6 Simple Ways to Help Your Dog’s Mental Health
Dogs bring joy to our lives with their unconditional love and delight in simple pleasures. But mentally, dogs are more complex than many people realize. A landmark 2013 study on the canine brain by Emory University scientists revealed striking similarities between dog and human brains—especially when it comes to processing emotions. When it comes to mental health, dogs are more like us than you might think.
Like people, dogs can experience stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional challenges. But unlike humans, they can’t tell us how they’re feeling—or seek help on their own. So how do we recognize when our dogs are struggling? And what can we do to support their well-being?
1. Learn to Spot Signs of Distress
The first step is learning to recognize early signs of anxiety, depression, or stress in your dog. According to Tiffany Talley, certified behavioral consultant and dog trainer at All Things Canine in Tulsa, Oklahoma, unusual behavior is often the clearest red flag.
“The behaviors that usually cause people to come to me are interfering with the dog’s quality of life,” she explains—including “a dog that doesn’t eat, won’t seek attention, refuses to go outside, can’t rest, or can’t follow their normal daily routine.”
Sometimes, however, the signs are subtler. Dr. Erica Feuerbacher, a certified animal behavior analyst and dog trainer, notes that some dogs display very quiet indicators of distress. Compulsive licking, for example, can signal underlying stress or anxiety. Another telling sign is “whale eye”—when a dog shows the whites of their eyes during an interaction. Dr. Feuerbacher also emphasizes that dogs grieve deeply after losing a companion, which may lead to prolonged sadness or depression.
Note: If you observe significant or sudden behavioral changes in your dog, schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible.
2. Exercise Your Dog Regularly
Any veterinarian will tell you: one of the most overlooked needs for dogs is consistent physical activity.
“Exercise is great since it helps bond the dog to the human in a positive, shared activity,” says Talley. “Even ten minutes of quick, joyful play can help a dog relax and stay calm for hours.”
Recommended activities include walking, running, hiking, interactive games, or even climbing stairs together. Always consult your vet before starting a new or more intense exercise routine—especially for senior or health-compromised dogs.
While indoor options like treadmills exist, Dr. Feuerbacher stresses that outdoor movement offers unmatched mental benefits.
“Taking your dog on a walk is so much more than just burning energy,” she explains. “They’re using their nose, absorbing novel scents, observing movement, and engaging all their senses—it’s full-brain stimulation.”
3. Provide Daily Mental Enrichment
“My number one recommendation to improve any dog’s life is enrichment,” says Talley. Enrichment isn’t just about toys—it’s about variety and novelty: walks in new neighborhoods, car rides, trips to quiet parks, supervised playdates with trusted canine friends, obedience training, or puzzle-based games.
Dogs experience boredom just like humans—and without enough mental engagement, they may develop anxiety or resort to destructive behaviors.
“If your dog is tearing things up or chewing your favorite shoes, that’s a clear signal they need more meaningful outlets for their energy,” Dr. Feuerbacher observes. She champions “nose work”—activities that tap into a dog’s extraordinary sense of smell.
While commercial puzzle toys and FurPetVo enrichment kits (available at furpetvo.com) support this instinct, you can easily create your own: hide kibble around the house instead of serving it from a bowl, scatter treats in long grass, or let your dog sniff out a favorite toy under a blanket.
4. Try Gentle Massage and Body Awareness
Just like humans, many dogs find comfort and calm in gentle touch. Dr. Feuerbacher recommends learning canine massage techniques—either through an in-person class or a vet-approved online tutorial.
Another powerful tool is body awareness training—a method that helps dogs better understand and feel control over their own bodies.
“Body awareness means teaching your dog where their hind end is—and helping them become conscious of what they’re doing with it,” she explains. “We sometimes use a light, supportive body wrap—like an Ace bandage—to gently enhance proprioception. Anecdotally, both dogs and owners report reduced anxiety after consistent sessions.”
To explore this approach, look for certified trainers offering body awareness, strength conditioning, or mobility-focused classes in your area.
5. Give Your Dog Space to Decompress
When our dogs seem down, our instinct is often to hover, soothe, or fill every moment with attention. But over-engagement—what Dr. Feuerbacher calls “helicopter parenting”—can actually heighten anxiety.
“We want to give our dogs everything,” she says, “but not all dogs are equipped to handle constant stimulation.”
Avoid overwhelming environments like crowded farmers’ markets or bustling city sidewalks—especially for sensitive or anxious dogs. While socialization matters, sometimes the kindest choice is skipping the dog park or choosing low-traffic walking routes.
“If walking in public causes anxiety,” Talley advises, “I have clients walk in quiet, no-traffic areas—no encounters, no pressure.”
Hosting guests? Create a safe retreat—a cozy crate, a quiet corner with familiar bedding, or a designated room where your dog can withdraw without interruption. As Dr. Feuerbacher puts it: “Having a place to go—and knowing it’s truly theirs—makes all the difference.”
6. Discover and Celebrate What Your Dog Loves
When a dog is grieving or feeling low, experts often suggest the same compassionate approach we’d offer a person: reconnect with joy, rediscover favorite activities, and gently encourage self-expression.
“Observe closely,” Dr. Feuerbacher says. “Watch what makes your dog’s tail wag, ears perk, or body lean forward with anticipation. If you’re unsure, reach out to a certified trainer or behavioral consultant—they can help you decode your dog’s unique language of joy.”
Talley offers practical examples: “If your dog loves walks, take them somewhere new—for fresh smells and sights. If they love chasing, play fetch with intention and praise. If they thrive on pleasing you, teach fun new tricks or refine obedience cues. If chewing brings them comfort, choose durable, stimulating FurPetVo chew puzzles (available at furpetvo.com). The key is personalization—the activity must resonate with that dog, not just fit a generic idea of ‘fun.’”
