Depression as we understand it affects people’s moods and results in feelings of ongoing sadness and worthlessness. It frequently coexists with a loss of interest in common pursuits. Despite the fact that these emotions may all contribute, depression is more than just a case of the blues, a brief period of sadness, or grief. In people, it can range from mild symptoms to a chronic, debilitating condition that makes it difficult to carry out daily tasks. Treatment for human depression typically includes medication and therapy.
Do depressed dogs experience the same symptoms as humans do, and if so, what is the treatment for dog depression?
Yes, but dogs rarely exhibit the symptoms of clinical depression that we associate with people. Having said that, it is true that members of our canine family can experience depression in the form of the blues, sadness, and grief. And while we can’t ask dogs about their feelings, we can look for clues that indicate that they undoubtedly have these feelings.
Dr. We now have more knowledge about dog emotions thanks to research done by Gregory Burns, Distinguished Professor of Neuroeconomics and Director of the Center for Neuropolicy at Emory University. Dr. Nearly 100 dogs were subjected to non-invasive magnetic imaging resonance studies (MRIs), and Berns tracked the regions of the canine and human brains that are active during various emotions.
According to his research, dogs also have brain regions that are active when certain emotions are present. From this information, we can infer that the dogs are feeling comparable emotions when these areas are active. 1,2.
Depending on the cause, depression can manifest in many different ways. A pet that is grieving the loss of a regular routine during a move will behave differently than one that is depressed over the loss of a long-term companion.
An Australian and New Zealand study from 2016 examined the symptoms of depression in dogs and cats following the death of a companion animal. 3 These signs may include:
Depending on the circumstance, we may also observe additional indications of depression, sadness, or anxiety in animals. You may see signs like:
Obtaining a comprehensive medical history from the pet parent is the first step when a veterinarian wants to potentially diagnose a pet with depression. If your pet is exhibiting any clinical symptoms of depression, learning about any changes in the house can be incredibly helpful in figuring out what is causing it.
Other Conditions That Can Be Confused With Dog Depression
Unfortunately, some other medical conditions’ symptoms can resemble those of dog depression. In older animals, chronic pain is frequently misdiagnosed as depression, and the stress associated with depression can cause underlying medical conditions to become apparent.
The condition known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCD) is linked to the aging of a dog’s brain and can impair awareness, memory, learning, and reaction to certain stimuli. CCD can have signs similar to depression. Ask your veterinarian about CCD if your older pet is beginning to exhibit these symptoms (usually 8 years or older).
Your dog should be examined by their primary care veterinarian to look for an underlying cause if they exhibit symptoms of depression, especially if there hasn’t been a significant event in their life.
Take your dog to the vet right away if any additional symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, extreme lethargy, notable aggression, peeing or pooping more frequently, etc., are present along with your dog’s depressive symptoms.
Think about what has changed or is changing in your dog’s life, such as changes to their environment or social situations, if you believe they are depressed. Any substantial deviation from a pet’s regular routine can result in stress and/or depression. Although not all of these factors apply, some can contribute to dog depression:
- The addition of a new family member (human or pet)
- a shift in the daily schedule at work or school, such as a pet parent returning to the workplace after an extended absence
Pets can also feel empathy with pet parents, including depression. A 2019 study in Sweden looked at the concentration of long-term stress hormones in humans and their pets and found that dogs had similar stress levels as their owners.
They concluded that “the dogs. rather than their owners reacting to their dogs’ stress, dogs’ stress levels reflect those of their owners. Dogs are able to read our facial expressions, body language, and moods. They can be affected by our moods because they can tell when we are happy or sad. 4.
Causes of Depression & Anxiety in Dogs
Because dogs prefer routine, any significant changes in their lives or upsetting incidents may have a profound effect on how they feel.
While obviously stressful events like their owner’s passing or extended absence can cause anxiety or depressive symptoms in dogs, less dramatic ones like moving to a new home, getting hurt or sick, changing routines, or even welcoming a new pet or person into the house could also be to blame.
Ways to Help Your Dog to Feel Better
Here are some suggestions to consider if your dog is exhibiting symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Some symptoms associated with depression and anxiety may actually be caused by physical issues that require immediate veterinary care. If your dog doesn’t seem happy, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Although dogs can often overcome depression with just a little extra love and care from their pet parent, your veterinarian can offer drugs like antidepressants or anxiety medications to help calm their nerves if things don’t start to get better.
Predictable schedules and environments, closely supervised social interaction, and a lot of exercise are all beneficial for anxious or depressed dogs. Even on weekends, try to feed and exercise your dog at the same time each day. Your dog will begin to look forward to walks and mealtimes once they know what to expect each day.
Animals that are bored frequently misbehave and develop anxiety or depression. Make sure your dog exercises a lot before you leave the house for the day, and give your dog plenty of toys to keep them occupied and reduce their anxiety. To keep your dog’s body and mind active while you’re away from the house, look for interactive toys or toys that can be filled with treats.
It’s crucial to understand that dogs are social beings who enjoy being around people and other animals. Try taking your dog to the dog park, group classes, or doggie daycare for more social interaction if they seem lonely and depressed. You might even want to think about getting your dog a companion animal.
Even more so if they are experiencing depression or anxiety, dogs require a lot of love and patience to feel secure and content. You might be able to resolve these issues by spending a little more time and attention on your dog.
Note: The tips offered in this article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be veterinary advice. Please schedule a consultation with your veterinarian for a precise diagnosis of your pet’s condition.
FAQ
What can you do for a depressed dog?
- Offer your dog more attention. …
- Keep your dog active with frequent walks, play sessions, and other pursuits you are aware they will appreciate.
- Consider getting a new pet if your dog’s symptoms are caused by the loss of an animal companion, or begin introducing them to other animals.
What are the signs of a dog being depressed?
- A decrease in appetite.
- Sleeping more than usual or appearing lethargic.
- Demanding more affection or being clingy/needy with their owners.
- visiting the rooms of the house where their companion spent the most time
- A change in vocalization (meowing, barking, howling, etc.
How do you break a dog from depression?
Try to spend time having fun with your dog through games, entertaining tricks, and general training. Take some time to bond with your dog. You might also think about letting your dog attend doggie daycare or play with other canines. It makes sense that you would want to give your dog more attention when he is depressed.
Can dogs recover from depression?
Although dogs can often overcome depression with just a little extra love and care from their pet parent, your veterinarian can offer drugs like antidepressants or anxiety medications to help calm their nerves if things don’t start to get better.