Is My Dog Depressed?
It’s not a question you thought you would ever have to ask yourself. But your beloved floof has been looking particularly mopey recently. Now you find yourself wondering about the mental health of your pal.
Your dog can’t tell you if they’re depressed.
So, who do you ask for input? Your friends? “Do her eyes look a little less sparkly to you...?” You can already hear the laughter.
Despite the seemingly comical idea of a depressed dog, this is a real thing. Dogs can be depressed to.
Symptoms of Depression in Dogs
All dogs are different just like people and their symptoms can vary. However, there are a few things to look out for in your dog.
Is your dog sleeping more than usual?
Do they no longer enjoy their favorite things? Does your dog love to play fetch but now can’t seem to be bothered?
Has your dog lost interest in food? Have they always been a picky eater or is this behavior new?
Has your dog had sudden changes in behavior? Have they stopped greeting you at the door? Do they choose to lay down in another room instead of cuddle up on the couch with you like they used to?
Remember that you know your dog best, so listen to yourself if you’ve started noticing changes.
Rule Out Other Causes
Sometimes the changes we notice in our dogs are for a less concerning reason than depression. Look at your lifestyle and your dog’s routine. Are there any changes that could be explaining some of their symptoms?
Have you started taking Fido on a run every day as part of your new year’s resolution? They may just be tired from a full and active life.
Have you changed your dog’s diet? Maybe they don’t like the food, or the change has upset their stomach.
Are your dogs’ teeth healthy? Does their breath smell bad? They may have dental issues that cause pain while they eat.
Depression symptoms in dogs are very similar to pain. Our floofy friends can’t tell us if something is hurting or if they are just feeling sad. We need to rule out any pain as a simple solution to changing behavior.
Why is my Dog Depressed?
So, after looking through the research you still feel that your dog is depressed. What are the possible causes of canine depression? Well, dogs experience depression for similar reasons that people do.
The loss of a loved one whether that be a family member or another pet. If a child has gone off to college or another separation dogs may not understand why their friend is no longer home.
Big changes can also be overwhelming to dogs and cause depression. If you've moved to a new house or a new location or even major changes in your routine and your dog may show signs of depression.
Dogs are social creatures. If your dog is left home alone for long periods of time they may become depressed.
Boredom is another major cause of depression. If your dog isn't getting enough physical or mental energy out over long periods of time depression can develop. This is especially true with working breeds or high energy dogs who need an outlet.
Another sad cause of depression is abuse. Even long after the abuse has stopped, depression can find its way back to your adored pet. Sometimes we don’t know our dogs full history so this may be harder to pin point.
How to Treat Depression in Dogs
No one wants to see their best friend suffer so what can you do to help. Just like people dogs might need a little extra help to overcome their depression. So always talk to your vet about what is going on with your dog. Chronic pain and past trauma may need treatment to boost your pet’s mood. You’re vet can help you determine the right combination of medication and nurturing your pet needs to feel his best.
If your vet doesn’t think that chronic pain or trauma is the cause your in luck! It means you can help your pet bounce back to his old self in no time. They just need a bit of extra love and encouragement from you!
Play - Have some fun with your dog. What games do they love to play? Fetch, Tug-of-war, tag? Spend some time doing what your dog has always loved to do. Even if initially they aren’t as excited as you expect just have fun with it.
Exercise – Although your dog may seem to have no energy getting out and moving is great for their mental health. This is especially true if its something they get to do with you! Take them for a hike, go on a run, take them on a bike ride. Anything that you can do with your dog a keep them moving.
Food Games – Most dogs are very food motivated and some are bred to track scents. Using a snuffle mat or a make shift food game is a great way to burn off some energy and get them engaged in something.
Explore – Get out and do something new. If your floof hasn’t left the house in months, it’s time to explore somewhere new together. Go to a local park, a dog friendly restaurant, go on a car ride, or hike a new trail. Let your pup explore and use his nose to explore these new places
Training Sessions – Training is another great way to reconnect with your dog and help with their mental stimulation. Start with easy commands your dog is reliable with. The goal here is to let your dog be happy that they are doing good. Make sure this stays a positive experience for both of you. If it is too stressful choose one of the other items on this list instead.
Give your dog lots of love! - A quick pat on the head when you walk by. Curl up next to them on the couch. Give them a bath (if they don’t hate it) and a nice relaxing brush after. Tell them how good they are just because. Go out of your way to greet them when you get home.
Remember that you are your dog’s best friend, anything that strengthens your bond and reminds your dog that you love them to is bound to help.
Has your dog experienced depression before? How did you help them bounce back? Leave Some Tips Below!
