quality of life possible.
Learn More with Get Joy
At Get Joy, we pride ourselves on being a reliable resource for dog owners. While shopping for our nutritious meals and treats, our customers can also learn more about dog care and wellbeing! Learn more by visiting our blog page.
