The Emotional Wellbeing of Dogs and Cats. Practical Guide to Prevent Anxiety, Lethargy, and Stress

Why talk about “emotional well-being” in pets?

For a long time, caring for dogs and cats was

limited to their physical health: good nutrition, upto-

date vaccinations, and a place to sleep. But

today we know that's not enough.

Our pets' emotions directly influence their quality

of life, their behavior, and even their physical

health. A dog with separation anxiety, or a cat

stressed by a change in the home, isn't just “sad”:

they can get sick, stop eating, develop behavioral

problems, and even shorten their life expectancy.

Talking about emotional well-being means

recognizing that our companions feel, interpret,

and react to the world around them. And that we,

as caregivers, are a central part of that

experience.