Dogs, like humans, can suffer from depression. In this case, depression is usually the result of a change in the pet's routine, for example, due to the loss of a companion, a move or a newcomer to the family. It manifests itself through changes in behavior, including loss of energy, poor walking and lack of appetite, and through alterations in body language, such as drooping ears and tail. It is important to recognize the signs of canine depression so that appropriate steps can be taken to improve the animal's mental health.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying Behavior Changes
Step 1. See if the dog has become reserved
Most dogs, when healthy and happy, are very social creatures. If he doesn't party when you get home - he wags his tail lightly, is less energetic, and shuffles - or loses interest in things that once made him happy, he may be depressed.
- If the dog is depressed, instead of running to the door to greet guests, he may sneak off in search of a secluded corner to curl up and fall asleep.
- Especially worry if he hides from you. Dogs that engage in this behavior are usually injured, sick, or depressed.
- On the other hand, it can happen that depression leads him to follow his master wherever he goes, without showing any desire to interact.
Step 2. See if he's less active
A happy dog seems to have an infinite supply of energy. For every kilometer of walk you take, he walks four - back and forth, back and forth. He nags you to get you to throw the ball or twig all the time, and your arm goes numb before his enthusiasm even wears off.
- However, when he is depressed, he no longer pricks up his ears as soon as you pick up the leash and instead of scurrying around the park, he crouches at your feet, with his head down. When you stop talking to your friends, just sit or even lie down.
- This change, from active and energetic to inactive and lethargic, can indicate a state of depression.
Step 3. Pay attention to his attitude when he moves
If he wanders from room to room and can't find a place to settle down, he is likely to be depressed.
Step 4. Observe the changes in the dog's sleep patterns
All dogs sleep a lot, particularly when their owners are not at home. However, you should worry if your furry friend continues to sleep when you get home or if he gets curled up instead of running to the window or door for things that once caught his curiosity, like the postman or another dog passing by.
Step 5. Pay attention to changes in appetite
Many dogs eat less and lose weight when they are depressed. On the other hand, just like people do, a strong interest in food could be a form of consolation. Be careful if:
- Refuse the tidbits he once adored.
- Get fat or lose weight.
Step 6. Consider whether the destructive behavior or accidents that take place in the home could be caused by depression
Tearing apart shoes or chewing on walls, books, furniture, and pillows are often symptoms of a lack of exercise, which can lead to depression. In addition, depressed dogs are also more likely to go to the house. Try not to get angry. Take him out more often making sure he has plenty of time to fulfill his needs outdoors.
Step 7. Watch out for aggressive attitudes
If your dog begins to growl, bite, or otherwise act aggressively when you try to interact with him, it can be a sign of depression.
Part 2 of 3: Observe her Body Language
Step 1. Pay attention to his gaze
Dogs squint, making them look smaller, when they are in pain, stressed or depressed. When it comes to depression, they may be reluctant to look people in the eye, even their boss.
Of course, there are many dogs that always have a "sad" look due to naturally drooping eyelids and in these cases, depression has nothing to do with it. Therefore, use common sense when interpreting a dog's gaze for a possible sign of depression
Step 2. Observe if the dog's ears are sagging or pulled back
Depressed dogs tend to show a lack of response to surrounding noises from their ears. For example, your furry friend may begin to stop standing up in the presence of sounds and noises that usually attracted his interest, such as the pronunciation of his name or the sound of the leash as you prepare to take him for a walk.
Step 3. Be careful if he licks his paws
Licking or chewing their paws is a comforting gesture for dogs, but it can be a depressive symptom.
Step 4. See if he keeps his head down
When standing or sitting, depressed dogs tend to have their heads lowered. When lying down, they rest their chins on the floor and rarely lift it in response to what's going on around them.
Step 5. Observe how the tail moves
When a dog is depressed, it holds its tail floppy or between its paws and doesn't move it willingly. If you encourage him to wag his tail, the movement is weak and sluggish.
Step 6. Pay attention to the general demeanor of the dog
A depressed dog tends to have a passive bearing, head and tail down, with almost no reaction to encouragement. He may seem apathetic and show no interest in what's going on around him.
Step 7. See if it sheds too much hair
When dogs are stressed, they usually shed a lot of hair. If you cuddle your friend and your hand becomes full of hair or if you suddenly have to vacuum multiple times, your dog is likely to be depressed.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing how to intervene
Step 1. Make sure your dog is not sick
If he is behaving in an unusual way, it is best to have him checked by a vet. Often, the symptoms of canine depression and those of a possible physical illness cross and it is not always easy to tell the difference because, in both cases, the dog refuses food and becomes inactive.
Step 2. Find out what might have triggered the depression
A healthy dog is unlikely to become depressed for no reason. Therefore, it is important to know if anything has recently occurred that may have compromised your mental well-being. Dogs are animals of habit and any change in routine can be a factor in depression. Routine changes that can cause depressive manifestations include:
- Stress. For a dog, stress includes anything that takes away from him all the attention he was used to receiving.
- An owner who was always at home and now goes out to work.
- A new baby or puppy in the family.
- The sudden loss of a companion (person or other animal).
- Moving house.
- The transfer to another family.
- Significant works or renovations in the house.
Step 3. Spend more time with your dog
Walk more often, play with what he loves most (throwing and catching the ball, tug of war), try a dog agility sport, train him to do some tricks, take him to a "dog park". When watching TV, sit on the floor next to him instead of in the chair. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you both have fun. If he has a good time with you, you can help him get over his depression.
Step 4. Get him to socialize more
If your dog has recently lost the company of another dog, consider adopting another one. If he is forced to stay indoors alone for several hours, try taking him to a dog daycare center a few times a week or have him go to a dog-sitter. Also plan a few trips to the park so that he has a chance to socialize.
Step 5. Reward their positive behaviors
The mistake of many owners who are responsible for looking after depressed dogs is that they worry a lot when their furry friends behave abnormally.
- For example, if you pay attention to him for not eating, you will reluctantly tell him that he is doing a good thing not to eat.
- The best way to handle the situation is to put the food bowl on the ground and ignore it until it decides to eat. Once the first bite is eaten, fill it with praise.
- This attitude will encourage him to engage in positive behaviors and abandon negative ones. Plus, it will help him fight depression.
Step 6. Make your dog feel more protected by maintaining a normal routine
If the dog is depressed, try not to upset his habits. This will make you feel safer and more reassured that everything is going as it should.
Step 7. See a behavioral veterinarian if your dog does not recover from depression
It is possible that he is suffering from a chemical imbalance and therefore needs to take certain medications, such as Prozac, but also to undergo behavior modification therapy to overcome depression.
