Is it possible for a dog to be depressed? For many pet owners, this is the six million dollar question. Being able to answer honestly is the key to enjoying muchlove filled harmonious years with your beloved pet.
When you have had your pet for a while as you get to know them, you can usually tell if something is not quite right. This is especially true when they appear to be anything but their ‘usual incredibly excitable happy to see you, selves!’
When life is busy as usual and going on around them, yet they don’t seem to care or be bothered whether or not they are still the centre of attention, it can be so odd since it’s just not like them. If this is happening and dragging on for ages, it’s perhaps safe to say your dog could very well be depressed. It can understandably be worrying when you know it is so out of character.
If the sight of your depressed, troubled, beloved pet is breaking your heart, read on to discover what you can do to help restore them to being the unmistakable bundle of joy, you know and love.
What Could Be Making Your Dog Depressed?
The reason that your dog is feeling sad could be down to several possibilities which may include any of the following:
1 – Pining For Someone:
Is your dog missing someone after a family loss? Even though your dog may not be able to explain how broken-hearted it feels, it is no doubt feeling overwhelmed by grief.
2 – Change In Surroundings:
Dogs are happiest when they are comfortable and confident in the home they are familiar with. They could be sensitive to moving to a new house, or lots of strange people around due to repairs, or perhaps there is a smell that they are not used to. It might even be something as simple as them feeling lonely because you are working longer hours. Perhaps you have just had a new baby or bought an additional pet. Your dog thrives and feels safe when they have a routine that they are familiar with, so any of the above can be unsettling for your pet.
3 – Scared Of Noises:
If your dog has ever been startled by a loud or unfamiliar noise, this could cause it to be nervous and anxious, especially if it has happened repeatedly. As it can’t explain, it may just feel sad, worried and distressed.
4 – Mirroring It’s Owners Feelings:
It is widely accepted that dogs are one of the most sensitive and perceptive pets out there. It could be that if you as their owner are feeling down and depressed in yourself, then your pet will pick up on that and reflect your sadness.
5- Not Enough Exercise:
If for whatever reason your pet isn’t getting as much exercise as it needs, or having as much fun as it loves to have with you at the park, or any other special place, it could get depressed. In the winter or on rainy days it is of course understandable however,bear in mind that this could affect your dog’s mood.
6 – In Pain:
If your dog is hurting physically in any way or has a disease, then this is most likely going to affect the way your pet is feeling and how it interacts generally.
7- Bored To Tears:
If your pet is not getting all the physical and mental stimulation it needs, it could start to become indifferent and feel depressed.
8 – Inadequate Teaching:
You are in the centre of your dogs’ whole world. It is happiest when there is positive interaction with you and it has been taught what the boundaries are. Your dog lives to please you and the special bond you share has an essential part to play. This is important as it gives your dog the security and safety it needs, to enjoy and maintain its wellbeing. If you don’t teach your dog what is acceptable, then it feels unsure and loses confidence. Not knowing where it stands can cause it to feel depressed.
To avoid confusion, try to teach your dog how to listen and obey using a reward and praise system. Aim also to teach your dog how to be as independent as possible. That way if you are out at work and it has to be alone for a little while, your dog will be absolutely fine. When the training is done successfully, your pet will not only exceed your expectations, but it will be bouncy, happy, and excited most of the time.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Is Depressed?
1 – Loss Of Interest:
When your pet has lost its sparkle and seems acutely disinterested in its usual favourite activity, food, or place then you know it is not feeling itself.
2 – Lack Of Energy:
You may try hard to motivate your dog to do even the simple things it usually is bursting with excitement to do, but it may prove to be hopeless.
They are dull, sleepy and sluggish. Everything in their face tells you that they just don’t fancy it and can’t be bothered!
3- No Desire For Food:
Usually, your dog gets happy and excited when its dinner time. Suddenly, not even the promise of their favourite food can entice them!
4 – Weird Behaviour:
You know your pet better than anyone, so if they start to behave strangely and out of character, then they could be struggling.
- Have they suddenly become aggressive even with you?
- Have they started hiding from you?
- Has toilet training gone out the window?
- Are they chewing things?
- Are their responses over the top?
- Do they seem withdrawn and subdued?
- Are they sleeping most of the time?
- Are they jumpy and do they quiver a lot?
- Does your dog seem tense for no particular reason?
How Can You Help Cheer Up Your Dog?
