Is your Dog Depressed or Sad?
Dog owners want their dogs to be happy and contented. But unfortunately a dog can get sad, or depressed, just like humans do. How do you recognize the symptoms and what can you do about a sad dog?
There is a difference between being “sad” and being “depressed”. Sadness can may be a more fleeting state of mind, while being truly depressed can lead to more serious long term issues.
How do you know your dog is sad?
You know your dog better than anyone, and you’re the best person to notice when your dog is sad. The dog’s facial expression and body language can show sadness. But the easiest way to know if there is a problem, is observe changes in the dog’s behavior, mannerisms, orroutine. The following are indications of a sad dog:
What is the cause of the sadness?
Once you are fairly sure that your dog is sad or depressed, you need to try and isolate the cause. Remember that dogs can’t always differentiate between physical and emotional pain,
What can you do to help your dog get over his depression?
So, what can you do to get your happy, confident and carefree dog back? Quite a bit actually, once you’re fairly sure what the cause of the depression is.
To be able to recognize the signs of sadness, or even depression, it’s important that you are familiar with your dog’s basic, baseline behavior. Another good reason to spend time with and get to know your furry friend!
There is a difference between being “sad” and being “depressed”. Sadness can may be a more fleeting state of mind, while being truly depressed can lead to more serious long term issues.
How do you know your dog is sad?
You know your dog better than anyone, and you’re the best person to notice when your dog is sad. The dog’s facial expression and body language can show sadness. But the easiest way to know if there is a problem, is observe changes in the dog’s behavior, mannerisms, orroutine. The following are indications of a sad dog:
- A loss of interest and being apathetic. This happens when things that previously interested your dog, no longer hold the same attraction. Like going for walks, playing, riding in the car. Alack of excitement about a previously enjoyable activity is a sure sign of a sad dog.
- A change in appetite. Like humans, a depressed dog can lose interest in food he previously enjoyed, or he can suddenly eat everything in sight.So watch out for sudden weight gain or loss.
- A change in sleeping patterns is another warning signal. Although dogs spend a lot of their time sleeping, be on the lookout for a dog that suddenly sleeps much more than before.
- An increase in aggressive behavior can also be a sign of depression. It may be the dog's way of trying to cope with whatever is making him depressed.
- A dog that suddenly spends a lot of time grooming herself mustn't be taken lightly. Be particularly on the lookout for excessive paw licking. However, before these behaviors are seen as signs of depression, it’s important to exclude any physical reason.
- When your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy the company of his human and animal “family”like before and isolates himself, he can also be depressed..
What is the cause of the sadness?
Once you are fairly sure that your dog is sad or depressed, you need to try and isolate the cause. Remember that dogs can’t always differentiate between physical and emotional pain,
- The first step is to visit your vet torule out a physical cause for the sadness. Ifan underlying health issue is the reason for the change in behavior, he will probably prescribe medication or treatment for your dog.
- A change in a dog’s circumstances, like being re-homed, or the family moving to another home, even a large renovation. This may bring about afeeling of being unsettled, displaced, and a loss of the familiar.
- Dogs can experience grief. The loss of someone who died, or moved away, or the loss of a playmate - for instance asibling she has known all her life - can all cause sadness.
- A change in the owner’s mood, like the death of someone close, a divorce, or the owner’s own depression, can be picked up by the dog. Dogs are sensitive to a human’s mood and can realize something is wrong with the owner.
- A change in the owner’s schedule may also impact on the dog as they are creatures of habit and loves routine. Working longer hours, spending less time with the dog, any change can cause the dog uncertainty and a loss of the familiar.
- A new member of the family – human or dog.A dog may not always welcome a new playmate, and may feel the new dog gets preferential treatment and more attention. Simply put: he’s jealous and doesn’t want to share his human! Some dogs take naturally to the arrival of ababy or four legged friend, but others may need special assurance that they’re still important and haven’t been discarded. Be sensitive to these situations.
- Another reason for sadness may be a dog that’s exposed to punitive training, aggressive or taunting behavior - which may lead to a feeling of helplessness. This is particularly true if your dog is exposed to people that treats her in some undesirable way. Be aware of people who come into contact with your dog when you’re not around. if your dog’s behavior changes after these interactions, it may be time for a change.
What can you do to help your dog get over his depression?
So, what can you do to get your happy, confident and carefree dog back? Quite a bit actually, once you’re fairly sure what the cause of the depression is.
- If the cause is physical, you can use what your vet prescribes. There are medicines and treatments available, also natural remedies.
- Spend special time with your dog, you are the most important thing in her life and she craves your attention. A scratch behind the ear, cuddling up on the couch for a while, even just a few special words telling her how special she is - dogs are such appreciative creatures.
- Play with him, have fun! This may mean walks with lots of sniffing time, energetic ball games, hide and seek, or just a gentle stroll if he’s an older dog. An active dog is a happy dog, and even if you have to encourage him at the start, he’ll probably soon get to enjoy it. Just make sure the physical activity is right for the particular dog.
- You can try and fill the void if your dog is sad because of some loss. It may not be possible where for instance children have returned to school after holidays or even left the house, but you can distract her with interesting activities mentioned above. If she misses a companion, think about getting another dog. This may not always be possible or desirable, but can be the solution in some cases.
- Be patient, and give himtime to get over the change or loss. Dogs are adjustable creatures, as long as you provide a secure home, attention and exercise.
- Don’t crowd the dog! Give him space and don’t fuss too much. That may just reinforce the behavior.
To be able to recognize the signs of sadness, or even depression, it’s important that you are familiar with your dog’s basic, baseline behavior. Another good reason to spend time with and get to know your furry friend!