In a 2022 study published in Environmental Smoke, researchers G. Furtado, D. B. D. Silva, and F. Sobral advocate for a shift in veterinary care that recognizes psychiatric conditions in dogs as more than mere behavioral issues. These include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, and PTSD—all of which mirror disorders seen in humans.
The authors argue that canine behavioral disorders must be interpreted through a multidimensional lens that incorporates emotion, cognition, genetic predispositions, and environmental influences. They emphasize moving away from narrow symptomatic diagnoses and instead focusing on the underlying emotional and psychological dynamics of each case.
According to the study, veterinary psychiatrists should begin by ruling out physical health issues that might exacerbate or mimic psychological symptoms. Once physical causes are excluded, clinicians can focus on ethological changes, emotional triggers, and cognitive responses in the dog’s behavior. This includes understanding how dogs express frustration, anxiety, and impulsivity.
For effective treatment, the researchers propose a comprehensive strategy that includes behavior modification, environmental management, appropriate training, and—when necessary—pharmacological intervention. Treatment plans should be tailored not only to the animal but also to the concerns of the guardian, acknowledging that behavior problems often strain the human-animal bond.
The study also highlights the importance of addressing age-related cognitive decline, repetitive behaviors, affective disorders, aggression, and inappropriate elimination. Owners need practical guidance on both typical and atypical behaviors, rooted in current understanding of animal emotion and cognition. This includes protocols for behavioral therapies, medication guidelines, and case management strategies that are scientifically informed.
Ultimately, this approach aims to improve the emotional well-being of companion animals while also offering insights that could benefit human psychiatric research. By aligning veterinary psychiatry with human psychological models, the field may not only improve pet care but also contribute to a deeper understanding of mental health across species.
Source: G. Furtado, D. B. D. Silva, F. Sobral. Environmental Smoke, 2022-12-31. “CANINE PSYCHIATRY: THE IMPORTANCE OF APPROACHES TO ANIMAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGIES.”
