Despite the fact that our dogs lack this option, they can still experience sadness or even depression. While there isn’t as much research on canine depression as there is for human depression (for obvious reasons), there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence.
Some tales seem more blatant than others, like the one about the dog that shut down and spent the entire day sleeping in the back of a closet after another dog in the pack passed away. Others aren’t quite as obvious; dog owners may observe “moping” or “mood changes” following an event like a move.
So how can you tell if your dog is depressed? Here are some common symptoms, many of which are the same as human depression symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Dog Depression?
According to John Ciribassi, DVM, former president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the symptoms of canine depression are remarkably similar to those of human depression. âDogs will become withdrawn. They become inactive. Their eating and sleeping habits often change. They donât participate in the things they once enjoyed. â.
Veterinarians caution that those signs could also indicate a medical issue in a dog, so getting a full checkup from one is always the best course of action. A dog who mopes and refuses to go for walks may only be experiencing arthritis pain, according to Beaver.
According to Beaver, significant changes in a dog’s life could result in depressive episodes. These include moving into a new house, bringing in a new spouse or child, or getting a new pet. Even a minor schedule adjustment, such as a stay-at-home owner starting a job, can upset a dog.
The loss of a pet companion or an owner, however, are the two most typical causes of severe dog depression. And watch out that the dog isn’t just reacting to other household members’ reactions.
Dogs pick up on our emotions, so if the owner has passed away, the animal may be reacting to other people’s grief, Beaver said. Or the dog might not be receiving the attention he’s used to, which is making him stressed out. â.
With just a little extra TLC, most dogs recover from depression within a few days to a few months, according to Ciribassi. Keep them involved, do more of what they enjoy doing, and give them a little more exercise, he advised, and they should be fine.
Reward them when they exhibit happy behaviors, Beaver said. ‘If the only thing still makes your dog wag his tail a little, then take him for a series of short rides every day, rewarding him when he appears happier,’ Beaver advised.
And be careful not to reward a depressed dog with attention and treats while they are whining, Beaver advised, as this could encourage the undesirable behavior. The dog will think youâre rewarding them for that behavior.
Occasionally, getting a new pet can be beneficial for a dog who is grieving the loss of a friend, according to Ciribassi But he stressed that it must be done carefully, taking into account the needs of both the family and the dog.
Medication can help dogs overcome their depression if nothing else works. Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft are among the medications for depressed dogs, according to Karen Sueda, DVM, a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Additionally, she takes Clomicalm, a medication approved by the FDA to treat canine separation anxiety.
It’s crucial that people address the issue before it worsens, Sueda said. âBy the time cases get to me, theyâre bad. But before the need for medication arises, the majority of cases can be successfully treated early on with behavior modification and environmental enrichment. â.
According to Beaver, the time it takes for drugs to start working is up to two months. However, unlike people who frequently take antidepressants for years, she noted that most dogs can improve in six to 12 months and then stop taking the medication.
In the end, Richer tried to help her dog, Terrace, but it wasn’t the car rides, dog parks, or even the antidepressants. She opted to foster a amiable rescue dog for a week instead. When Richer arrived, Benji was lying next to Terrace and licking her. He had entered the room, run up the stairs, and discovered her behind the mirror. âWithin a week, she was better. Now sheâs the happiest dog ever. â.
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.
How can you help your dog if it’s depressed?
Understanding what our dogs are going through can often be difficult because they are unable to verbally express their feelings. When your dog exhibits overt signs of sadness, it’s crucial to know what you can do to help.
“Asking your vet for advice should be your first course of action if you suspect that your dog is depressed.” Before doing anything else, make sure that these symptoms aren’t occurring because of a physical ailment because sudden behavioral changes can be the first signs of illness, the experts advise.
1. Giving your dog more attention is one of the best things you can do to cheer up a sad puppy. The professionals at Canagan explain that it’s crucial to give this extra attention in moderation because you must give your dog time to process their feelings at their own pace. “.
2. Keep your dog active: Just like with people, being outside can do wonders for your dog’s disposition. Again, you might need to gradually introduce this, but taking your dog for regular walks will benefit both their physical and mental health.
According to experts, a dog’s boredom levels can change into sadness when they aren’t properly stimulated and unable to expend all of their natural energy. Similar to humans, dogs’ brains release dopamine and serotonin when they are active, the feel-good chemicals that boost their mood. “.
3. Dogs are social creatures by nature, so if your pup is feeling down, encouraging them to interact with other canines might be just what they need. The experts advise scheduling time with other dog friends, going to dog day care, or perhaps enrolling in training sessions to accomplish this.
4. Maintain a routine: Ensuring that your pet is aware of what they are doing each day will aid in their recovery. Stability in a routine will help them perk up, whether it’s going for a walk at the same time every afternoon or knowing when to expect dinner.
FAQ
How can I tell if my dog is 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.
What does sadness look like in a dog?
A depressed dog may exhibit a lack of interest in pursuits that they once delighted in, like going for walks or playing outside. They can also seem withdrawn from people including their owner. Additionally, if people are physically hurt, dogs will hide or avoid them.
How do you cheer up a depressed dog?
- 1/5. Help Them Stick To A Routine. …
- 2/5. Take Them Out For Some Exercise. …
- 3/5. Reward Positive Behavior. …
- 4/5. Let Them Socialize With Other Pets. …
- 5/5. Spend Extra Time With Your Dog.
What do I do if my dog seems depressed?
What to Do If Your Dog Is Depressed. 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.