Enrichment Isn’t Extra: Why Mental Health Matters for Your Dog

A study by Guide Dogs UK revealed a startling truth: 74% of dogs show signs of poor mental health, including anxiety and depression. While many pet parents focus on physical health—diet, exercise, vet visits—mental wellbeing is just as vital. At Pawesome Pets, we’ve built our entire daycare model around this belief.

The Signs of Canine Depression

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling low, but they show us in other ways. Common signs include:

• Lethargy or lack of interest in play
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Withdrawal or clinginess
• Uncharacteristic aggression or irritability
• Excessive licking or chewing

These behaviors aren’t just quirks—they’re signals that your dog may be struggling emotionally.

Why Enrichment Matters

Mental stimulation helps dogs process their environment, build confidence, and reduce stress. That’s why every day at Pawesome Pets includes:

• 🧩 Puzzle play and scent games
• 🐾 Sniff walks and sensory exploration
• 🧠 Social interaction with trained staff and fellow pups
• 🎾 Rotating activities to keep minds engaged

We don’t just keep dogs busy—we help them thrive.

What You Can Do at Home

Even outside of daycare, enrichment can be simple and fun:

• Hide treats around the house for a sniff scavenger hunt
• Rotate toys to keep things fresh
• Practice basic training cues to build confidence
• Offer safe chew items for stress relief

Closing

Your dog’s mental health matters—and we’re here to support it every step of the way. Because at Pawesome Pets, enrichment isn’t a perk. It’s the plan.

If you’re looking for enrichment-based dog daycare, dog boarding, and small pet boarding, book now! Not sure what membership package or boarding option you need? Contact us!