While the world turns its focus to Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s easy to assume the conversation is reserved strictly for humans. But if you’ve ever seen your dog’s eyes light up at the jingle of a lead—or witnessed their quiet slump when the ‘big suitcase’ comes out—you know that their emotional world is just as complex as ours.

This year’s theme is ‘Action: Every action counts,’ and it serves as a vital reminder that our dogs don’t just need food and a garden; they need us to actively advocate for their mental wellbeing. From the subtle signs of ‘zoomies’ to the quiet dignity of a senior dog, their mental health is the heartbeat of our homes. So, let’s take a moment to look past the wagging tail and explore how we can take small, meaningful actions to ensure our best friends are as happy on the inside as they look on the outside.

The Personal Connection: When Love Means Letting Go

My journey into understanding canine mental health started long before my pugs, with a Bichon Frise who was struggling in ways I didn’t initially understand after my divorce. To the outside world, he might have just seemed ‘difficult,’ but looking back, he was a dog in the depths of a mental health crisis. His depression didn’t look like sadness; it looked like a complex web of aggression toward strangers, an almost painful clinginess to me, and a fierce possessiveness over his things. When he wasn’t on high alert, he was eerily quiet, retreating into himself in a way that was heart-breaking to watch.

Eventually, I had to face the hardest truth a pet owner can encounter: the environment I was providing, despite all my love, wasn’t what he needed to heal. Making the decision to rehome him was an agonizing ‘action,’ but it was the only one that put his mental health first. It taught me that sometimes, advocating for a dog’s wellbeing means recognizing when they need a different kind of support and a fresh start. He wasn’t a ‘bad dog’; he was a dog whose mind was under immense pressure, and he deserved a world that made sense to him.

The Bridge: Seeing Behavior as Communication

Reflecting on that experience taught me a vital lesson that I carry with me now with my pugs: behaviour is communication. When a dog acts out, becomes possessive, or retreats into a shell of silence, they aren’t trying to be ‘naughty’ or stubborn; they are using the only language they have to tell us they aren’t okay. In the world of canine mental health, symptoms are rarely one-size-fits-all.
While one dog might express their distress through ‘zoomies’ or pacing, another—like my Bichon—might manifest their internal struggle through hyper-vigilance or aggression. By shifting our perspective from ‘How do I stop this behaviour?’ to ‘What is my dog feeling right now?’, we take the first and most important action toward healing. We stop being just owners and start being advocates.

Actionable Steps: Small Changes, Big Impact

“So, how do we put ‘Action’ into practice for our dogs? It starts with acknowledging that mental enrichment is just as vital as a physical walk. If you’re looking to boost your dog’s spirits this week, here are a few simple, science-backed actions that count:

• The Power of the Sniff: We often rush our dogs through walks to ‘get the exercise done,’ but for a dog, sniffing is a calming, pulse-lowering activity. Try a ‘Sniffari’—let your dog choose the direction and sniff for as long as they like. It’s like meditation for their nose.
• Ditch the Boring Bowl: In the wild, dogs are scavengers. Eating from a standard bowl can be a bit… well, dull. Try using a puzzle feeder, a ‘LickiMat,’ or even hiding treats around the living room. Making them use their brain to find their dinner provides a massive dopamine boost.
• Quality ‘Quiet Time’: Especially for clingy or anxious dogs, intentional calm is key. Sit with them without your phone or the TV on. Just five minutes of focused, calm stroking (or a gentle ear massage) can help lower cortisol levels for both of you.
• Learn a ‘Nonsense’ Trick: My pugs love the attention of a training session. Teaching a simple, low-pressure trick—like ‘touch’ or ‘spin’—builds their confidence and strengthens your bond through positive reinforcement.”

When to Call in the Experts (and Final Thoughts)

“While small daily actions can work wonders, my experience with my Bichon taught me that love isn’t always a magic wand. If your dog’s behaviour is changing drastically, or if their anxiety and aggression feel overwhelming, please don’t feel you have to struggle alone.
Sometimes, the most ‘active’ thing you can do is consult a vet or a certified animal behaviourist. Just as we would see a professional for our own mental health, our dogs deserve that same clinical support when things get tough. There is no shame in asking for help—it’s actually the ultimate sign of a dedicated owner.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, remember that every sniff, every puzzle, and every quiet moment of connection adds up. Whether you’re managing the quirky energy of a Pug or navigating the complex needs of a dog who is struggling, your efforts matter.

Let’s make this week about more than just awareness; let’s make it about the small, daily actions that tell our dogs: ‘I see you, I hear you, and I’ve got your back.’“

Disclaimer

The boring (but important) bit: I am a dedicated dog owner and enthusiast, but I am not a veterinarian, certified animal behaviourist, or canine nutritionist. The content on Lola & Mabel is based on my personal experiences, research, and my journey with my own dogs. While I hope my story inspires you, every dog is unique. This information is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not replace professional medical or behavioural advice. If your dog is showing signs of distress, aggression, or illness, please consult with your vet or a qualified professional immediately.