Ahead of World Mental Health Day, Petplan explores the truth behind whether pets suffer from mental health problems and the possible causes of these behavioural issues so you can give them the best chance at a quality, happy life.
The benefits of pet ownership have been widely accepted and have shown to have a positive effect on all kinds of illnesses, both emotional and physical.
When it comes to pets' mental health, Petplan's 2018 Pet Census, the largest pet ownership census to date, found that around 9% of pet owners in the UK believe their pets have suffered from depression and that 4% claim their pets have been through PTSD, however this isn't strictly correct.
Many people believe their pets have suffered mental health problems. Veterinary Expert Brian Faulkner says this isn't the case, as we can't humanise animal behavioural difficulties as mental health issues. 'Negative changes in your companions' behaviour could be down to anxieties or a trigger.
What's incredibly important is that you - as a responsible pet owner - recognise any noticeable changes in their behaviour, and act quickly to ensure the situation doesn't worsen