1 – Go To The Vets:
If you identify the presence of any of the above issues going on with your dog, it is time for a trip to the vets. It may be that he’ll be able to give you tips and make suggestions, that help you shed light on exactly what is wrong with your beloved furry friend.
2 – Extra Tender Loving Care And Fuss:
When your dog is feeling depressed, try and give them some focused attention, love, and fuss, but at the same time keep it balanced, so you don’t reinforce the moping around. It is still important to stick to a normal routine as much as possible. Hug them and maybe do some exercises together. Play games with them if you can motivate them enough. Spend time grooming them as this may be something they enjoy during this challenging period.
Use rewards to reinforce anything you can that is positive. For example, if they react in even the smallest way in the right direction, praise them. Show them that it is worth the effort to cheer up. Try and plan some fun time with them. They will be reassured by your efforts – even though they cannot communicate how they are feeling. This process will take lots of patience and determination on your part, especially as this will not be a quick fix. As you persevere, however, hopefully, your pet will be able to overcome any sadness and get back to being its usual cheerful, bouncy self.
3 – Animal Behaviourist:
If you have tried all of the above and it has been quite a while, but your dog has made little progress, it may be worth visiting an expert. They may help you compare past and present behaviour, as well as assist you to understand your dog’s feelings.
After observing your dog (including its body language and the noises it does or does not make), they’ll be able to share helpful ideas to try. This will most likely entail what you can do to promote your dog’s quality of life, state of mind, and well-being. This could involve changing daily activities, combined remedies and techniques to see what works and is helpful.
4 – Music:
Music has been known to have a positive effect on some dogs – try playing some for them! It could even distract them if they are feeling lonely. Sometimes they can react positively, as it can help chill them out, soothe and encourage them to get back to feeling normal. If there are noises that bother them, then playing music to them, can help drown out the unwanted sounds.
5 – Medical Care And Treatment:
It may be that despite everything you have tried, your pet is still struggling. Your vet has completed all the tests and it has been established that the root problem is not physical. Neither is it anything that your dog has inherited. At this point, you and your vet may have decided it’s time to explore another avenue. Surprisingly when medication is prescribed, it is not actually for depression. Rather it is more for anxiety which can be shown in different behavioural problems that your dog may be showing.
These include some of the following:
- Injuring themselves
- Wrecking furniture
- Retreating
- Quivering
- Anxiety when separated from the owner
- Frantic barking
- Clawing at things
- Weeing around the house
- Out of control pacing
- Compulsive grooming because of stress
The medication that may be prescribed, is primarily to help pet owners and their dogs deal with many of the above scenarios. They are especially effective because they tackle anxiety which is the root cause. This lessens the intensity of the feeling the dog is experiencing, just long enough to provide a bit of a respite. This is very helpful when time is needed to work with your pet and re-train in certain areas as and when necessary.
It is worth remembering though, that medicating your dog should only ever be a temporary measure. There really is no substitute for teaching your pet using praise and rewards inter-changeably. Encouraging and promoting the best positive behaviour should be the aim of every encounter you have with your pet. Remember that the happy disposition of your beloved dog is the ultimate goal and prize.
6 – Socialising:
Perhaps you could arrange to go to the park with your dog and meet other pet owners with their dogs. If and when your dog is up to it, it might really cheer your dog up. Usually, dogs are quite sociable so they may quite enjoy a meetup, and it’s something worth exploring at some point.
7 – Exercise:
Initially it may be difficult to motivate your dog, however it’s definitely worth pursuing this path. Physical activity is beneficial and can give them something else to focus on, as opposed to how bad they feel. It gives them a chance to express themselves and hopefully get a release from any negativity.
Final Thoughts
Your precious pet completes your life making you feel happy and loved. There is nothing quite like coming home from work after a long day, and being greeted by your dog completely overwhelmed with happiness, just because you walked through the door. When it has eyes only for you, wags its tail happily at the sight of you, always loving you unconditionally, it is undoubtedly the best feeling ever.
Therefore when your pet feels depressed, and it’s difficult to motivate them to be their usual carefree selves which can be a huge cause for concern. This is true especially because these beloved creatures might not be able to express themselves. They can’t explain to you what the problem is, what they are feeling or struggling with. Nevertheless, stay calm and composed. It’s still your job and responsibility to do absolutely everything possible to make him happy again, relaxed, comfortable and content. Seek professional help if necessary, drawing on their expertise. Their reassurance will assist you in the fight to restore your bundle of joy to its rightful place.
