There are signs in your dog’s behavior that you can interpret to know if your dog is suffering from canine depression.
In this article, we will tell you the main symptoms of a depressed dog. Therefore, you will know what to do if this situation occurs. Is it possible that your dog has depression? Let’s find out!
Why does a dog get depressed?
There are several reasons why a dog may develop depression. Among the main ones are spending too much time alone, illness, drastic changes in routine, and a significant loss of a loved one.
In addition to depression, the dog may develop anxiety and stress at the same time. My dog Sophie suffered serious canine depression after the death of my late wife, who she was attached to. During my wife’s last month or so, Sophie would be seen either lying over the threshold of the door to the bedroom as if blocking anyone from bothering my wife. More often, she would lie directly under the hospital bed we had moved in for my wife.
After she passed, Sophie, a long-haired Silky Yorkie, lost about 90% of her hair. When I took her to the vet he said it was from depression, as there were no physical reasons for the hair loss.
Symptoms of a canine depression
- Loss of appetite
A happy dog is a healthy dog. A healthy dog has a good appetite. When a dog is depressed, the first change you will notice is that it will stop eating or eat very little and without desire.
- Lack of encouragement
A healthy and happy dog will play, jump and run almost every day. Invite your dog to play with energetic sounds or toys and pay attention to the response. A dog that does not respond actively to play is cause for concern.
- Isolation
A happy dog will want to be near you all day long. It will ask you to scratch its belly or take care of it in some way. It will always seek to interact with you. When a dog is depressed, it will move away and try to be in a secluded place.
- Expressionless walk
When a dog is happy, you will notice it in its walk. A relaxed tail, the ears will be erect, its steps will be light, and its attitude will be attentive or curious to what happens around. When the dog becomes depressed, you will no longer notice these characteristics when walking.
Other signs that indicate possible canine depression
- Your dog stops wagging its tail or wags it very little.
- The dog stops being sociable and shows almost no interest in other dogs or people who approach him.
- The canine is not looking for your attention.
I think my dog is suffering from depression. What can I do?
The following recommendations can help your dog regain emotional stability.
- More enriching walks
The walks should not be only for the dogs to relieve themselves. Walks are also time to sniff, play, and get to know other places and other dogs.
- Share more time with your dog.
Has a drastic change just occurred, such as the arrival of a baby or a move? Try to spend more quality time with your dog, play, and interact more with it.
- Mental exercise
This means fun and stimulating activities through play. You can also exercise your dog’s mind with educational activities such as training, with its respective reward: food or affection.
In case the depression lasts more than a couple of weeks, go to the vet. As we have mentioned before, some diseases can cause canine depression.
We hope this information has been helpful. If our tips have helped you, let us know in the comments. Also, do not forget to share this post with your friends.
